The path to a traditional publishing deal can seem challenging, but it is a journey with defined stages. Understanding this process removes the mystery and transforms an ambitious goal into a series of achievable steps. This guide details the progression from a completed manuscript to a potential contract with a publisher.
Perfect Your Manuscript
Before an author thinks about agents or publishers, the focus must be on the manuscript. For fiction authors, the book must be 100% complete, as novels are not sold on a proposal. The quality of the writing is the foundation of any potential deal. A manuscript submitted to an agent should be the best version of the work an author can produce.
The path to a polished manuscript involves multiple stages of editing. It begins with self-editing, where the author addresses large-scale issues like plot holes, character inconsistencies, and pacing problems. After the author has taken the story as far as they can, seeking outside feedback is the next step. Beta readers can offer insights into what is and isn’t working in the story.
Following feedback from beta readers, many writers invest in a professional editor. A developmental editor can help with big-picture story elements, while a copy editor focuses on correcting grammar and punctuation. This level of polish demonstrates professionalism to an agent and signals that the author is serious about their craft.
Build Your Author Platform
An author platform is an author’s visible presence and connection to their readership through channels like a professional website, a newsletter, or social media. Publishers and agents value a strong platform because it indicates a built-in audience for a book. It reduces the publisher’s marketing risk and shows that the author is a proactive partner in selling books.
Building a platform starts with small, consistent efforts. The key is not to be everywhere at once, but to choose one or two platforms and use them effectively. An author might start by creating a professional website with a blog to share updates or write about themes related to their book, creating a central hub for readers.
Choosing a single social media channel that aligns with the target readership is an effective strategy. An author writing young adult fantasy might find an audience on TikTok, while an author of historical fiction might connect with readers on Facebook. Starting an email newsletter, even with a small list, can be a powerful tool for long-term engagement.
Find a Literary Agent
For writers seeking a deal with a major publishing house, securing a literary agent is a necessity. Most large publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, meaning they only look at projects submitted by a recognized agent. An agent acts as a business partner, providing industry guidance, advocating for their client, and handling contract negotiations.
The process of finding an agent begins with targeted research. Authors should look for agents who represent their specific genre and have a track record of selling similar books. A great place to start is by looking at the acknowledgments pages of recently published books in the same genre, as authors often thank their agents by name.
Several online resources are useful for agent research. Agent websites provide detailed submission guidelines and information about their clients. Publisher’s Marketplace is a subscription-based service that offers data on agents, editors, and deals. Another tool is the #MSWL hashtag on social media, where agents post about the specific stories they hope to find.
Create Your Submission Package
The submission package is the set of documents an author sends to an agent. Its central component is the query letter, a one-page professional letter designed to entice the agent to read the manuscript. A standard query letter includes a compelling hook, a concise mini-synopsis of the book, and a brief author biography. Personalizing the letter by mentioning why the author chose that agent demonstrates professionalism.
Alongside the query letter, agents request a synopsis and the opening pages of the manuscript. The synopsis is a 1-to-2-page summary of the entire plot from beginning to end, including all major turning points and the conclusion. This document shows the agent the full arc of the story and demonstrates that the plot is well-structured.
The opening pages are the author’s primary writing sample and must be polished. An agent may request the first five, ten, or fifty pages, and this sample is often the deciding factor in whether they request the full manuscript. For non-fiction projects, the process differs, as authors sell books based on a detailed proposal that includes a market analysis, an outline, and sample chapters.
Navigate the Submission Process
After sending query letters, the waiting period begins and requires patience. Authors should follow the submission guidelines of each agent, as failure to do so can result in an automatic rejection. Response times can vary from a few days to several months, and no response usually signifies a rejection.
Agent responses fall into a few categories. A form rejection is a generic “no” without personalized feedback. A personalized rejection might include a brief comment about why the project wasn’t a good fit. The next level of interest is a request for a partial manuscript, followed by a full manuscript request.
Rejection is a part of the publishing journey, and nearly every successful author has faced it. The goal is to remain professional and persistent, sending queries in small batches to gauge the response and make adjustments. If an agent is enthusiastic about the manuscript, they will schedule a call to discuss the book and offer representation.
Understand the Publishing Deal
Once an author accepts an offer of representation, the literary agent takes the manuscript to editors at publishing houses. The agent curates a list of editors they believe will connect with the material and formally submits the book. If an editor is interested, they will share it with colleagues in sales and marketing to build internal support before making an offer.
Should a publisher decide to make an offer, the agent will inform the author and begin negotiations. If multiple publishers are interested, the agent may hold an auction to secure the best terms. The primary components of a publishing deal include the advance, royalties, and rights. The advance is a sum of money paid to the author upfront, which is earned back through book sales.
Royalties are the percentage of sales the author receives after the advance has “earned out.” The contract will also specify which rights the publisher is acquiring, such as print, ebook, audiobook, and foreign translation rights. The agent’s job is to negotiate these terms on the author’s behalf to ensure the contract is favorable.