Publishing: Traditional Publishing
March 10, 2009 by B J Keltz
The big publishing houses as well as smaller independent houses, small presses and university presses are the avenue for traditional publishing. In its essence, it means someone else purchases your work, prints it, and distributes it. You are paid an advance. Should your book earn out (earn enough to cover your advance), you will then receive royalties on future sales. These are generally paid on a quarterly basis.
This market is difficult to break into. While thousands of books are published each year, tens of thousands of manuscripts are submitted. Generally, you need to find an agent to represent your work, who then promotes it to various publishing houses for consideration. An editor who likes the work then offers to purchase it, or in some cases, bids for it.
Once the book is sold, the editor and author start revisions, bringing the manuscript in line with the editor’s vision. There are strict deadlines to be met, editorial demands that might prick your ego or emotions, and cover art you might dislike. You could be expected to change the title, character names, and even large sections of your manuscript to complete your contract. This process can take a year or more to complete.
After your work is set for release, much of the promotion could fall on your shoulders. In most cases, publishing houses are not going to arrange book tours for first time authors, or spend much in the way of promotion to the public. If you are content with the advance and have no plans to publish again, you need do nothing. If you do, you will need to promote, often at your own expense. Consider it an investment in future advances and fan base. The more copies of your book that sell, the more likely you are to earn out your advance. Should you sell well, you could be offered a bigger advance on your next book, and perhaps more of the promotional pie.
Publishing contracts vary, though a first time author can expect $2000 to $5000 from a major house. An independent press many not pay an advance at all, but give you a bigger share of royalties which you could begin earning as soon as the book comes out.
If this sounds difficult, it can be. The up side to traditional publishing, however, can be beneficial for authors who get the lucky break and are willing to work hard. There is a certain prestige to having your book published by a TPub. You become an author, which can open doors to speaking engagements, conferences, interviews, or guest spots. Once you have a relationship with an editor and agent, it might be easier to sell future manuscripts. You also gain valuable experience with the process, editing to another’s specifications, and making deadlines.
A tree book can help you gain clout amongst your fellow writers (as well as jealousy and snark in some cases). Having a book to wave under the noses of those who doubted you can be nice, too! At parties, you now have an answer to “Oh, you’re a writer? What have you published?”
Certain expenses are borne by the publisher, such as most edits and cover artwork. They have established distribution channels and sales reps to visit book stores. You also receive mention on the publisher and agent websites and help with setting up appropriate promotional events. At least for your first time out, other promotional expenses are paid by you, the author. Put your advance in the bank. You might need it for travel expenses to book signings and other activities.
From the day you complete your final polish of the manuscript to the day it arrives on the bookshelf is often measured in terms of years. You must find an agent, possibly revise your manuscript, and then your agent must find a publisher. It is a slow process for the first timer, so be prepared.
