You finished writing your book! Awesome job. Now you need to find a publishing company to help turn your story into a real book people can buy. With so many book publishing services to pick from, how do you select the right one? We will share 20 tips to help you discover and hire your perfect book publishing match.
Know What Kind of Book You Wrote
First, think about what specific type of book you wrote – a novel, short stories, poetry, cookbook, children’s book, textbook, memoir, personal journal or something else. A book publishing service specializes in different categories, so this gives you a starting point.
Decide How You Want Your Book Published
Another factor is deciding if you want to pursue a traditional publisher who pays you an advance and royalty or self-publish using pay-as-you-go publishing services. Traditional publishing has more prestige but is very competitive. Self-publishing allows more control but costs more upfront.
Set Your Timeline and Budget Expectations
Have realistic timeline and budget estimates too. Traditional publishing deals often take over 18 months before release but you incur little expense. Many self-publishing offers move quicker but average $3,000-$15,000 out of pocket depending on extras you want. Know your limits.
Research Publishers Releasing Similar Books
Head to bookstores and libraries to browse your specific genre section. Make notes on what publishing houses are putting out titles like yours that appeal to you. Follow niche readers on Goodreads. Google to find out who handles books on your topic. Seek services backing authors in your wheelhouse.
Ask Trusted Authors for Referrals
Connect with authors walking the path before you. Attend local writing events. Join book marketing social groups. Follow inspiring writers on Twitter. Ask if they would recommend the publishing services they use. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied creatives carry extra weight.
Search Online Review Sites for Top Picks
Another good move is browsing detailed publishing service reviews on many good book review websites. Real user feedback helps reveal quality providers worth checking out while flagging sketchy ones to avoid. Patterns emerge across reviews.
Verify Their Experience with Similar Books
Once you have a few potential publisher prospects, dig into their websites deeper. Scroll their portfolio of published titles. Do they have many comparable to your work? Do their bios or About pages discuss expertise relevant to your needs? Don’t assume a generalist publisher will give niche topics enough focus. Match experience matters.
Make Sure They Have Resources to Support You
Evaluate if a service offers all the support components your book realistically requires – editing, cover design, publishing, distribution, marketing, rights management, translations, customer service etc. Having most production and promotion handled in one place saves tons of work rather than cobbling together a patchwork team yourself.
Ask About Their Editorial and Vetting Process
A key qualifier is learning details on their manuscript review and acceptance policies. Do they provide content editing and developmental guidance or just publish what you submit? Is the initial pitch blind or public? What are the steps and typical time frames? Insights into selectivity and editorial involvement are telling.
Clarify Exact Fees and Contract Terms
Whether traditional royalty deals or self-publishing packages, fully understand associated fees, payment options, delivery timelines and general contract terms before signing. Ask candid questions. Gain confidence replies are aligned to your situation. Hidden surprises or pushy policies are red flags to watch for.
Look for Longevity and Financial Stability
While flashy new players emerge, established services with long track records are ideal because they often offer greater security, infrastructure and proof of sustainable business practices. Search founding dates, funding sources, leadership bios, affiliations or accolades that inspire confidence in fiscal duty.
Ensure They Have Solid Distribution Reach
No matter the publishing path you pick, aim for providers with wide distribution access to major retail channels, libraries, schools and specialty markets here and abroad. Fulfillment partnerships expand readership. Optimized metadata and listings heighten visibility. Availability matters so readers can actually find your book.
Verify They Are Technologically Current
Modern publishing also means tapping technology for selling, formatting, analytics and rights. Evaluate if a service keeps up on evolving best practices for ebooks, print-on-demand, metadata feeds, online sales dashboards, plagiarism checks and digital security protecting you.
Evaluate Author Support Resources
Publishing services focused on customer success also offer extensive free resources to help guide authors just starting out through the complex process – things like video tutorials, template downloads, readiness assessments, submission trackers and discussion forums. Strong support eases your path.
Make Sure Communication Seems Responsive
Pay attention to how quickly and thoroughly sales reps or the service answers your questions at the inquiry stage too. Lengthy delays or cut-and-paste responses are questionable. You want a service truly interested in understanding your book goals, not just chasing a quick contract. Quality support is personalized.
Ask About Ongoing Marketing Options
Marketing today goes way beyond basic book sales listings. Savvy modern publishers also assist authors in building focused websites, email lists, social media, targeted promotions, sell sheets, media pitches, influencer connections and advertising investments too. Explore their specialties.
See If Satisfied Author Reviews or Testimonials Exist
The best seal of approval comes directly from current clients. Search Google reviews or testimonials on publisher websites. Scan their social media for author interactions. If no direct feedback exists anywhere, that silence may speak volumes so dig deeper through other steps here before committing.
Talk to Actual Authors Using the Service
To take it a step further, try to have real back-and-forth conversations with some of the publisher’s authors, happy to share candid insights on their experience partnering together. This allows you to ask nitty-gritty questions important to you before signing.
Request a Custom Service Quote
Before finalizing your publishing service partner, contenders walk you through a custom quote or proposal for your specific manuscript needs from editing support to publication formats to marketing extras – tailored to you. Side-by-side proposals help compare.
Go with Your Gut Feeling!
Lastly, trust your writer’s intuition. Which conversations left you truly excited and inspired rather than overwhelmed or wary? Which team shared your creative vision rather than just wanting a contract? When the right match just “feels right”, lean into that instinct and move ahead confidently together.
Conclusion:
Finding the ideal book publishing service match takes a little strategic research and patience upfront assessing experience, capabilities, communication styles and author reviews. But taking the time protects your investment and sets up the best foundation for sharing your book baby with the world! Stay organized and motivated by focusing on providers truly rooting for your success.
