Publishers for New Authors: Things to Consider Before Choosing One

The publishing world is no doubt complex, and new authors can fall into far too many traps. The good news is that all of these holes can easily be dodged and sidestepped—if you know how to sense them. Publishers for new authors know just how difficult and confusing the publishing process can be for fledgling writers and finding yourself a trustworthy partner is a good first step as you journey through getting your first book in print. Choosing the right people to help you in the process is critical especially with the level of competition in today’s market. Here are some insights that can help you in your publisher search:

• Know your options.
  Publishing is an old trade, but it is also ever-evolving. In fact, authors now have a wide variety of routes that they can choose to take—as opposed to several decades ago, when it was vital to get in the radar of the biggest publishers. More publishing professionals are now willing to invest in new authors and book writers can choose from different publishing options, including self-publishing and cooperative publishing. Going on platforms like Pubmatch can help you learn more about the current trends and the variety of options you have in today’s publishing scene.

• When going the traditional route, take time to get to know your prospective publishing house.
  How do they work? What steps are you expected to go through? Research about the process and ask around about how they do things. Traditional publishers differ in their methods, so make it a point to study the unique processes where you want to be published.

• Think long-term.
  Publishers for new authors are not only in for one-time book sales. They also want to help mold your career and hopefully publish your other manuscripts as well. Consider yourself lucky to find a publisher who cares about your future in the business. These are publishers who know how to find your market or even create an entirely new niche for the kind of writing that you can offer. In your publisher search, look for people who crave innovation and are dedicated to a progressive publishing trade.

• Finally, get to know the people you want to be working with.
  Get in touch with them on a regular basis even before you sign any dotted line. This will help you gauge whether or not they are the right fit for you.