For many writers publishing a book is a dream! They begin writing with great inspiration, but when the manuscript finally reaches the publication phase, they begin to ponder how hard it is to get the book published. Inexperienced writers or new startup book writing services are unaware of the difficult publishing process, such as finding editors and literary agents and how to communicate with them to have quick and smooth publishing. The authors who know about book publishing know that seeking a publisher is an uphill battle. Even if writers find a publisher, they have to endure various issues. The final drafts are sent to publishers every week, and they get rejected every time due to unimpressive book cover designs or structural and formatting issues. There are no guarantees for a smooth and transparent publishing process, as many writers seek advice from book publishing companies as to which method of publishing is better to adopt. During the publishing journey, authors can opt for two publishing methods. Either they opt for traditional publishing or self-publishing. Both publication methods have advantages and shortcomings that the author needs to analyze to make an effective decision.
According to a survey by Digital Book World and Writer's Digest Author in 2014, 23% of professional authors could not find a publisher while employing the traditional method. The essential part of getting a publisher is to have representation of a literary agent that makes the publishing process hassle-free for the authors.
What Are the Publishing challenges a writer experiences
- Publishing a book requires teamwork
In a high book market, editors, designers, printers, and marketing professionals play an important part in publishing. However, locating these professionals is a tough job. The authors who have opted for self-publishing must engage with vast market research to find a reliable and competent team of editors, designers, and marketers. However, some authors hire professional book publishing services who help writers in every step of the publishing process.
- Handling criticism of publishers
Before finalizing the book project, the authors collaborate with editors and proofreaders who instantly check grammatical and syntax errors and create an error-free manuscript. Once the book is written, edited, and formatted, it is now reviewed by the book illustrators who work on designs for the book cover. While editing and proofreading, self-publisher authors learn to deal with criticism concerning the manuscripts. Learning to cope with negative or constructive criticism requires writers to exhibit patience and enthusiasm when collaborating with editors, designers, and others who make important contributions toward publication. The key to managing criticism is to listen to unfavorable criticism or feedback with an open mind.
- Finding an Agent
Another big challenge for writers is to find an agent. Without a literary agent, many publishers won't even look at the manuscript and reject it. To deal with a major publisher, writers must seek an agent. For self-published authors, it is a daunting task; they have to execute a great deal of market research and look closely at which agents can be approached with ease. Some sites facilitate them to choose the right agent through keywords like narrative nonfiction, literary fiction, picture books, or science fiction. Moreover, going through interviews, competent agents can be located.
When writers finally get connected with a suitable agent that meets their requirements, the next step is to follow their rules for querying. Consequently, this implies writers mastering a new skill, such as writing a perfect query letter to introduce themselves. The letter should be professionally written, exhibiting the writer's services that may avoid future rejection. A brief and eye-catching book synopsis should accompany the letter. In addition, the author should attach past publications such as short stories published in journals or unpublished original manuscripts to effectively help convince an agent to assist you in the publication process.
The proposed contract with agents is essential. Once the contract is signed, the agent will work with the author under beneficial terms. Signing the contract strengthens the author's and agent's relationship. Sometimes agents and authors aren't a good fit for each other. The author can terminate the agency agreement if the agent fails to use their best efforts to secure a print publication or sell the subsidiary rights. The authors are paying a big amount to the agents to negotiate with the publisher on their behalf. Therefore, if any critical situation occurs, the authors and agents should terminate the contract to avoid resistance and confrontation.
The authors using traditional publishing methods may face a delay in the publication process. The editing and proofreading process may take weeks to complete when the book is finally written. Sometimes, the authors must wait a year or two to get an agent. Even after getting an agent, the publication process takes six months or a year to begin publishing. The book launching gets more delay. With traditional publishing, the authors lose their publication rights and cannot use, sell, or republish their material in a different place.
- How to find a Self-Publishing platform
The self-publishing process is faster as compared to traditional book publishing. The authors should find well-known digital platforms to host their books and transform their manuscripts into e-books. Moreover, hire a professional editor who can quickly edit, design, and market the book, format it into an e-book, and convert it to a supported format. Once the book is ready, the authors can publish it on their website. Marketing the book is another challenge for the writers.
- Market your book
The authors have to do extra work to draw people to the site. Authors can promote the marketing of books by creating tiered awareness. First, they can reach existing customers and attract new readers by employing various resources, such as emailing prospective clients about the new book and its engaging content. Second, email marketing campaigns promote special offers, new product releases, and e-books. Finally, through emails, book writing services can inform potential clients about their marketing initiatives and company announcements about their upcoming books.
Moreover, using Social media marketing to help, authors use exclusive and catchy hashtags that help people find new and interesting books. Furthermore, the authors may build social media profiles to interact with book lovers online.
The authors can sell books by creating a sales landing page on the site. The landing page helps potential customers to know the purpose and benefits of reading the e-book. Sales can increase on the landing page by compiling at least 5-7 smart and appealing keywords that are possibly associated with the book.
- To recapitulate
Success takes time. Being a passionate writer, you must exhibit patience in dealing with the publishing process. Self-publishing is an attractive option for you to avoid hassle-free publishing. One of the benefits of self-publishing is that your book gets to market faster than traditional methods. You gain better creative control over the book's content and appearance and a high amount of royalty that boost confidence in writers. As your work is published on digital platforms, it will help potential readers to find it with the click of a button; you can build up more followers and have a lucrative writing career.
