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Book Publishing: What You Need to KnowThe book publishing industry is fiercely competitive. In 2005, there were over 195,000 new books published. Each one of these books is vying against the others for media attention and marketshare. As self publishing becomes more accessible, I predict the market will be flooded and competition will get worse. That's why it's essential to develop your book strategy now. Book Publishing OptionsAs an author, what are your options? You can submit your work to a traditional publishing company and hope it catches their eye. A friend of mine (who has written seven books), called me to say that her new children's book was coming out. When I asked her if she was excited, she shook her head. "The process has been so long and drawn out, I'm not excited anymore."Some years back, my friend submitted her work to a big New York publishing company. One year later, she received an acceptance notice. Another year went by and the company selected an illustrator for the book. (My friend was not involved in the process.) Five years after she submitted her work, the book is finally hitting the shelves. If you intend to send your work to a book publishing company, do your homework. These big behemoths are in the business to make money and won't be interested in your work unless they see dollar signs. To help them see green, match your book to your publisher's target market. For instance, if your book appeals to the mainstream Christian segment of the market, it might be accepted by a Christian or gospel publishing house. If your book is niche-related like mine, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting, you're better off self publishing. If you're considering this route, I recommend Mill City Press Interested in self-publishing? Click on book publishing software to determine which software product is best for formatting your book.
Remember my friend with the children's book? The only promotional help she's received from this behemoth was one hundred complimentary bookmarks and postcards (which she had to mail out herself.) This week, she's leaving on a trip to a regional area to promote her book to bookstores, but she (not the publishing company) is footing the bill. Laura Ramirez is the author of Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting which shows parents how to raise children to develop their strengths and create uniquely purposeful and fulfilling lives. Keepers of the Children won the Nautilus Award (given by Martha Stewart Omnivision), NCPA's Gold Book Award, Best Non-Fiction How-To and Best First Book.
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