6 Steps of How New Authors Can get Publishing Deals

By Team Azuni

Getting a publishing deal is a dream for many new authors. However, the publishing industry is highly competitive and it can be challenging to get noticed by publishers. With the rise of self-publishing, traditional publishing deals have become even more coveted. Here are some tips for new authors looking to secure a publishing deal.

  1. Write a Great Book

The first step to getting a publishing deal is to write a great book. The book needs to be engaging, well-written, and polished. It’s important to spend time revising and editing the book before submitting it to publishers. You may want to hire a professional editor or work with a writing group to get feedback on your work.

  1. Research Publishers

Once you have a polished manuscript, it’s time to research publishers. Look for publishers who specialize in your genre and who have a track record of publishing similar books. Check the submission guidelines for each publisher and make sure you follow them carefully.

  1. Find a Literary Agent

While it’s possible to submit your manuscript directly to publishers, having a literary agent can increase your chances of getting a publishing deal. Literary agents have relationships with publishers and can help you find the right publisher for your book. They can also negotiate contracts and help you navigate the publishing industry. Look for literary agents who represent authors in your genre and who have a track record of getting publishing deals.

  1. Write a Strong Query Letter

When submitting your manuscript to publishers or literary agents, you will need to write a query letter. This is a brief letter that introduces your book and gives a sense of what it’s about. It’s important to write a strong query letter that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more. You may want to hire a professional editor or writing coach to help you craft a strong query letter.

  1. Build Your Platform

Publishers are looking for authors who have a platform or following. This means that you should be actively building your online presence and engaging with readers. This could include blogging, social media, or speaking engagements. Having a strong platform can help you stand out to publishers and increase your chances of getting a publishing deal.

  1. Be Patient

Getting a publishing deal can take time. It’s important to be patient and persistent. You may receive rejections or no response at all from publishers or literary agents. This is a normal part of the process. Keep submitting your manuscript and working on building your platform.