Finding a publisher to accept your manuscript can feel impossible, especially if you’re a new author who’s just starting out. But you absolutely CAN find a publisher, and you can boost your odds with the strategies in this blog.
How to Find a Publisher to Accept Your Manuscript
Decide Whether to Hire an Agent
Before you start looking for publishers to accept your manuscript, you need to decide whether you’re willing to hire a book agent.
A book or literary agent will help you find a publisher because they are professionals in the industry and know exactly what publishers are looking for. They also typically receive a royalty on book sales.
Most big-name publishers accept solicited manuscripts only.
But, you aren’t required to hire an agent. If you decide to submit to publishers solo, you will need to search for publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts.
Some publishers, like Cardinal Rule Press, have a brief window in which they’ll accept unsolicited manuscripts.
I personally have never hired a book agent and was able to land a traditional publishing deal because I co-authored my traditionally published books with Jack Canfield (co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul).
Find Your Niche
As you search for a publisher to accept your manuscript, be sure to research publishers that align with your niche.
For example, if you’re publishing a silly cartoon-like story, you won’t want to submit to publishers interested in nonfiction picture books only.
This might take lots of research, but believe me, your odds of getting traditionally published will be significantly higher if you put in the hard work of finding a publisher who fits your niche.
Interested in Writing a Children's Book?
Build Your Social Media Presence
When publishers decide whether to accept your manuscript, they’ll have to evaluate how big of a risk it is to launch your book. Since they’re incurring all the costs associated with publishing a book, they need the reassurance that your book will sell.
One thing they might look at is your social media presence. If you have a large, dedicated following, they could be more likely to take on your book.
To boost your odds of getting a traditional publisher, start working on your social media presence and following. Check out the marketing section of my blog for resources on that.
Consider a Hybrid Publisher
If traditional publishing isn’t sitting right with you, but you still want a publisher to accept your manuscript, consider looking into hybrid publishing.
Simply put, hybrid publishing is when a publisher provides services in exchange for an upfront fee. Here at ML Publishing, we follow the hybrid publishing model.
You can learn more about that HERE.
Keep Going
The last thing to keep in mind as you search for a publisher to accept your manuscript is to keep going.
It’s normal to get rejection letters, and it’s normal to feel discouraged. But if you seriously consider the publishers’ feedback, improve your story as needed, and keep trying, you CAN find a publisher.