Today, we’re continuing our discussion about how to work with a publisher. Yesterday, I gave you five ways to work with a publisher. Here are an additional five.
6: Be prepared to hand over control. Once the contract is signed, the publisher takes control. You’ll like some of his/her decisions and others may upset you. While some publishers will keep you in the loop on issues related to your book, be prepared to see your title change, for example. I once had a publisher who used my advance to hire an artist for my book. I kept asking to see examples of the artist’s work, but was never given that opportunity. Eventually, the company changed hands and scrapped my book. They returned my manuscript along with the drawings (which I had bought). They were awful! The point is, however, that the publisher is the one with the experience, he/she is putting up the money to publish the book and they have the final word.
7: Expect to rewrite your manuscript. Just when you thought your book was finished and you’re anxious to start the next one, your publisher may ask for a rewrite. Make sure that you have a contract at this point. Sometimes a publisher will ask you to revise your sample chapters before committing to publishing your book. Decide how much work you are willing to do before the project is accepted. I once got involved with rewriting several chapters of a book for a publisher. In fact, he asked me to refocus my entire manuscript. They sent me back to the drawing board three times without so much as a promise of a contract. I finally realized that the book they wanted me to write was nothing like the one I wanted to write. And with no contract forthcoming, I decided to withdraw my manuscript.
8: Check the proofs over carefully. The publisher will generally send you a proof of your manuscript before publication. Take plenty of time with it and give it a thorough check. You might be surprised at some of the things they will change and some of the formatting errors they will make.
9: Request guidance in marketing your book. Once the book is published, ask about the company’s promotional plans. Ask for any suggestions they might have for marketing your book. Often, the publisher will be asking you these questions. He has you fill out a questionnaire listing your connections and affiliations, etc. And he hands this over to his publicity department. But if you let him know that you are willing and eager to go out and promote your book, the publicist may arrange for some opportunities for you.
10: Keep your publisher informed as to your marketing efforts. Once a month or so, send an email or post a note reporting on your promotional progress. Say, for example, “I sent press releases to newspapers in the northeast region. I sent review copies to 30 magazines and newsletters. I have two book signings scheduled. And last week I spoke before the local branch of the National Association of Business Women and sold twelve books.” Send the publisher copies of any book review. Anytime your book receives a review or an award, an article relating to the book is published or you are quoted, for example, send copies to your publisher.
For additional information about publishing, landing a publisher, working with a publisher or agent, marketing your book and so much more, read my latest book, Publish Your Book, Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author. It’s available at Amazon.com in print and Kindle and at most online and downtown bookstores.