For some, choosing a publishing option is a bewildering experience. That’s why I included a section called “How to Find the Very Best Publisher For Your Project” in my book, Publish Your Book. Sub-sections in this chapter include, “Five Common Authors’ Mistakes,” “Manage the Maze of Potential Publishers,” “What Can You Learn From a Publisher’s Website?” “Tips for Locating Publisher’s Submission Guidelines,” Your ABC List of Publishers,” “How to Meet a Publisher Face to Face,” and so forth.
There are hundreds and hundreds of traditional publishers and about 100 pay-to-publish companies. Which one is the right one for you? Just know that one-size does not fit all.
If you are seeking publication by a traditional publisher go to bookstores or spend time at Amazon.com and other online bookstores in search of books similar to yours—in the same genre, with the same audience—books that will be stocked in the same place your book will be stocked in bookstores, perhaps. Find out who published those books and consider approaching those publishers. Likewise, you can sometimes find an agent listed in the acknowledgements pages of books similar to yours. (More tomorrow about the sometimes tricky process of locating and studying publishers’ submission guidelines.)
Find publishers by studying directories such as Writer’s Market (from Writer’s Digest) and Literary Marketplace (in the reference section at your local library). There are other directories. Do an online search. You might find lists of publishers for specific genres, for example.
As for pay-to-publish companies, read Mark Levine’s book, The Fine Print of Self-Publishing and/or Dehanna Bailee’s ABC’s of POD. The thing is, when you see them listed, the pay-to-publish companies may appear to be similar, but some of them are way out in left or right field as far as the contract they offer, the fees they charge and so forth.
The best potential I can offer you for publishing success is to take time to truly understand the publishing industry and to choose your publishing option and your specific publishing contract carefully. Remember, you are the CEO of your book. Take this position seriously.
Order Publish Your Book by Patricia Fry at Amazon.com and other online and downtown bookstores. Also available here: http://www.matilijapress.com