New writers wanting to know how to get a book published often follow wrong information.
I’m guessing you have an idea in your head: something you want to put out there for the whole world to read.
But you also don’t want to pour blood, sweat, and tears into a book that never sees the light of day.
Or even worse: getting through the struggle of publication only to sell a handful of copies.
Sadly, this scenario is 100% possible because the average non-fiction book only sells around 250 copies in its lifetime.
No struggling writer wants to toil for so little benefit.
That’s why I’ve compiled what I’ve learned about how to get a book published all into one handy guide.
Read on if you want to learn publication secrets while avoiding mistakes that cost new writers.
Below is the step-by-step process on how to get a book published:
- Identify Who Your Book Is For
- Write and Edit Your Book. Then, Write and Edit Some More
- Thoroughly Research Who to Contact
- Draft and Send Your Pitch
- Screen Your Potential Agent
- Wait for Your Agent to Find a Publisher
- Carefully Review Any Contract Presented to You
- Work With an Editor and See Your Book Come to Life
- It’s Not Over Yet: Time to Market Your Book
Getting a Book Published: What Are Your Options?
There isn’t one track that every potential writer must follow. Most authors will use one of three paths.
Traditional Publishing
This is the route most first-time authors daydream about.
With traditional publishing, a publisher helps you create a physical book to display prettily at bookstores around the country.
Of course, this process is complex and time-consuming, requiring an involved step-by-step process (which this article describes in detail).
In traditional publishing, the publishing house will not market your book for you.
Therefore, traditional publishing may not be your route if you already have a large platform. You end up doing most of the work yet must share the profits with a company.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Book Published?
With traditional publishing, it is at no cost to you. The publishing house takes on the upfront cost and risk of publishing your book. However, that means they also acquire a more significant cut of the profits.
Self-Publishing
This is the most straightforward option since you are handling everything yourself. You are your own editor and graphic designer. Of course, this means you do not have any third-party interference, nor do you have to split profits with anyone.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Book Published?
Self-publishing can range anywhere from $0 up to $5,000. The average is around $1,000 – 2,000. The wide range depends on how much work you want to outsource. Hiring an editor or graphic designer will cost you, and you must pay for those services yourself.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing involves outsourcing all aspects of publishing to a third party who takes on the work of writing and marketing the book. This differs from traditional publishing in that you get more profits.
We will discuss this option more in-depth at the end of the article.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Book Published?
This one costs the most: around tens of thousands of dollars. The price tag is because you’re paying someone else to do all the heavy lifting.
