1. Be polite and courteous.
Publishers are only human and usually working to a tight schedule
to get your book published. Being rude or impatient does nothing to
bolster your case or expedite the publishing process.
2. Write a simple enquiry letter.
Or email telling the publisher a little about yourself, your background,
a brief synopsis of your book and what your goals and intentions are.
This helps the publisher to clarify if your expectations are realistic and
whether they are able to meet your expectations. If your expectations
are too high this might put the publisher off even if they might have
otherwise offered you a publishing deal.
3. Include a few sample chapters.
Publishers like to see your writing style and the subject matter in question
so include a few sample chapters with your letter and do not expect to be
offered a contract before your publisher has even seen your manuscript.
4. Include a copy of your CV.
If appropriate, this can help the publisher get a general idea of your
background, interests and achievements so be sure to blow your own
trumpet.
5. Be enthusiastic about your book.
Enthusiasm about your own book shows confidence, self- belief and
is an attractive compliment to yourself and your work. Enthusiasm is
infectious! If you are not enthusiastic about your own book, don't expect
others to be enthusiastic for you.
6. Believe in your own work.
In this business belief is everything. Our perception of life, what we
experience and even what we create all have their roots in our beliefs.
We receive what we believe we deserve even if we might be saying
other things to the contrary. Believing in your own work makes it easy
to be enthusiatic about it with others.
7. Be patient and understanding.
Patience is a paramount part of the process. Books do not get published
and hit the shelves overnight. Sometimes it can take weeks, months or in
some rare cases, years to publish a book. Patience is a natural part of the
letting go process, which in turn is a natural part of trust. If you trust your
publisher (presumably that is why you chose them in the first place) then
be patient and understanding with them.
8. If you do not understand "Ask".
It is important that we understand almost every aspect of the process
to save misunderstandings later on. If you do not understand something,
do not suffer in silence. If you have nothing to lose and everything to gain
by asking, by all means ask. If nothing else, your publisher will appreciate
your honesty.
9. Be committed to your work.
Be committed to seeing your publishing project through to completion.
Many projects fail to complete because of lack of trust and commitment.
I have had people send me manuscripts and the next day reject themselves
because they could not stand the suspense and good feeling of waiting for
a decision. Many projects fail to complete because of a simple misunderstanding.
If you are not committed to your project it will reflect in your relationship
with your publisher and your first misunderstanding could be your last.
10. Remember to thank your publisher.
When you have been patient and your commitment has paid off,
when you have waited long months and trusted the process and you finally
have a copy of your beautiful book in your hands, remember to congratulate
yourself and thank your publisher. They have been working hard on your
behalf and will be over the moon to know you are happy with their
contribution and the finished product can hit the shelves with confidence.
By Matt Blythe
Inner Vision Press
