I often get this question:
“How do I find the right publisher for my book?”
Standard Answer
The standard answer is to go to Writer’s Market, an 896-page tome that gets updated each year. The problem is, this doesn’t really work for obvious reasons.
Better Answer
The better answer is what I call The Bookshelf Method, an easier and more effective process for compiling a list of agents and publishers that are perfect for your book. You can do it in six simple (and enjoyable) steps:
Step 1: Grab some books off your shelf that are similar to the one you’re writing. The more recently published, the better.
Step 2: For each book, note the publisher.
Step 3: Flip to the copyright page and acknowledgments to determine who the agent is and note the agency. (Sometimes authors acknowledge people without saying who they are. A quick google search will reveal whether the person they’re thanking is a literary agent.)
Step 4: Shoot for a list of your top five agents and publishers as well as at least five additional agents and publishers.
Step 5: Don’t own enough books that are similar to yours? Time for a trip to your bookstore or library!
Step 6: Research the submission guidelines of each publisher and agent.
Once you’ve got your list and a great book proposal, pitch away!
Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
Another Benefit
This method works not only for picking possible agents and publishers.
It also works for compiling a list of comparable books to include in the competitive analysis of your book proposal.
Want to do this?
If so, jot down a few additional details for each similar book:
- the year of publication
- format (hardcover or paperback)
- page count
- price
Publishers can look up this information, of course, but they really appreciate it when writers go the extra mile.
Get the Template That Makes All of This Easy
To make all of this easier for you, I’ve created a simple template you can use.
The template includes prompts and spaces to write down all the relevant information. You can fill it in right on your laptop or print it off and use paper and pen.
Click here to download your free copy.
Question: What is one book that is similar to yours? You can leave a comment by clicking here.