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Getting published is the most desired objective of most writers so it is worth giving some thought to how you will approach this mighty task. You know what kind of book your have written (or intend to write) so the best place to start is to find the publishers that specialise in your kind of writing. For example, if you write a crime novel, you will have more success approaching a publisher that has published other crime writers. They will have the specialist knowledge of this field to be able to determine if your book will make enough money in this area. If you are a non -fiction writer then don’t go to publishing houses that produce ‘chick-lit’. You are likely to be knocked back! So once you have honed down your target publishers to just a few, you can move on to the next stage – actually approaching them!
This part of the journey is kind of like teaching a ‘dance’. The publisher wants to be confident with you and what you can do for them, so you take them through your early steps where you outline your book idea and show them your writing style, they respond with the things that are important to them and show you their moves, and you reply to those accordingly. It’s almost like a Tango!
So how can you go from the ‘two left feet’ kind of author to the one whose dance has been perfected over time and leaves the ‘audience’ wowed with their technique? Well put simply, you have to demonstrate what you do best, why you do it and how it helps your eventual readers – and this means learning how to put yourself in their seat.
On a piece of paper, write down 5 ways how your book will help its readers. Then, try to break down what it is about these 5 things that is unique about your book. Why should the reader come to you originally and why should they read on? What problem are you solving for them? Once you know this, you have the basis upon which to base your introductions to the publisher, by making sure you tell them straight-away what you can do for them and how your book has a market that is waiting to buy. If you know several ‘real life’ people that your book will help, it’s likely that there will be others who have that same concern and will also purchase your book. The trick is to make it as easy as possible for people to buy from you, so spell out for them how your book helps! The publisher will want to decide if there is enough of a market to make money from your book, but knowing some background figures yourself will show that you have the knowledge and expertise in your field that is essential for any non fiction writer.
Once you know what you will say to the prospective publishers to get them interested in your book, ensure that you have answers to questions about any of the other areas surrounding your subject matter that they may ask about, so you can demonstrate subject mastery. Publishers of non fiction will always want a specialist, an expert, to show the readers how to solve a particular problem, and you showcase your expert status through knowing your stuff! I know that if I was on an aeroplane, I’d want a qualified pilot flying me to my destination – someone who knows how to fly! And if I was in surgery, I’d want a specialist surgeon on my case rather than my GP! Be the expert!
By showing carefully thought out planning for your book; who will buy it and why, you are inspiring confidence in the publisher that you know your stuff. Give them a reason to offer you a contract! Know the steps to your particular dance, and don’t be afraid to show off those steps to others. You’ll be dancing to the same tune before you know it!
