How to publish a book (III): Editorials

In today's article we will focus on Editorials, it is true that we can choose two paths, for free (as we will comment today) or through a literary agent. Perhaps this second option is much better since they have Editorials with which they usually publish, although if you do not want more intermediaries, I recommend following the steps described below.

1. Cover Letter

The cover letter is very important, will be the first thing the publisher sees. Be brief and concise, there are busy people and if it is too long I doubt that they will listen to you. Explain how you are and why you fit into his editorial line.

2. Do not send the whole book

Never send the whole book, mainly because it is an unnecessary expense if you send it in paper and the publishers, unless they are interested they do not want the whole book. If they are interested, they will let you know and they will ask for the complete manuscript.

The model comes from the American market and is often used in novels that are not yet written or have few chapters, If anyone is interested, they continue to write. It is a way of not wasting time and not make it lose anyone.

3. Prepare an editorial proposal

As we mentioned in the previous point we do not have to send the whole book, but yes the information necessary for the editor.

The proposal should contain, in addition to the cover letter, the synopsis where to briefly tell the plot of the novel, with an extension of about two pages at most. In this case it does not matter to reveal the best parts, as well as the end, what matters is to get the editor's attention.

On the other hand, we should include a short biography of the author, adding all our achievements as writers, if any. Remember not to lie, everyone can know if it is real or not thanks to the internet. The next point is not mandatory but if it is to be appreciated, we must include the target for which the book is intended. There is always a target audience for each topic, we must do research and see where we fit.

An important point to add are personal data and a short description of the promotion and sales that the book would have. If you see it as necessary I can upload the editorial proposal that I make, usually have quite a few positive responses.

Finally we will add an appendix with several chapters of the work so they can see our style, in my case, I usually send the first chapter, one in the middle and the last one. Remember to take care of the presentation, do not have misspellings and above all letter to 12, Times New Roman or Arial and double spacing. That way make it easier for the publisher to read and is more pleasing to the eye.

4. Send with head

Never send to any publisher, think before seeing their editorial lines to ensure that you fit, Otherwise you will not get anything. It's like shooting arrows at the sky, they will never hit the target. In the web of the respective Editorials find his publications and you can get an idea, in fact, some already indicate the types of novels they want or in which they are not interested.

5. Physical or digital delivery?

It's almost the million dollar question. What is better? The physical presence of the paper or the immediacy of the email? The answer may vary depending on the Editorial and the budget. The normal thing is that they tell you the way of sending, in my case, I found that most asked for it in digital, although the editorials of Grupo Planeta request them in physical format.

6. You must have too much patience

You can wait sitting down, I do not want to discourage you but nobody answers in less than a month, does not mean that it is something bad, but we all want an answer as soon as possible. Perhaps most are rejections but do not stop fighting for your dreams, believe in your book and do not stop trying. If you want to get it you'll be able to.

Before finishing I would like to comment that you will encounter three types of editorials.
1- Classic Editorials: If they liked your work and want to edit you, they will take care of everything, obviously it is good that the author is involved as far as possible, it is your work after all.

2- Editorials with Crowdfunding: It is a good measure for small Editorials such as Tandaia or libros.com, so you can see if it will be profitable to publish or not, the only requirement is that you reach the figure marked in the process of presale/crowdfounding.

3- Editorials that charge: Yes, as you read, there are Editorials who will ask you for money to correct, print, advertise ... Are they reliable? That depends on each one, I personally would never work paying and in the end, if you want to dedicate to literature it will be a job so I do not recommend them also that usually make you pay between 2000 and 4000 € but almost all you gotta do. There could be some scams too.


Would you add anything else? Have you ever sent your works to any publishers? Have you thought about doing so in the future? Tell us about your experience.