Are you new to the world of book publishing? When you first start out, it can seem like a complicated – even overwhelming – world to navigate through. Who are the decision makers and gatekeepers? What do they do, and how can they do to help you and your book?
First let’s talk about the traditional publishing journey:
A nonfiction author puts together a book proposal, and a fiction author puts together an entire manuscript.
The author pitches literary agents and ultimately signs a representation agreement with a literary agent/agency.
The literary agent pitches proposal/manuscript to editors at publishing companies (“houses”).
The publishing company (or companies) makes an offer, negotiations ensue, the deal closes, and then the publishing company and author sign contract. (Your advance is usually paid in thirds – 1/3 upon execution of contract, 1/3 upon final acceptance of manuscript, and 1/3 upon publication.)
The author begins working with editor to get manuscript completed, edited, and ready for publication. At this point, the agent plays the part of liaison.
The book is published, and the publishing company and author coordinate efforts to market/publicize the book’s release.
So, you know that a literary agent is responsible for discovering/representing authors and connecting them to book publishers/editors, and that the acquiring editor is the individual who develops and/or procures books on behalf of the publisher and then provides editorial guidance in connection with those books. Who are the other folks you might encounter on your publishing journey?
Developmental Editor: This type of editor (often freelance) looks at “big picture” things like structure and content and theme. They generally read through your manuscript and make changes and suggestions directly on the document, as well as questions in the margins.
Copy Editor: This type of editor looks at things like spelling, grammar, and syntax. Like with developmental editing, they make changes directly to the document.
Proofreader: This editor comes in to take a look at the final proof and deal with any typos, etc.
Layout Designer: This designer is responsible for the look of the actual page – fonts, margins, etc.
Cover Designer: This is the person responsible for designing the cover of the book. I cannot stress their importance enough, especially if you are self-publishing your book.
Book Coach: A book coach is responsible for helping authors move past writers’ blocks, sort out writing or content issues, stay motivated, and achieve their publishing goals.
Publicist: This person is responsible for getting the word out about an author/and or their book. Some work at publishing companies, and collaborate with the publisher’s marketing staff, but others can be hired on behalf of the author to draft press releases, pitch them to media, help with book signings, etc.
Editorial Assistant: This will generally be someone who is supporting the editor at the publishing house – they perform administrative tasks, liaise with writers, collaborate with various publishing staff, etc.
Graphic Designer: This person creates visual content – this could be book layouts, jackets, covers, etc., or it could be graphics for ads or other promotional materials.
Illustrator: Often freelance, this creative draws or creates artwork for a book. The most well-known type of illustrator collaborates with an author to create artwork to accompany the text (e.g. children’s books).
Sales Representative: A sales rep works for the publishing house, and is responsible for selling books to vendors like bookstores, libraries, and wholesalers.
Translator: As the name indicates, this is the person that takes a manuscript and translates it into another language.
Ghostwriter: This individual writes material for someone else, who retains the title of author. The ghostwriter may or may not get credit on the book’s cover, depending on their agreement with the author.
Web Designer: Generally a freelancer, this professional creates elements for the web in connection with the author and their book – often this involves the author’s website.
Book Reviewer: These are the unsung heroes to authors everywhere – these are the folks that read the books and review them, either on their own or as part of a promotion done by the author or publishing company.
I hope this will help you begin to navigate through the world of publishing – and maybe even hire some folks to help you shine your book and get it out there and into the hands of readers.
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