Finding A Publisher For Your Book
A question that comes up frequently when speaking with writers is about how they can get a book published.
But it is often not clear what is meant by the question. Often, what they really are looking for is a printing company, or a publishing service, or just some assistance in self-publishing an ebook format.
Quite frequently, my first advice to writers that inquire about book publishing is to be clear and precise about what they want. The writer should research and look at all the possibilities that are open to them, understand them and determine which is most suitable for the writer and their needs.
Some writers that have already had their book cover designed and their work typeset and are planning on self-distribution, then you may really be looking for a commercial printer. An on-demand printer may be the most economical choice as they will only print and ship copies of the book when ordered whereas other printers will want you to pay for all the copies you print up front. If you have a big enough budget and can arrange for storage, a large print-run will lower the per copy price of your book.
A publishing service may be helpful to you if you need cover design, editing, and other services like typesetting and obtaining an ISBN. Companies that offer this service will often offer packages that include all or some of the elements a writer might not want to deal with herself.
In other words, these services are also available separately. Talented free lance book cover designers that are also an option to the writer, as are editors and typesetters that are as good or better than what a large publishing company can provide.
Some writers simply need someone to convert their manuscript into an ebook format if they are not looking for printed copies but rather just want their book to be available in electronic format. An ebook conversion service is what you need if this is your situation.
By simply paying a fee, the options listed above are all available to the writer. The final option is different.
If you want to find a publisher who will take your book, edit it, create a cover, typeset, promote, sell, and distribute it, and pay you a royalty on each copy sold, you are looking for a traditional publishing company. If this is your desire, you can keep your money in the bank. It will be essential though that you have a manuscript that is brilliant, much determination, a little luck and a killer query letter.
There are a large number of resources about book publishing companies that offer tips and hints on getting published; make sure you are clear about what you want and need in order to realize your dream and goal.