The real challenge lies in getting that book in front of readers. Most new authors are at a loss about how to effectively market their work. And that’s where professional book publishers can really make a difference.
A professional publisher will generally have an in-house marketing team experienced in selling books through the gamut of available avenues: social media campaigns, interviews with authors, online advertisements, blog tours—even physical book tours. And sometimes they have established connections with book bloggers, influencers, and reviewers who might say something about your book, too.
My publisher’s marketing team worked with me to set up a blog tour and get reviews from influential book bloggers in my genre.
Without the support of professional publisher’s marketing, I would have had to rely on my own efforts, which would have taken much longer to gain traction. Publishers have the resources and connections to get your book into the hands of readers much faster, which can lead to more sales and greater visibility.
Career Development and Longevity
The ultimate result of signing with a professional publisher is not just the book deal but building an author’s career for the long haul. Most professional publishers take on the task of author development in order to achieve an enhanced strategy for future projects, broadened reach, and longevity in writing.
If you are serious about making a career out of your writing, then a publisher can help you lay solid ground. Most publishers offer continued support, advising on everything from series development to changes in the publishing industry. They keep you relevant, they help you market your books, and they help you connect with readers over time.
The second book deal with the same publisher, and I knew that relationship had evolved beyond just business. They truly cared about my career and helped me strategize for the future. They encouraged me to think beyond individual books and focus on developing my brand as an author.
Financial Support and Royalties
While the creative side of writing is important, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked. Professional publishers can provide significant financial support in terms of advances, royalty structures, and marketing budgets. Many publishers give authors an advance against future royalties that may serve as a cushion during the writing and publishing process.
The pros are that the publishers will have more bargaining powers in negotiating the sale of the book, and you will have a higher royalty compared to self-publishing. They can advise on foreign rights sales, audiobook adaptations, and film options, among other ancillary revenue streams.
The game-changer came when my publisher offered me an advance on my second book. It has allowed me to focus a lot more on the writing rather than the financial pressure of putting out a self-published book. Plus, the royalty structure they offered was much stronger than what I would have been getting by self-publishing.
International Opportunities and Translation
Rights If you have a dream of seeing your book reach readers beyond your home country, a professional publisher can assist you through international markets. Professional book publishers have contacts with foreign publishers and translation services to sell the rights of your book in different countries. This meant that my publisher, for example, was able to sell the translation rights to a French publisher; that is how the French edition of my book was issued.
This opened up an entirely new market for my work and increased my visibility in the world market. These are the things typically not available in self-publishing. In this respect, publishers specialize in the rather complicated negotiations entailed within foreign rights sales, going a long way toward better chances of reaching other international platforms.
Conclusion
Professional Publishers and Unlocking Opportunities The road to success for a new author may be scary, but it is certainly easier with the right partner. Professional book publishers offer access to more significant opportunities through expertise, marketing support, distribution, and financial support. By publishing with a respected publisher, you do not only get your book out into the world but also set yourself up for a successful, sustainable career.
Whether you are just entering the world of writing professionally or you want to simply take your writing career to whole new levels, partnering up with a professional book publisher will help unlock the plethora of opportunities that await you. And so, take the plunge—let the process work—and let the professionals help you turn that writing dream into a true-to-life, thriving reality.