??? Traditional Publishing

??? There's a good reason for the "bookstore" pic accompanying this article of mine on traditional publishing (also called commercial or trade publishing).

It's because traditionally-published books (rather than self-published or subsidy/pay-published) constitute most of the books found in most bricks-and-mortar new/retail bookstores.

??? The publishers – through book distributors – work to get their products into the stores –?and not all of them will, due to space constraints or bookstore preference. However, almost any book can be ordered through bookstores or online book sites.

??? So – what should a new author know about traditional publishing? Here's the good news. A traditional publisher pays for all production costs associated with your book, and distributes it.

??? You also (usually) get an advance against royalties. For a highly marketable/known author it could be up to $100,000 or more. For a new/niche author, it might be $10,000, $1,000 or less – even nothing (as with some very small publishers).

??? Another plus with a traditionally-published book is that you're more likely (though not guaranteed) to get that book reviewed by major media – i.e., in that hallowed book section in a large newspaper.

That doesn't mean only traditionally-published books will get media coverage. There are many ways to get that for a book – and I explore that in other articles.

??? Now for the downside – or let's say reality. You need an agent to approach most major publishers. And getting a legit established literary agent (who will charge you nothing except his/her ongoing percentage on a sold property) can be challenging.

However, there are many smaller/regional/specialty publishers who may be more receptive to un-agented material (and often say so, in directories like the huge annual Writer's Market book published by Writer's Digest Books). I also regularly see lists/directories of such publishers, online.

??? Traditional publishers are extremely selective about the book properties they purchase. They may get thousands of book manuscripts and proposals a year, yet publish only a relative handful. Some years ago, I recall hearing one book editor say, "We publish about one half of one percent of all submissions."

??? There's usually a long time factor in dealing with traditional publishers (or with an agent). You may be waiting months after sending an initial query letter – then more time after sending a "package" of sample chapters, marketing, promo plans, etc. Even if you do eventually get a contract, there may be much more work ahead – more rewriting/editing – and up to 1 and 1/2 years of their publishing pipeline before the book is "out there."

??? It's possible that if you have a recognizable name, some celebrity or industry standing etc., that process may be speeded up. But you still may have to do a lot of work to persuade the publishing co. your proposed book is truly marketable.

??? The acceptance of a book property has as much to do with the publishing company's marketing department as with its editorial department. After all, this is an investment the company is making, and needs as much indication of its ROI as possible...though publishing companies sometimes will take a chance – as UK publisher Bloomsbury did with Harry Potter (after it was turned down by 12 other publishers).

??? The publishing company – and through using either its in-house design department, freelancers or both – also will control and handle the book's design, including cover.

??? The entire publishing industry has changed drastically in the last 20 years or so – with the proliferation of self-publishing, print-on-demand and other publishing options for new authors to reach often admirable heights. Still, the "cachet" of being published by a traditional publisher – and having had them make that financial investment in you – remains as the Holy Grail for many new authors.

??? With all forms of publishing, there's a trade-off. With traditional publishing you must deal with long wait periods; great odds of being accepted; a smaller royalty, and their controlling your book.

To balance that: if they accept your book, they pay for everything, and pay you an advance against royalties. Their graphic-design and marketing professionals with years of experience and industry savvy are likely to give your book its best selling shot.

??? And after all (unlike as with subsidy/'vanity' publishers), the traditional publisher makes its money through its significant portion of your book sales, not through charging you for any book-related services.

In another article, I'll talk about how to give traditional publishing your best shot – whoever you are and whatever book you're writing! In fact – this article: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-topackage-traditional-publisher-winnie-czulinski-

Questions or comments? I love "book talk," and am happy to help if I can :)

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Pic credit: https://pixabay.com/fr/users/luboshouska-198496/