Good afternoon, all!
I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far. Where I live, we've had lots of snow and icy weather. I haven't been able to leave my home in a few days, which can be both fun and stressful. If you're anything like me, you like to be productive in your day. When you're snowed in, it's hard to feel productive when you can't even go out. However, there's also something very nostalgic in being snowed in without the ability to go out. It feels like the "good old days" of elementary school when you hoped so desperately to receive a phone call from your school system saying schools would be closed due to inclement weather.
On this snowy, cold day, I thought I would use this time to offer some advice for authors who may be looking to submit new manuscripts to publishing companies in 2024. Or, maybe you're an aspiring author looking to make your big break.
So, what do publishing companies typically look for in a manuscript?
Well, as I'm sure you know, there is no magic formula a writer can follow for guaranteed publication. What works varies by genre, publisher, and other factors outside of your control. That being said, there are some basic elements every publisher considers when evaluating a manuscript. Those elements are content, market, competition, and author platform.
CONTENT
Having a good idea for a story is a great start, but that won't get you far without quality content. A novel needs substance, something readers can relate to and really sink their teeth into. But how do you write a novel with substance?
Well, for one thing, you have to have complex and authentic characters that readers will care about and see themselves in. You also need a compelling central plot that is entertaining and makes sense for the world and characters you've created. You need to keep up with the backstories you've given your characters and the "lore" of your world so there are no plot holes.
And, of course, you need good grammar and syntax.
MARKET
Publishing, at the end of the day, is a business, and publishers want to sell books. When publishers look at a project, they ask themselves about the market for that manuscript. Who would be interested in this? What are those people like? How big is this market? How much money does this market make, and what would these types of people spend their money on?
You may want to ask yourself about your designated market before you start approaching publishers with your manuscript.
COMPETITION
The next thing publishers consider is competition. This is key because it shows them who the market is and how large the demand is. If books within your genre or topic are doing well, publishers are more likely to consider your work. Publishers also look at how your book differs from the competition. If you provide enhanced content, an innovative approach, or a more user-friendly voice to a certain genre, then publishers will be more likely to consider acquiring your book. However, if your book is too similar to an existing one, or if your content is weak or poorly executed in comparison to your competition, then a publisher will be less willing to consider it.
Doing a bit of research beforehand is key. Go to a bookstore and look at other books on your topic. Read the bestsellers from the New York Times and see how they tackle similar themes. Can you do it better? Do you have a more engaging voice or storyline? If so, you may be able to compete!
AUTHOR PLATFORM
What is an author platform, and why is it important?
Well, it’s the base of people who have interest in your book and who would regard you as an authority in your field. Your platform is your audience, and your publicity plans and other promotional activities will be targeted at them.
Having a platform as an author is important because it is what sets you apart from other authors in your genre. Publishers and media always look at author platforms, sometimes even before they look at the content of your book. The platform is what will cut through all of the millions of advertising and media messages directed at consumers, carry your book to readers, and in turn drive sales. If your platform is not strong, active, and growing, publishers and media will move on to the next author whose platform is.
First, you need to define your target reader. You need to be as specific as possible in stating your target audience. It can't be as generic as “all readers.” Not everyone who reads is interested in every topic or genre. Instead, you need to hone the target down to something like “young women in their 20s/30s interested in fantasy."
Once you get a target reader in mind, define how you’ll build a group to serve as your platform. Whatever the focus is, it needs to relate to both your audience and your book. If your book is about the detailed history of the Roman Empire, you won’t have much luck driving sales using a platform geared toward young women primarily interested in fantasy.
There are many ways to connect with potential readers as part of your platform-building strategy, including having a website, writing a blog, participating in social media, and making physical appearances in public to speak at book clubs or local organizations to talk about your skills.
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Thank you to everyone reading this week's blog, and PLEASE don't forget to listen to our new podcast episode this Friday. Janie Jessee will be talking about publishing and manuscript submissions! You won't want to miss it!
I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe week... If you're experiencing a lot of snow or icy weather, keep an eye on the roads and watch your local weather updates.
Allison Chudina
Editorial Assistant
Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.
Bookmarked
Excellent information!
Thank you!