The Essentials What Publishers Look for in an Writers
Have you ever thought about what it takes to be a published author? Many things go into being successful, but one of the most important is having a strong and professional book proposal. This document outlines everything your book will contain, from the table of contents to chapter summaries. Of course, it’s no easy task putting together a book proposal that will make publishers take notice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to success!
What publishers really want from writers
When pitching your work to a publisher, there are a few key things they will be looking for. Here are some of the most important factors that publishers consider when reviewing submissions:
- The quality of your writing
Obviously, the quality of your writing will be one of the biggest factors publishers look at. They want to see well-written and engaging content that will resonate with their readership. But, on the other hand, if your writing is sloppy or filled with errors, it’s not likely to make the cut.
- Your target audience
Publishers need to know who your target audience is to determine whether or not your work would be a good fit for their publication. If you’re writing for a specific niche audience, it may be difficult to find a publisher willing to take a chance on your work.
- Your platform
Your platform is the combined reach of all your social media channels and other online presence. Publishers want to know that you have an engaged following who will be interested in reading your work. If you don’t have much of a platform, getting a publisher to take you on may be difficult.
- Your marketing plan
Publishers will also want to see that you have a solid marketing plan for promoting your book once it’s published. They need to know that you’re willing to work to market your book and have a realistic plan.
- Your previous publications
Publishers will want to see your track record if you’ve been published before. They’ll want to know how well your previous books have sold and what kind of reception they received. This information can help them gauge whether or not your new book is likely to be successful.
- Your credentials
Publishers will want to know if you have any relevant credentials or experience in the subject matter you’re writing about. This type of information can help them decide if your book is likely to be credible and authoritative.
- Your sales pitch
Finally, publishers will want to see a strong sales pitch for your book. They need to be convinced that your book is worth investing in and that it has the potential to sell well. Your pitch should be clear, concise, and persuasive.
If you can focus on these key factors, you’ll be well on your way to impressing publishers and getting your work published.
Martha Anderson
As a literary agent since 2009, Martha has negotiated 100+ contracts with more than 10 publishers, and worked with more than 100 authors to bring their books to publication and build their careers.