Tips with Members
Editor Shares Book Publishing
Tips with Members
You’ve got an idea for a book, or perhaps you’ve already written one. How do you go about getting it published? Deborah Flapan, managing editor of Bonus Books, Inc., provided advance for writers attending IWPA’s Nov. 16, 1996 meeting.
First, consider whether the book will sell. Is it new, better or different than what’s already on the market? Flapan suggests writers research the competition -- check out the library’s holdings and visit bookstores. One way for a writer to make his book better -- not just different -- is to expand on the competitor’s treatment.
Next, consider the four types of publishers: mass market, trade, academic and professional.
By knowing the book’s audience, a writer can target the appropriate publisher. To find names of publishers, Flapan suggests Writer’s Market and Literary Marketplace. She recommends calling to confirm the editor’s name and address before sending them anything.
The book proposal should include a cover letter, market research information, an outline of the book, sample chapters and a self-addressed stamped envelope. "Try to consider every possible reason people might have for buying your book and include it," Flapan suggests. "Make sure to proofread your cover letter." Including a SASE is important, she said. Submissions without them go unanswered in the busy publishing industry.
Bonus Books, a small company that publishes less then 30 titles a year, receives up to 200 queries a month. "Large publishing houses receive many more," said Flapan.
Flapan also discussed book contracts, which she said are valuable for both the writer and publisher. The contract typically includes information on royalties, the advance, manuscript delivery date and subsidiary rights. First-time authors should not expect to receive an advance, she said. And, they may have to make concessions. "For your first book, you might want to take what you get," she said, referring to contract provisions.
For more information, Flapan recommends Judith Appelbaum’s book, "How to Get Happily Published."