Editors receive hundreds of manuscripts submitted by eager wannabe authors with high hopes of finding an editor who loves their work enough to pull them from the slush pile and place them on bookstore shelves. The process begins with the writer toiling over a manuscript that will surely be the next great novel, but it often ends in frustration when the rejection slip arrives.
It’s easy to blame the editor for not “getting it” or maybe not even reading enough of the manuscript to make the decision. If the writer could see inside the hallowed walls of the publishing office, perhaps he’d have a better idea of the cost and amount of time a publisher spends on each published book.
Submission
Most publishers ask writers to start the process with a query letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The query is ideally a one-page letter that includes a paragraph about the book, a one-paragraph author bio and something that lets the editor know why that particular author is the one who should write the book.
If the editor’s interest is piqued, she’ll ask for a proposal. Most fiction editors will want a synopsis and sample chapters, preferably the first three, or first fifty pages. Some houses also request marketing plans to find out what the author is willing to do to help promote the book. Even if they have in-house publicists, the willingness of an author to do some publicity can be a major factor in pushing this book ahead of others that are taken to the marketing committee.
An author who has never been published may be asked to present the full book so the publishing staff knows that he can complete the book. If you already have a publishing history, the publisher may be willing to take a chance and go to contract on proposal.
Contract Offer
Once the editor sees that the author can deliver a good book that meets the publisher’s guidelines, she may decide to take the project to “committee.” This is where each book under consideration is discussed among the team that consists of editorial staff, marketing people and those who have control of the company’s money.
The contract points are decided, and the author or author’s agent is called with an offer. The acquisitions editor will generally include the proposed advance, royalty rate, due date and release date during this call.
Editing Process
After an author turns in the completed manuscript, an editor will check the book for big-picture issues, such as story arc and consistencies in characterization and plot. Sometimes an in-house editor handles the content edits (also called macro edits), but many publishers turn to freelance editors who will work with the author to tweak the story and make it stronger.
The next stage in editing is the copy edit. This editor’s job is to check facts, make sure the manuscript is formatted to house style and correct grammar and spelling. Some of the smaller publishers combine the content edits and copy edits to save time and money.
Before the book is printed, a proofreader will read the galley (unbound proofs) to check for last minute mistakes. Generally, by the time the work gets to this stage, larger content errors are costly to make because the typesetter or designer has already established pagination. Most book publishers will send the author galleys at the same time to ensure that the final product is error free.
Production
Publishers use either an in-house art department or external design company to create a cover that will stand out on crowded bookstore shelves. The editorial assistant typically sends the author an art sheet to fill out, giving details about the setting, the character’s appearance and the theme of the story.
After the book is edited and proofread, it will be sent to the printer. The first print run is decided based on pre-sales and the publisher’s history with that type of book. Occasionally, so much interest is generated in advance of the release date, the book will have additional print runs before it even hits store shelves.
Marketing and Sales
At some point during the earlier stages of the book, the marketing team gets together and designs a plan to create buzz about the book. These are the people who send the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) to Publishers Weekly and other places that review books before it is available to readers.
Marketing teams typically help authors with book trailers, newspaper and magazine advertisements, and television and radio spots. A publisher’s marketing team has connections that are difficult for each author to develop.
The sales team’s job is to get the books into as many outlets as possible. They have relationships with buyers at major chains as well as independent booksellers. If the author wants to have signings, they may turn to either the sales rep in their area or someone on the publisher’s marketing team.
Traditional book publishing may seem slow to new authors, but all the steps need to be carefully executed to get the most out of every book. The whole process can take as long as a year or two to get from the author’s computer to bookstore shelves.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
