Wordsmiths of all levels may look at the writing process from different angles. It may be a labor of love, just part of running a business, or as a tool for personal healing. However, the main goal of most writers is to get paid their worth. When it comes to pitching a book query targeted to urban or Christian audiences, an African American publishing company may be able to offer benefits that other publishing houses lack.
Although some may think that the larger publishing houses are the best, there are some things to consider. The first is that few will take on a new author or anyone without agency representation. There may be exceptions, like those with a strong social media following or are a sudden media sensation. Those at the starting gate may find that going with a smaller publisher is the best choice for the moment.
Sometimes to mainstream companies may also be uncertain about getting behind stories that are extremely gritty. While the editor may like it personally, the question may be the marketing of the book. This is where some new authors find themselves in a hard place because they may try to mellow out the content so that the works are suitable for a general audience.
There is also online marketing to consider. Although some people have been able to sell products based on a few social media posts, the competition is getting steep and it helps to have other ideas for promotion. Electronic press releases, promotional articles, and an author web page that can be used for engagement and sales are good places to start.
Even lighthearted subjects like hair care and ethnic recipes may be better handled by those who understand the culture and their expectations. There are also pieces of history worthy of sharing to a certain audience. This also means capturing the right images and photographs, as well as sharing tidbits that can help a manuscript sell faster.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
One thing that stands out about publishing houses of this kind is that they will use images that reflect the context of the book. They are more likely to use real photos of the author or use artists or illustrators whose work reflects the interest of a particular audience. While the old saying tells people not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to meeting new people, the truth is that an interesting picture can help the book sell.
After a new author has completed their final manuscript draft, they should take time to look at all of the publishing houses. Not just look at places that publish a certain genre but those who have a diverse roster of titles. For the novice working without an agent, it may help to read articles or books on how to approach publishers and negotiate to get the deal that is deserved.
Although some may think that the larger publishing houses are the best, there are some things to consider. The first is that few will take on a new author or anyone without agency representation. There may be exceptions, like those with a strong social media following or are a sudden media sensation. Those at the starting gate may find that going with a smaller publisher is the best choice for the moment.
Sometimes to mainstream companies may also be uncertain about getting behind stories that are extremely gritty. While the editor may like it personally, the question may be the marketing of the book. This is where some new authors find themselves in a hard place because they may try to mellow out the content so that the works are suitable for a general audience.
There is also online marketing to consider. Although some people have been able to sell products based on a few social media posts, the competition is getting steep and it helps to have other ideas for promotion. Electronic press releases, promotional articles, and an author web page that can be used for engagement and sales are good places to start.
Even lighthearted subjects like hair care and ethnic recipes may be better handled by those who understand the culture and their expectations. There are also pieces of history worthy of sharing to a certain audience. This also means capturing the right images and photographs, as well as sharing tidbits that can help a manuscript sell faster.
Most find communication with the smaller publishers to be more open to unique concepts. For instance, late author Donald Goines, who told many gritty stories about living a life of crime and narcotic abuse, would not have made it had he pitched a major publisher. Although some of the larger houses may have an urban division, this was not the case almost half a century ago.
One thing that stands out about publishing houses of this kind is that they will use images that reflect the context of the book. They are more likely to use real photos of the author or use artists or illustrators whose work reflects the interest of a particular audience. While the old saying tells people not to judge a book by its cover when it comes to meeting new people, the truth is that an interesting picture can help the book sell.
After a new author has completed their final manuscript draft, they should take time to look at all of the publishing houses. Not just look at places that publish a certain genre but those who have a diverse roster of titles. For the novice working without an agent, it may help to read articles or books on how to approach publishers and negotiate to get the deal that is deserved.
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