Embarking on the Literary Adventure: A Beginner's Odyssey to Landing that First Book Deal
As an aspiring author, navigating the complex world of publishing can be intimidating. In fact, until I’d actually been through the entire traditionally published cycle, I was never quite sure of what to expect.
It would have been super helpful if someone who had just been through it for the first time had explained it to me with unfiltered guidance. So, that’s what you’ll find in this post. I’ll walk you through the process of understanding book deals and the steps you need to take to secure one. We’ll also discuss the importance of literary agents, how to cope with rejection, and the resources available to help you on your journey. So let’s dive in and learn how to get a book deal!
Introduction to the Publishing World
The publishing world is honestly still very mysterious to me. It can be overwhelming, so personally, I try to just focus on my writing (like the introvert that I am).
Of course, that’s but a dream now. I’ve faced my fears, so I can share with you some of what I’ve learned.
When we talk about traditional publishing, we are talking about working with a publisher who manages the entire production, marketing, and distribution process for your book. Traditional publishing is highly competitive, but it can also provide huge benefits. When you’ve secured a book deal with a traditional publishing company, you can expect your manuscript to receive professional editing, marketing support, and access to a wider audience.
My editor for The Ice House was Andrea Spooner at Little, Brown Young Readers, and for a debut author, I think working with her was invaluable. I learned so much about the craft of writing from a true expert. Based on my own learning style, I really feel this was ideal, because I was sharpening my skills while working toward specific deadlines.
Understanding Book Deals and How They Work
When an author signs a contract for their book deal, they are entering into a binding agreement with a publisher. The publisher acquires the rights to publish and distribute the author’s work in exchange for royalties, which are a percentage of the book’s sales.
These contracts include details like when you will be required to submit the finished manuscript, an approximate word count, and terms of the advance offered and royalty rates. Advances are a lump sum payment made to the author before the book is published, and they are essentially a loan against your future royalties. Royalties are calculated based on the net sales price of the book and vary by format. E-Book royalties are different from hard copy royalties, for example.
Steps to Getting a Book Deal: From Manuscript to Contract
Now that we’re clear on what a book deal actually is, I’ll outline the major steps any writer aiming to get published would follow:
Polish your manuscript: As a writer seeking first-time publication of a fiction manuscript, the most important step in securing a book deal is to have a well-written, polished manuscript. Ultimately, the quality of your manuscript will make or break its success. If, for example, you write an amazing query letter and an agent does give your manuscript a read — if it’s not well written, you will lose that opportunity, regardless of how amazing it sounded in your pitch. When you think your manuscript is as strong as it could possibly be, step away from it for at least a week (some people would say month).
Conduct a final round of editing: When you return to it with fresh eyes, check your manuscript is free of grammatical errors. Make sure that you can articulate the plot in three to four concise sentences. Be able to explain what each character wants, and how those desires connect to the overall theme of the book. If you have people in your life who have proven to be strong writers or readers in the past, seek feedback from them. Be open to making revisions based on their suggestions, but be judicious here. If you don’t agree with their feedback, ask yourself why, and if you have a compelling case for ignoring it, then do so. Ultimately it is yours, and you have to feel confident in your decisions and be able to explain why you made them.
Write a compelling query letter: A query letter is a one-page pitch that introduces you and your manuscript to potential agents. It should include a brief synopsis of your story, a hook to grab the reader’s attention, and any relevant information about your writing credentials or platform if you have one. Make sure your query letter is well-written, concise, and targeted to the specific agent or publisher you’re approaching. I spent tons of time looking at examples of query letters I could find online. I am definitely not an authority on how to write the perfect query letter — I found it to be one the hardest parts of this whole process. In retrospect though I think it is easy to make too much of query letters and let fear over them delay or even stop the submission process. Do the best you can based on query letter guides and examples you find online. Good is better than perfect. Mine definitely wasn’t amazing, but I’m here on the other side with a published book.
Research agents and publishers: Before submitting your manuscript, research agents and publishers who would be a good fit for your work. Look for those who represent authors in your genre and have a track record of successful book deals. Make sure these agents are actually open to submission before you spend time crafting a perfect query letter only to learn they aren’t taking on new clients. You can find this information by browsing their websites, reading interviews, and checking online resources like AgentQuery or Publishers Marketplace. It’s also helpful to look at some of your favorite authors in your genre, and see who represents them.
Submit your work: Once you’ve identified potential agents or publishers, follow their submission guidelines carefully. This may include sending your query letter, a synopsis, and a sample of your manuscript. Be patient, as response times can vary from a few weeks to several months. Most agents open to submission include details on when to expect a response. If that time frame passes, definitely follow up politely. Agents have very full inboxes, and you never know.
Gaining representation: If an agent is interested in your work, they will generally offer you representation. They may provide feedback and notes for changes on your manuscript before they sign you to get a sense of how you work, or they might sign you and then provide input on strategic edits for you to make before going out on submission. It varies. Having an agent is crucial for many reasons. One of the biggest benefits for me was having an expert guide me through the negotiations that come along with submitting to publishing houses and responding to publishing contracts.
Importance of Literary Agents in Securing a Book Deal
Literary agents play a crucial role in the publishing industry, acting as intermediaries between authors and publishers. They have extensive knowledge of the market and can help you find the right publisher for your work. Some of the benefits of working with a literary agent include:
Access to publishers: Many publishers only accept submissions from literary agents, making it difficult for unrepresented authors to get their work considered.
Negotiating power: Literary agents are skilled negotiators who can help you secure the best possible book deal, including a higher advance and better royalty rates.
Contract expertise: Agents have extensive experience with publishing contracts and can help you navigate the complex terms and conditions.
Career guidance: An agent can provide valuable advice and support throughout your writing career, from helping you develop your author platform to strategizing about future projects.
Navigating Rejection and Staying Persistent
Rejection is an inevitable part of the publishing process, and it’s important to remember that even the most successful authors have faced rejection at some point in their careers. Something I’ve come to realize is that the rejection never actually ends. Rejection and criticism and negative feedback are obviously different based on their intent, but to deal with them you have to develop the same sort of thick skin.
When I faced rejection or difficult feedback, I told myself that it was a part of being a writer. I acted like it was a daily part of the job of being an author, the same as clearing out your inbox, or another task that is tedious but necessary. If you want to be traditionally published, it helps to act as though you have already succeeded and refuse to let rejection stop you. There are really so many agents out there, so batch your query letters. If a query letter isn’t getting positive responses, tweak it. Keep searching until you find someone who connects with your work.
Here are a few tips for dealing with rejection and staying persistent:
Don’t take it personally (Really!): Rejection is often based on market trends and other factors beyond your control. Keep in mind that it’s not a reflection of your worth as a writer.
Learn from feedback: If you receive specific feedback from an agent or publisher, consider whether it might help you improve your manuscript.
Stay determined: Continue to submit your work to agents and publishers, and don’t be afraid to revise your manuscript or query letter if necessary.
Resources for Aspiring Authors: Books, Workshops, and Online Courses
There are numerous resources available to help aspiring authors navigate the publishing world and improve their craft. Some examples include:
Books: Some of my favorites are “On Writing” by Stephen King and “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott.
Workshops: Attend writing workshops to network with other writers and to become more comfortable with hearing feedback on your writing. Online writing groups are a great way to add a level of accountability to your writing practice, as you are producing work on a regular basis and sharing it with an audience.
Online courses: Masterclass has some online courses on writing and publishing that I have found to be really informational and enjoyable. Judy Blume’s and R L Stine’s are my two favorites.
Taking the First Step Towards Your Book Deal
Securing a book deal can be daunting, but it is doable. Remember to stay persistent, keep yourself open to learning along the way, and always remind yourself why you’re on this journey. Think about your future readers, and what you hope they will feel when they read. your book. Picture what it will feel like when it’s accomplished.
Some of you may know that I am a lifelong Little Women fanatic. I still get chills thinking about seeing the Greta Gerwig version for the first time. The look in Jo’s eyes as she sees her book through the printer’s window — her true happily ever after — perfectly captured how it felt to see my book for the first time.
It might feel that way for you, too, one day, when after a great deal of hard work and patience and persistence you hold the first copy of your book in your hands.
I know you can do it, and I can’t wait to read the stories that you alone can tell.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. x
