There are many qualities that you need to look for in a publisher, and it is important to consider what qualities you need in order to make your decision. It’s not always easy finding the right publishing company, but there are some things that can help you make your decision easier.
1 – Who Have They Published Before?
The first thing I would recommend when looking at publishers is who they have published before. If they have published books or other material by authors or artists you like, then this may be a good reason to choose them because it shows their taste level. If you are a sci-fi writer, find someone who specializes in sci-fi publishing, not something else. This is why it is so important to look at who they have published before. A lot of times if they publish authors from your genre, those authors may have been happy with the company and would be comfortable recommending them as well.
2 – Who Is Responsible for Editing?
It is important to look at who the editor is that you would be working with. Editors can have very different tastes from one another, so it’s important to find someone you have a good rapport with. A manuscript can go through several different edits from the author, the editor, and even the publisher. They all have to agree and sign off on it. If you and your editor don’t agree, then the publisher may not want to take it because it’s not up to standard.
3 – How Does the Company Promote Authors?
It is important to look at how the company is going to promote you and your work. Some companies may do more advertising than others, which means they are able to spend more money on you and your book. Some smaller companies may not be able to afford you as much, but they are less competitive. You have to decide what is most important to you, and then you can do your research and look into what each publisher is doing for their authors.
4 – What Does the Contract Look Like?
It’s important to look at how your contract looks before you sign it, sometimes they contain hidden charges or other important things that you should know about before signing on the dotted line. It’s important to look at what the commission is for the publishing company. A small company might take over half of your royalties, while a bigger company may take less. It’s important to look at how much money you will be making off of your book and compare it to the percentage the publishing company is going to take. It is important to always look at what fees you will have to pay, as well as what percentage of royalties you will get. Look at their contract and determine if there are any charges for editing, printing, and/or anything else you might need. Also, look for how often you will be paid and what the payment schedule is like. Maybe it’s quarterly instead of yearly, or maybe they pay monthly. It’s important to know what fees you have, so you can plan accordingly.
5 – What Additional Services Do They Offer?
It’s important to look at what services each publisher offers. Some publishers offer free editing, whereas others you have to pay. Some might provide author copies of your book, while others may charge more. Look at what they offer and decide if you need these services or not and how it will affect your budget. Look at what publishing and other services they offer, such as advertising. Some companies do more than others, and some may not be able to afford certain services.
6 – How Long They Have Been Around For?
It’s important to look at how long the publisher has been around. Some publishers are very new and may not give them a lot of credibility in the publishing world, but some smaller companies may be more reputable than larger ones. It’s important to look at who they are and what their reputation is like before you make a decision.
7 – Who Owns the Copyrights to Your Work?
It is important to look at who owns the copyright to your work. Some publishing companies might own the copyright to your work. This means you can’t make any money off of it until the publishing company has made their money back on it, which can take a very long time. They may also have to give you the copyright back after so many years, which means you won’t be able to make money off of it anymore. Look at the contract and see if you can make changes to this section, or get a different publisher because not all of them own the copyright to your work.
8 – What is Their Reputation Like?
It’s important to look at what other people say about the publishing company. You can ask other authors or research them online to see what their reputation is like. Some publishers have been known to scam authors, while others are very reputable. It’s important to make sure the publisher you choose is trustworthy.
9 – What Are Their Marketing Methods?
Marketing is really important. It’s important to look at what the publisher is going to do for your book. Some might have a more extensive marketing plan than others. It’s important to look at how much marketing they do and what kind of budget they have for your book. Some publishing companies don’t have a big budget for marketing, so you might have to do most of the work yourself.
When looking for a publisher, it is important to consider all of the factors mentioned above. By taking the time to research each publisher and what they have to offer, you are more likely to make a decision that will be beneficial to both you and your book. Remember, not all publishers are created equal, so it is important to do your due diligence before signing any contracts.
