
How to Find the Best Book Publishing Company?
Publishing your book is one of the thrilling yet nerve-wrecking steps in your journey of becoming an author. Whether you are a seasoned storyteller or a first-time writer, finding the right book publishing company can make a big difference. It will either ensure that your book flies off the shelves or that it fades into obscurity.
However, one of the most popping questions everyone has is with so many publishing options out there, how do you choose the best one?
If that’s what you are wondering too, then consider reading my blog till the end. Here, I will walk you through the tips for finding the best book publishing company related to your goals, genres, and style.
So, let’s dive in!
Top Tips for Finding the Best Book Publishing Company
To find the best book publishing company, you have to understand your goals, know the publishing companies, research, read the client testimonials, check the reputation, and then make a decision.
Come on! Let’s dive into these tips.
1. Understand Your Publishing Goals
Before you start Googling publishing houses, take a step back. Ask yourself:
Before you start googling the publishing houses, take a step back and consider what your goals are. Furthermore, ask yourself:
- Do I want full control over my book?
- Moreover, is distribution and marketing essential for me?
- Am I looking for a traditional deal or a self-publishing company?
- What’s my budget?
Once you have answers to all these questions, your search will become easier. Additionally, if you want complete control over your book, then self-publishing might be the right choice for you. Just make sure that you have done the research for this.
However, if you dream of seeing your book in major bookstores and don’t mind sharing the royalties, a traditional publisher is the best fit.
2. Know the Different Publishing Companies
Next, you need to understand the different types of publishing companies to assist with your research.
- Traditional Publishers: There are well-established houses like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins that cover editing, design, printing, distribution, and even some marketing. However, do remember they are highly selective and require a literary agent.
- Independent Publisher: They are more focused on the specific genres or niches. The best thing is that they are more accessible and more personal with their approach. However, the resources may be limited.
- Hybrid Publishers: They offer a blend of traditional and self-publishing. By opting for this, you usually pay upfront. However, they offer professional services, and your royalties are higher than the traditional ones.
- Self-Publishing Platforms: Ever heard of KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital? They handle everything, from book formatting to marketing. You can even consider hiring freelancers or services like the best book cover design services to get everything done while having complete control yourself. The best thing is that you earn the highest royalty percentages.
3. Research Thoroughly
Know your goals? Chosen the publishing path? Now, the next step is to start researching companies that align with your goals.
Here is what you need to look for:
- Books that are similar to your niche. Furthermore, check who published them.
- Furthermore, explore the author communities. You can consider joining Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Twitter chats for recommendations.
- Additionally, use tools like Poets & Writers or Duotrope to find the listings.
Remember, don’t rush through this part. Instead, take your time, research the list of book publishing companies. Make sure they are good for you.
4. Check the Company’s Reputation
Here’s where things get serious. Scams and predatory publishers are, unfortunately, common, especially in the self-publishing and hybrid spaces.
Here is the part where things get serious. While there are many reliable services, there are also some that might scam you just to get money out of you, especially in the hybrid spaces.
Therefore, you have to be cautious. Use Google to check the reputation of the company. Moreover, ensure that you select the best book publishing company with exceptional ratings and a strong customer base. Also, check what their previous clients have to say about them. You can check websites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or Sidejabber.
Additionally, make sure to stay away from the companies that make big promises without offering transparency. Or else you might have to face the consequences.
5. Read the Fine Print
This is the step many people skip while searching for publishing companies. And they even regret it.
Hence, don’t miss this one.
Instead, make sure to ask them for a sample contract. Furthermore, look for information on things like:
- Check the royalty rates to know what percentage you earn per sale.
- Additionally, make sure to check the rights. Do they own your audio or film rights?
- What would happen if you wanted to terminate the contract?
- Also, know what exactly you are paying for.
6. Talk to Other Authors
One of the best ways to find the best publishing company is by seeing what other authors who have worked with them think of them.
Hence, make sure to reach out to them via social media, Goodreads, or author websites and ask about their experiences. Furthermore, see if they are happy with the communication and support. Moreover, ask them how the sales and marketing were handled.
It is essential that authors are more honest and helpful. Hence, they will help you find the best publishing company for your needs.
7. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, your publishing partner must be someone whom you can trust completely. Therefore, trust your gut. If you even feel a little bit skecptical don’t consider that services.
Instead move on the others and make sure that they are reliable.
8. Ask Questions Before Committing
Do not be afraid to ask potential publishers questions like:
- Who will handle design and editing?
- What’s the typical publishing timeline?
- How are books distributed?
- Moreover do you support marketing support?
If by any chance they dismiss you consider that a biggest red flag.
Wrap Up!
Your book deserves to be in the right hands—and so do you.
This brings us to the end of the guide. In a nutshell, finding the best book publishing company is not all about selecting the biggest name. Instead it is about finding the right fit for your book. Whether you decide to go traditional, hybrid or fully independent, make sure to do your research, ask questions and stay in control of your journey.