Greetings, from the Sans Serif side of things.

Whenever there’s a lengthy period of downtime, thoughts turn to those projects set aside or abandoned. From home improvement tasks to … writing that book—or even better, polishing that manuscript and getting it published.

Perhaps you’ve finished writing a book you’ve finally gotten the time (and nerve) to see published. If so, there’s plenty to consider once your manuscript is ‘public’ ready. I’m self-published (a growing trend) but wanted to overview considerations involved with going the traditional publishing route.

Now, your manuscript is polished, your query letter is tight and has generated some interest in your work. Before accepting any offers, it’s important to have a good grasp of the publishing process. Not all publishing situations are savory. Even with reputable publishers, the scales will tip in their favor (not necessarily a bad thing). Bottom line: you don’t want to be taken advantage of. You don’t want to be paid less than you’re worth because you knew nothing about book publishing.

The Publishing Process-Genre

Obviously, you’re only working with publishers of genres matching what you’ve written. Sending a sci-fi book to a publisher of romance novels is … well, bordering idiotic.

Recognize publishers have specific wants and needs for their houses—even within a genre. For instance, one romance novel publisher may be seeking historical romances, while another may want lovey-dovey challenges with a sci-fi setting. There are varying concentrations, even within genres. Identify a prospective publisher’s wants/needs before querying. You’ll avoid wasting time and/or money.

In researching a publisher’s specific genre needs, you’ll also get more than familiar with their guidelines, knowing if they accept full manuscripts, sample chapters, or only query letters. Following a publisher’s guidelines to the letter increases your chances of having your book at least accepted for further review (a foot in the door).

The Publishing Process-Contracts

So, okay, a publisher wants to bring you aboard. Before any dotted-line action, have a good understanding of how book publishing payments work. A publisher’s interest in signing you, provides “validation” writers seek, but don’t lose sight of a very important secondary goal: making some money by getting paid for your artistic labor.

There is some degree of standardization, but not all publishing contracts (and thus payment structures) work the same. Flat rate payments, advance payments, and royalty payments are all common methods of payment. Ideally, make the most money possible. Some authors get blinded by that validation factor. They’re excited over the real possibility of having their book published, they’ll even accept an offer significantly less than it should be.

Self-explanatory, advance payments are cool, but some publishers make advance payments seem better than they truly are. Examine these terms closely—especially regarding any long-term payments. Some writers, whether over-excited, financially pressed, or both, may find the lure of “early” money particularly enticing.

With royalty payments (a percentage paid to an author based on each book sold), it’s important to get everything in writing—including an established schedule for royalties credited and paid. Before signing, be sure the contract clarifies:

• The percentage of sales you’ll receive.
• Royalties counted/credited (e.g., quarterly, annually).
• Timetable for payment after each schedule finishes.

Final considerations

Genre fit, submission guidelines, payment structures. These are only a few book publishing considerations before accepting an offer from a book publisher (and breaking out the “champagne”). Although hiring an intellectual property lawyer familiar with contracts would be ideal, for most writers simply trying to get in the door, this isn’t feasible. Still, when offered a contract, writers have to become serious readers, going over the contract/offer studiously.

Take your time with this. Read and reread. Research terminology. And, always, always ask any additional questions you have. Make sure everyone is “on the same page” (get it 😉). Reputable publishers should be more than happy to answer your questions—because the world awaits the next big literary indulgence.

As the subject is books and publishing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t segue a mention of my novels here. My book series centers on fictional psychiatrist, Dr. Naomi Alexander, with character-driven stories from the perspectives of both doctor and patient, with blends of drama, suspense, humor, and passion. Check out book one (Like Sweet Buttermilk). If you’re already a fan, know that book four is in the works!

Until next time, stay serif.