Finding the Right Book Publisher: What Every Author Should Know

You’ve written a book. That’s huge. It takes a ton of work. What shocks a lot of people is that the next step of publishing your writing takes even more work. The first step is to ask this question: Who should publish my book? People release writing for different reasons. Some want to establish themselves in the writing world, some have practical ideas they want to share, some want commercial success, and some have a deep passion for the arts and the talent to back that passion up. Whatever that reason is, there is a publishing partner out there who gets you. Someone who values your work as much as you do and has goals that align with yours.

The publishing world can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re an indie author or someone with a unique, boundary-pushing manuscript that doesn’t perfectly align with the current commercial market. Whether you’re writing experimental fiction, poetic memoirs, visually stunning art books, or any other beautiful work, there is a publisher out there that will value it, as long as the quality is up to snuff. 

The process can be arduous. Here are some key things to keep in mind to make your search simple:

1. Know Your Niche (Or Establish It)

Before you start Googling “book publishers near me,” take a step back. What’s your book about? Who’s it for? Would any publisher really align with your vision?

Who are you? What are you writing? If you and your writing are not both unique, then people won’t buy your book, and publishers won’t be interested in putting it out there. There has to be something that makes your book appealing. What is it? 

Whatever your answer to that question is, lean into it. Establish yourself in that niche. Find a publisher that reflects that niche. If you write gritty, experimental novels, you need to establish yourself in that world and find a publisher who is established in that world. If you write poetry about lost loves, you need to reflect that idea of yearning, and find a publisher that does the same. 

By doing this, you yourself will appeal more to your audience, while your publisher will have an understanding of that audience. Oftentimes, this is where indie and underground publishers come in. There are 

Tips on finding a publisher in your niche:

• Research publishers who have released books similar to yours.
• Look at their catalog and see if your work fits their aesthetic.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. A good publisher will be happy to chat.

2. The Big vs. Small Publisher Debate

Ah, the age-old question: Should you go with a big-name publisher or a smaller, indie press? Both have their pros and cons, but for authors who value creativity and authenticity, smaller publishers often come out on top.

Big Publishers:

• Pros: Big budgets, wide distribution, and name recognition.
• Cons: Less personal attention, more pressure to sell, and a focus on marketability over artistry. Typically require you to have an agent.

Small Publishers:

• Pros: Personalized attention, creative freedom, and a focus on quality over quantity.
• Cons: Smaller budgets and less initial reach. May take more time for your writing to find a foothold, if it does.

If you’re someone who wants to maintain creative control and work with a team that truly cares about your book, an indie publisher might be your best bet. If you just care about profits and have the opportunity to work with a big publisher, then that may be right for you.

3. The Submission Process: What to Expect

Once you’ve found a publisher that feels like a good fit, it’s time to submit your work. But before you hit “send,” make sure you’ve done your homework.

Most publishers have specific submission guidelines, and ignoring them is a surefire way to get your manuscript tossed into the rejection pile. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• A polished manuscript (or proposal, for nonfiction).
• A compelling query letter that introduces you and your work.
• A synopsis of your book.
• Any relevant author bio or marketing information.
• For larger publishing companies, they will often require an agent pitch your manuscript.

Take the time to craft a thoughtful query letter. Tell the publisher why you’re passionate about your book—and why you think they’re the right fit for it.

4. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all publishers are created equal, and unfortunately, there are some bad apples out there. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate publishers don’t charge you to publish your book. If they’re asking for money, run.
• Vague Contracts: Make sure you understand the terms of your contract. If something seems fishy, get a second opinion.
• Lack of Communication: A good publisher will keep you in the loop throughout the process. If they’re ghosting you, that’s a bad sign.

Always do your due diligence before signing on the dotted line. A good publisher will be transparent and fair.

5. Why Art-Focused Publishers Matter

In a world where algorithms often dictate what gets published, art-focused publishers are a breath of fresh air. These publishers aren’t here to chase trends or cater to the lowest common denominator. They’re here to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

Art-focused publishers treat books as more than just products—they treat them as works of art. From the editing process to the cover design, every detail is crafted with care. If you’re an author who values creativity and originality, an art-focused publisher might be the perfect match for you.

Why Choose an Art-Focused Publisher?

• Your book will be treated as a labor of love, not just a commodity.
• You’ll have more creative control over the final product.
• You’ll be part of a community of like-minded artists and writers.

If you look down an aisle of books and your stomach hurts seeing carbon copies of the exact same novels that rehash old plotlines, remove any thought or reflection, and present themselves with the same agreeable and mundane style, then an art-focused indie publisher is for you.

6. Building a Relationship with Your Publisher

Publishing a book isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s the start of a relationship between you and your publisher. That’s why it’s so important to find a publisher who aligns with your values and vision.

A good publisher will:

• Communicate openly and honestly.
• Respect your creative decisions.
• Work with you to bring your book to life.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the process. A strong author-publisher relationship is built on trust and collaboration.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, finding the right publisher is about more than just contracts and distribution deals. It’s about finding a partner who believes in your work as much as you do and holds values that align with yours

So, trust your gut. If a publisher feels like the right fit, go for it. And if they don’t, keep looking. The key is to avoid rushing things. Your book is a reflection of your creativity, passion, and hard work. It deserves to be treated with care and respect.

The world is waiting for your story. Take these tips to find the right publishing partner.