What to expect during the first trimester....

The First Trimester- How does one find that publisher soul mate?

The manuscript is “complete.” 

Now what?

It’s staring at me like a cat who is hunting prey. 

Who the heck is going to invest in this?

Where do I start?

It’s all overwhelming. 

These were the first initial thoughts I had when I realized the “easy” part was done. 

Again, knowing nothing about publishing a book, I did the only thing that came naturally, I googled my questions. 

“How to find a publisher for a non-fiction book?”

“What is the process to find a book publisher?” 

“What do book publishers do?”

Plus, many more random questions where even Google was questioning my inexperience. 

I was in search of a publisher willing to accept a challenge and take a risk with this hot mess express.

Finding the right publisher is the most important aspect. I required a publisher that demonstrated patience, empathy, integrity, success, and passion. Of course, industry knowledge was a given, I focused on principles that define a foundation I wanted to work with. But how the hell can one detect if a corporation has empathy simply from a website?

A few considerations I knew were necessary:

·  Is the publisher accepting new applicants?

·  Do they focus on non-fiction?

·  Have they worked with first time authors?

·  Better yet, have they collaborated with your average Joe who stumbled into writing and is clueless?

·  What types of projects and messaging have they published before?

Let’s navigate those basic questions.

When looking for a potential publisher, it’s important to understand if they are accepting new applicants. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a publisher soul mate only to realize they aren’t available. Take note, don’t pull an Alanis Morrisette by “Meeting the man of your dreams and then meeting his beautiful wife”!

So how do you know if your potential publisher is available? Usually, the publisher will note on their website if they are accepting new applicants. If unable to confirm, reach out through their general question contact source. Trust me, sending in your manuscript isn’t a simple email saying, “Hi! I have an awesome book you should consider. Please see the attached manuscript.” In most cases it is a detailed process (which we’ll discuss) that takes time and effort – something you don’t want to waste.

Ensuring a publisher focuses on your genre of book is probably the most important. Again, this will be noted on their website. If they don’t focus on your fiction masterpiece, move on. You wouldn’t go to a dentist to have your eyes checked. Just because both professions are in the medical field does not mean they focus on all applications. Instead, they have specialties and the same goes for publishers.

Another indication publishers note on their website is the level of author experience welcomed within their organization. Publishers might exclude new authors to focus on experience while others may embrace and encourage the newbies to submit their work. 

And while we’re on the will they/won’t they train, publishers also state in the most eloquent and professional way their acceptance of hot mess express projects. You may see supportive blurbs such as, “At D Publishing, we invite all authors- from experienced writers to those who simply have an idea, to submit their work so we can make your project a reality.”  Side note please don’t waste your time googling D Publishing, this corporation only functions in my mind. 

When you confirm a potential publisher is accepting new clients, focuses on your genre and is willing to work with your experience, it is now stalking time! Snoop around their website to see what projects they’ve published. View the overall list to understand their content/tone, portfolio size, distribution, reviews, agent requirements and offered amenities.

What amenities should I consider?

To name a few, the basic considerations are editorial support, professional design, production, distribution, marketing, and copyright.

Typical rule of thumb is to generate a long list of possible publishers, then condense down to identify efficient considerations. This is done through your thorough research and overall gut feeling. Don’t forget, you are interviewing the publisher too. This is your sweat, tears, dedication, passion, and personal project. Having the right support system is necessary to see your efforts become reality.

For me, I identified 15 potential publishers and through about 3 weeks of research, I narrowed my options down to 5 “must submit” companies. I also highlighted 4 “alternative agencies” keeping them in my back pocket in case nothing came to fruition with the first 5. The must submit companies welcomed all experienced authors, was open to outside the box topics, had a portfolio gap where I saw my book being an opportunity, provided tone of professional principles, did not require an agent, and delivered successful business models.

Do I need an agent?

No. You don’t need an agent; however, some publishers do require you to have one. These requirements will be noted on their website as well. If you find your publisher soul mate and they require an agent - or you don’t have time/knowledge to research options - or your project has a specific genre/topic and expectation, then obtaining an agent might be necessary.

Ok, I now have chosen my 5 soul mates, how do I make them fall in love with me? It’s like 5 awkward blind dates, except you know everything about them and they have no clue who you are.

First step, understand what their “dating” requirements are. In this case, what is needed for submission.

All publishers have submission requirements, so it is important to carefully read and understand the individual needs. The last thing you want to do is put in significant effort that wasn’t required or asked for. It’s like making a great connection on a date but constantly calling them by the wrong name.

Usually, an elevator pitch is common for fiction and agent considerations. When dealing with non-fiction, a query letter/book proposal is needed.

What if you are clueless regarding the meaning of these requirements? Guess what, you’re not alone. I had no idea. However, another reason I selected my soul mates was because they provided detailed articles and blogs explaining information like this.

For most, an elevator pitch is a small paragraph advocating why your soul mate will fall in love with you and your project. A query letter/book proposal has you working HARD for that love!

On a Query Letter/Book Proposal you may find:

1.      The Pitch – here’s your elevator pitch

2.      Chapter Rundown – provide synopsis of each chapter

3.      The Audience – who are you targeting and why

4.      The Buyer – will others purchase the book besides the target audience, if so who

5.      Positions – scope/objective/message/theme

6.      Competition – what is currently out there and why are you better (get your claws out and fight)

7.      The Author – who are you and why will I love you

8.      Promotional Platforms – social media, organizations, clubs you are associated with and how will you market yourself

You’ll also need to submit your manuscript – especially with non-fiction. Again, carefully read your publishers requirements.  Some might require a complete and finished manuscript while others may not. Same goes for genres. The manuscript also has specific formatting guidelines – such as default settings for standard size document, 1 inch margin, 12 black Times New Roman font, double line spacing, etc. Again, the publisher should have these requirements listed on their website.

Second step, remember the publisher is looking for love too. Have a good understanding of what is important to them before submitting.

So, what is it that publishers look for?

1.      Content. Does the project fit their platform and is the story worth backing? Of course, the publishing company determines the value and what success might look like. Afterall, it is a business.

2.      Authors writing style – The team reviews the writing style and degree of effort needed to edit. Essentially, is the juice worth the squeeze.

3.      Marketing potential – The publishers review to determine a need or want for this topic. Is it a trend? What degree of marketing is needed for success? Will it sell itself? Do similar projects already exist?

4.      Collaboration with the author – The publisher wants to get a feel for the authors personality and willingness to collaborate and work.

Third step, confidently submit your soul mate applications.

Once you diligently complete all requirements and review your work, hit that send button with pride. To put it in perspective, think about moments when you get dressed up and look incredible. Right before you leave you take one last look in the mirror, tilt your head up with confidence and strut out that door like the bad ass you are. Embrace that feeling when you click submit!

Whew…that is a lot of work for what I can only envision as rejection. And rejection happens. ALL. THE. TIME. – to EVERYONE! It is ok to get that pint of ice cream and devour your sorrow, but just know even Stephen King was rejected more than you think. In some cases, the rejection is directly due to the publisher. They could have enough submissions for the quarter, the topic is too broad for their liking, or they have reduced resources, etc. Keep the typical break up line in the back of your mind when this happens, “It’s not you, it’s me!”

I know all of you are wondering, how many rejections did you get Danielle?

Before I give my answer, I want to make something known, everyone’s journey is different. Reading and listening to new authors blogs and podcasts showed me the experience varies as much as the unique individual. Some might have quick success while others are still searching for their soul mate. However, the one thing that must remain constant is the belief in yourself and story.

For me, my experience was seemingly fast. Don’t get me wrong, it had viscous rejections, but the timing and results were expedited. This journey was a result of determination, belief, research, dedication, timing, and a little luck. However, I can’t emphasize enough the need to thoroughly research your soul mates. Take the time to determine who YOU want to share this experience with. 

 As I mentioned, I submitted to 5 soul mate publishers. After 2 weeks 1 company responded with, “Thank you for your submission. However, we are not willing to take on your manuscript. Best of luck in the future.” 

One week after that, I received this gem from another submission, “No.”  

One week after that I received my third rejection, “Your writing style and topic are something not worth considering for our portfolio.”

One month after 3 brutal rejections, I received an email that changed my life. An Acquisitions Director from Indigo River Publishing introduced themselves and provided details about the company. Reading through the first couple of lines, I thought this message was the most detailed and personal rejection. I actually started skimming the email since I assumed it was a no and not worth the effort. It wasn’t until the end of the communication that I paused and questioned my automatic rejection assumption.

Georgette read my manuscript and wanted to touch base.

Is this for real?

Did I even submit to Indigo River Publishing?

Yes. and Yes.

Fourth step, you now need to WOW the in-person first date with a lasting impression.

I met Georgette through a team’s meeting. An hour-long discussion covered topics around her role, Indigo River Publishing, personal chit chat, overall expectations, plus the messaging, content, and tone of Milk Drunk: What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting. Acquisitions wanted to ensure their interpretation of the manuscript was on par with my vision. It was a thorough interview, both business and personal that ended with Georgette stating next steps:

1.       I was to fill out a detailed questionnaire that provided her additional insights into my manuscript, personality, and overall end goal. Some examples of the questions:

-          What makes you the person to write this book?

-          How could this book make a positive impact on its readers?

-          Do you feel that this book is strong enough to have sustainable success for many years to come?

2.      Next, she will take that information, review my manuscript again and prepare a business case for the partners.

3.      Then, Georgette will present my project in front of the partners and collaboratively determine if Milk Drunk: What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting would be worth taking on.

4.      After deliberation, the last step was communicating the overall verdict.

I was lucky enough with timing. I initially spoke with Georgette on 5/14/21, and by 5/20/21, she developed a case, scheduled time with the additional team members and discussed my project. That same day, the team aligned to take on my project and Georgette sent me an enthusiastic email with a contract attached for review.

I couldn’t believe it. Total shock. It didn’t seem real, but it was. My soulmate proposed!

After the euphoria settled, I read through the contract, had a lawyer review, and discussed the pros and cons with Jim.

The pro – I am going to have a book published. A story that can support and resonate with readers.

The con – I am going to have a book published. The effort that is required can consume everyday life.

The pros and cons were evaluated, the contract was assessed, and this writer signed with excitement. It was official, Milk Drunk: What to Expect When You’re Not Expecting was becoming something to expect!

It took me about 10 months to write the original manuscript, 2 months of publisher research with submissions and another 2 months for interviews and a signed contract. 1 year and 2 months would be just the beginning of this journey. Keep in mind all this happened in 2020 - Mid 2021. In case anyone forgot, it's 2024 and Milk Drunk is still not sober yet.

Now that I found my partner, how do we manage? Check back for the next blog entry: The Second Trimester to learn what publishers do, small details related to my contract and my responsibilities throughout this chapter marriage.