Getting a poetry book published can be complicated, especially if you’re a novice author or first-time publisher. There’s a lot to consider before submitting your work to be published, such as copyright laws, legal needs, distribution options and marketing requirements. Here are a few tips for getting your poetry book published.
Develop a Quality Book
Writing a good book is the essence of getting your poetry book published. Research your market and set a goal for what kind of book you want to write. Make sure you have quality content and edit your work yourself before submitting it to a publisher. Consider having a beta reader – or two – provide feedback on your material, if necessary, as well as a professional editor.
Many authors find success self-publishing their books through a print-on-demand (POD) service or online. This avoids any rejection from a publishing house, and allows the author to maintain more control over the process. Several popular self-publishing services used by authors include Lulu, Kobo, CreateSpace, and Blurb.
Know Your Rights
If your intention is to submit your work to a traditional publisher, it is important to know your rights as an author and publisher. Copyright is important for protecting a poem or book of poems from being unlawfully reproduced or disseminated without permission. Make sure you understand the laws in your country and do research with lawyers or seek legal counsel. Some publishers will ask for the right to your work, called the publishing rights, while others may ask for full copyright or partial copyright.
If you choose to use a publisher, they’ll typically pay you a percentage of the royalty fees they receive each time one of your books is sold. The fees depend upon the publisher’s own arrangements with book distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, as well as how much control you want over the marketing process, whether you’re willing to pay for design costs, and the quality of the work you produce.
Build Your Platform
In order for your book to have a chance of making it into reader’s hands, you’ll need a platform, or reach. Platform building is the process of making a name for yourself and creating a community of followers that are interested in your work. To do this, consider creating a website or blog, joining social media networks, starting a newsletter, applying to be a guest writer for blogs, and joining writing groups.
Building your platform helps attract potential readers and can give you the opportunity to make key contacts within the publishing industry – like literary agents and publishing houses – that can help you get your book published. Publishing contacts often accept submissions if you can provide excellent samples of your work.
Find an Agent
Consider finding an agent or literary agency to help you find a publisher – they’re extremely knowledgeable in the industry and connected with publishers. They can also review your manuscript, provide feedback, and negotiate legal contracts with a publishing house on your behalf. That said, not all agents accept unsolicited manuscripts, so it’s important to do research first and make sure your work is well-edited before inquiring.
Submit Your Work
When you’ve found a publisher or agent, you can begin submitting your work. It’s important to follow the guidelines of the publisher when submitting your work – make sure you submit in the correct format and that your work meets the publishers’ standards.
Be patient with the process; it can take up to several months for the publisher to respond. When it comes to self-publishing, you’ll want to put together a great team of professionals who can help create a quality product. This includes proofreaders, book designers, formatters, and interior designers.
Secure Distribution
Once your book is published, it’s important to secure distribution. Many authors depend on traditional channels like book stores, libraries and on-line retailers. But don’t neglect to market your book through social media, your website, and word of mouth. This is the best way to create an audience and get your book noticed.
Additionally, you may want to consider other methods of distribution such as pitching your book to bloggers and other influencers, and organizing readings, book signings, and other events for promotion. This will ensure your book is seen and purchased as much as possible.
Online Marketing Strategies
When it comes to online marketing of your book, it’s important to have an established presence on the various social media networks – like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the like. You can use these networks to promote your book and reach new potential readers. Additionally, you can use email marketing and pay-per-click campaigns to reach target audiences.
These strategies can help you create an online community where readers can discover your book, get updates on new releases, and provide feedback. Amazon and other online retailers are a great way to promote and market your book, too.
Take Advantage of Print Promotions
Print promotions are also a great way to market your work and get your name and book noticed. Consider using postcards, flyers, posters, pamphlets, and bookmarks. Nook Ads and other print media outlets are also a great way to reach potential readers by advertising in their publications or websites.
These strategies can help create awareness of your book and give potential readers the ability to purchase it. Additionally, print promotions can help you boost sales and exposure if your book is picked up by book stores, libraries, and other venues.
Invest in Professional Editing
Editing is an important step when it comes to getting your book ready to be published. Having a professionally edited book helps promote accuracy, clarity and readability of your work. Working with an editor can help you make sure your book meets the publisher’s requirements.
Keep in mind that the cost for professional editors range, depending on the services you require, the size of your book, and your specific needs. A good professional editor can help you create a quality book that will be accepted by publishers, literary agents, and book distributors.
Create a Business Plan for your Book
Last but not least, you’ll need to create a business plan for your book. This includes the specifics of the book you want to create – genre, target audience, marketing needs and budget – as well as a financial plan. Including a financial plan helps you to anticipate potential costs and helps you gauge the financial viability of your project.
Your business plan should also include strategies for how to promote and market your book, how to create an audience, how to reach potential readers and how you plan to secure book sales. By creating a business plan, you can ensure your book is successful once published.
