Research... Again

It’s Friday again! I swear, sometimes it’s like the weeks just fly by. There’s just so much to do lately, especially with all this new stuff... Which you'll find out about, soon. ;-)

All right, so this week we’re figuring out what publisher we actually want to go with. I know, it’s been a long road of research and study, but this is where things start to get more interesting. Now, we’re getting close to the point where we can start sending out our manuscripts.

Step 9:

Research Publishers

I know, I know, it’s what we’ve been doing for a long time. But until now, we were only trying to study the market, and know the business. Now, we’re decision making.

This week, you’ve figured out whether you’re looking for a self-publisher or a traditional one. You’ve sat down and thought it all through, and figured out what you do and do not need from your publisher. And you’re just about ready to send your work out.

You’re not ready yet though. Trust me.

First, you need to do hone your research. I’m sure you had a few favorites, while you were studying the business. So go to their websites, and look at anything and everything they have listed. Then do a Google search and see what else you can find out about them.

Think of it like Facebook stalking the person you have a crush on. Think of them like a person you’re going to be spending the rest of your life beside, because really, that’s what you’re doing. You’re deciding what company you’ll sign your book over to, and what company you’ll be in bed with for the rest of your (or their) life.

So, here are a few things you need to look at:

• Do they have more negative reviews than positive ones, across the web?
• Do they publish books like yours?
• Does this company hold to the standards you expect?
• Is this a company that works well with others?
• Will they meet every one of your “dos?”
• Do they contradict any of your “don’ts?”

Using those questions, and any others that happen to pop up during your research phase, narrow it down to your top five. And if you haven’t done enough research to come up with a top five, then you need to do more research. There are hundreds if not thousands of publishers out there. Your options are vast. And trust me, you have time to figure out which one you want to sign with. 

This is a decision that will effect you for the rest of your life. Make sure you make it a good one. 

[love]

{RD}