@CindyDevoted

Publication is the dream of every writer. Each day we head for the laptop and tap away at the keys, placing words in the perfect place on the page. Once that hard work pays off and we sign that first contract, it’s important to learn the work is not done. It’s only just beginning.

The signature on the contract, doesn’t mean the author is finished. As we walk through this next very important part of the publishing process, read with an open heart and a teachable spirit. Understanding protocol will help make your publication process much easier.

Larger publishing houses generally offer an Editorial Guide for their authors. Within this booklet or pdf, you’ll see the guidelines for submitting a completed manuscript as well as general time frames, production steps, and style sheets. Many will even address the process of following protocol, as well as who and when you might need to contact specific individuals for assistance.

Today’s writers have an immense selection of tools to help in the publication process. When you sign a contract with a traditional or small publisher, they are assuming the full financial costs involved in the publication of your book. You’ll work with editors, marketers, and sales people who will help to make your book a success. Should you choose self-publication, you become the sole employee, assuming all the roles of publication from editing, cover development, and marketing and sales. Because more and more authors are choosing self-publication and its responsibilities, it’s sometimes a little harder for the author to back down and allow the publisher to do their job. This is where protocol is important.

It’s important to understand that your publisher wants you to be an active part of your book’s publication, but they also expect you to act within the guidelines of protocol. For example, should you disapprove of changes your editors are requesting, it’s fine to discuss the reasons why you may not want the edits. What is unacceptable, is firing a letter to the publisher making demands. A traditional publisher is not a self-publishing company where you have full control of the production. They own the rights to your work. Publishers are very willing to hear your thoughts and may even accept your ideas, but in the end, they will do what they feel is in the best interest of the manuscript they have contracted and its future sales.

Editors are very willing to work with you. After all, the work was contracted because of you, but should you disagree, then talk with your agent. The job of your agent is not only to shop and sell your work, but to also to work in your behalf through any issues.

The good news is, 99% of collaborations between publishers and authors go off without a hitch and beautiful relationships and books are born. Still, I feel it important to note the issues I have seen between authors and publishers.

• Edits– Publishers are not in the habit of contracting books that need to be rewritten. They don’t take on a book and then completely rewrite it. Let go of that myth. They will, however, suggest changes for plot holes, clarity, and reader pleasure. For example, in my last novel, I had a sentence that read: You can get your happy butt outta here. Go back from wence you come.The editor noted their readers would have difficulty with me using the word butt and they recommended changing butt to rear or backside. I could live with that. Editors don’t want to rewrite your book. The changes they request are genuinely things you need to consider to make the book better. Sometimes you stand your ground on certain changes, but you work through those and eventually you’ll come to a happy agreement.
• Book title– Our book titles are something we consider one of our babies. When you submit a proposal, you are asked to provide two to three additional book titles. Take this very seriously. Try to come up with titles that will suit the story, but entice the reader. Remember, the readers don’t know what the story is about. Often when writers title a book, it based on what we know about our story. Publishers understand marketing. They understand that even a good book title may not generate enough curiosity in the shoppers mind for them to pick up the book and buy it. Before you know it, your book title will be changed. Again, allow your agent to negotiate with the marketing team for more input. Trust them. In the long run, they understand what will stir a buyer to purchase the book. Be prepared to “let it go.”Publishers have invested dollars in your work. They want success for you and your book.
• Book covers– Marketing understands what sells. Their years of experience and research have proven what colors and pictures attract buyers. They know what scenes on a book cover will draw in a reader and what will send them away. You’ll have some input for ideas. Marketing will consider your thoughts but will ultimately work with editors and sales to fit the perfect cover. What good is a book that sits on the shelf and doesn’t sell?

Protocol is important. Once you land that contract with a traditional publisher, begin to pray for a smooth passageway. Be gracious, kind, and teachable. Follow the protocols set forth by your publisher and you’ll see the respect is returned. Finally, trust your publisher. Forge a long and wonderful relationship with them. Good relationships and willing/teachable hearts will bring many future contracts.

Don’t Miss the Other Posts in This Series:
The Publication Process: Part One – The Editor
The Publication Process: Part Two – Following Protocol

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.  @cindydevoted