How to Get a Book Deal: A Comprehensive Guide

Inside the publishing world’s toughest gate—and how to get through it.

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Getting a book deal can feel like trying to break into a secret club—one with mysterious rules, gatekeepers, and a lot of locked doors.

Even with a great manuscript and a solid plan, there’s no guarantee those doors will open. But the good news is that understanding how the industry works can dramatically improve your chances. It’s about strategy, persistence, and knowing what agents and publishers are looking for.

If you’re ready to give your manuscript the best possible shot, this guide will help you navigate the challenges, sharpen your approach, and take meaningful steps toward that elusive book contract.

What does it mean to get a book deal?

In a traditional book deal, the publisher invests in your book’s success, and that means taking care of all the logistical details—from copyediting to marketing strategy. It’s more than just a contract; it’s a collaborative process where your manuscript is shaped, polished, and turned into a finished product.

A book deal is essentially a partnership between you and a publisher. You get an advance—a payment upfront that’s usually a bet on how well your book will do—and in return, the publisher takes on the responsibility of getting your book into the market.

How to get a book deal

Landing a book publishing contract can feel daunting, but breaking the process down into clear, manageable steps makes it far more achievable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move closer to that goal.

Step 1: Get your manuscript publication ready

Before you even think about submitting your work, you need to ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for publishing. This means refining your novel or book idea until it shines, with a strong storyline, compelling characters, and polished prose. Focus on getting the word count right for your genre, as traditional publishing has industry norms that agents and publishers expect you to follow.

Remember, a professional manuscript is more than just a finished draft—it’s a carefully revised piece that represents your best work. Edit thoroughly, seek feedback, and consider working with beta readers or even a professional editor. A polished manuscript dramatically increases your chances of catching an agent’s or publisher’s eye.

Step 2: Understand the publishing market

To get a book deal, it’s crucial to understand the publishing industry. Researching the landscape will help you decide which publishing house or publishing company is the best fit for your manuscript.

Major publishers like HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster dominate the market, with their headquarters often found in New York City, the heart of the American publishing world.

If you’re still figuring out how to write a book that fits the market, look into current publishing trends—knowing what’s selling and what publishers are looking for will give you an edge when pitching your work. Understanding your target market helps you make informed choices on how to position your book for success.

Step 3: Find a literary agent

If you’re aiming to work with one of the big four publishers, you’ll need a literary agent. Agents are key to connecting you with major publishers and negotiating the best deal for your book. Here’s how to get started:

1. Write a query letter: Craft a compelling query letter that includes a summary of your book, a hook, and why it’s a good fit for that particular agent.

2. Prepare a book proposal: If you’re writing a nonfiction book, you’ll need a detailed book proposal. This includes a summary, chapter outline, market analysis, and information about your audience.

3. Highlight your bio and platform: Include a brief bio, relevant experience, and information about your social media following or audience numbers. If you’ve been self-publishing, mention any book sales to show the market potential for your work.

4. Research and target agents: Be sure to pitch to agents who represent your genre. For example, you want to avoid sending your adult fantasy novel to agents who only handle children’s books. Tailoring your submissions shows you understand the market.

5. Synopsis and sample chapters: Some agents will ask for a synopsis and sample chapters. Typically, agents in America start with a query only, while British agents may want a synopsis and chapters upfront. Be prepared to tailor your submission accordingly.

6. Use reliable resources: Check out our list of literary agents to find a good match, and use platforms like Publisher’s Marketplace to research agents’ recent deals and areas of interest.

7. Network on social media: Follow agents on Twitter and engage with relevant hashtags used in pitching events. It’s a great way to find out who’s accepting submissions and to make a connection.

Securing an agent takes time, but with the right approach and persistence, you can find representation that aligns with your goals and helps get your book into the hands of the right publisher.

Step 4: Submit to publishers directly

If you’re aiming to work with smaller presses or haven’t had luck landing an agent, you can submit your own book directly to small publishers. Many small presses are open to unagented submissions and are publishing fantastic books, including debut novels and even bestselling books. Here’s how to navigate submitting directly:

1. Start with a query letter: Just like when submitting to an agent, begin with a well-crafted query letter. This is your first impression, so make sure it highlights your book’s unique angle, genre, and highlights why you’re the perfect person to write it.

2. Research the publisher: Look through their list for the following:

• Check their existing titles: Do they have any bestsellers or award-winning books? Understanding a publisher’s catalog helps determine if your book will be a good fit.
• Distribution channels: Investigate whether their books are available in brick-and-mortar bookstores or only on Amazon. Researching distributors will give you an idea of their reach and distribution strength.
• Frequency of publishing: Look at how often they publish new books and how frequently they work with debut authors. This tells you how open they are to newer writers.

3. Mention your experience: In your submission, indicate whether this is your first book or if you’ve published before. Be clear about any previous publications, awards, or successes.

4. Marketing plan: Outline your marketing plan, especially if you have a strong email list or a high-profile collaborator. Small publishers will be more inclined to take you on if you can contribute to the marketing efforts—indie books can do extremely well with the right strategy.

5. Prepare for rejections: Submitting directly to publishers may lead to more rejections, but it’s also a quicker route in many cases. Don’t be discouraged by a “no”; use feedback, if provided, to improve and keep going.

6. Submission requirements: Pay close attention to each publisher’s submission guidelines. Some prefer manuscripts in Microsoft Word, while others want a PDF. Following these instructions precisely is crucial to ensuring your work gets considered.

7. Prepare for the partnership: If accepted, you’ll still need to collaborate on editing, cover design, and promotion. Small presses usually have limited resources, but they often provide a personal, passionate approach to publishing.

Submitting directly to publishers can be a rewarding route, especially if you’re passionate about a smaller press’s vision and understand how they work. Take your time to craft a strong submission and target publishers that fit your book’s niche.

Step 5: Receive the offer

If a publisher is interested in your book, you’ll receive an offer. In some cases, you may receive multiple offers, leading to a book auction where publishers compete for the rights to your work. But remember, a publisher’s goal is to make money, so offers only come when they believe your book has market potential.

Here’s what you should know when navigating an offer:

1. Understand why you’re receiving an offer: The publisher believes your book can sell well. Whether it’s due to a compelling story, a strong niche, or a well-defined audience, they’re confident enough to invest in your project.

2. Speak to authors who’ve worked with the publisher: Especially if you’re a first-time author, reach out to other writers who have worked with this publisher. Understanding their experience will give you insights into how well the publisher supports authors, how transparent they are during the publishing process, and what kind of resources they put behind their books.

3. Understand average book deals:

• How much is an average book deal? Many people outside the publishing industry assume that a book advance is enough to quit their full-time job—it’s often not. The average book advance is modest, especially for first-time authors. The offer you receive will depend largely on your book’s perceived value, the publisher’s budget, and your own platform.
• What makes a good offer? If you’re offered six figures, that’s exceptional, particularly for a debut. For most first-time authors, the offer is likely to be much lower. It’s important to have realistic expectations—advances in publishing can range widely, but the high-profile deals that get attention are the exception, not the norm. Remember, great books don’t always translate to huge advances; it’s about marketability and guaranteed sales.

4. Keep perspective on the offer:

• First book vs. established author: Your offer will depend on factors like whether it’s your first book, your second book, or if you’re an established author—such as a New York Times bestseller. The more sales and credibility you bring, the better the offer.
• Realistic expectations: Don’t expect a million-dollar advance right out of the gate, even if you’ve written a good book. Publishers need a clear sign that your book will generate enough sales to justify such an investment. Big names (Obama, Elon Musk, Bill Gates), guaranteed marketability, or a compelling backstory can lead to massive advances—most authors, however, start much smaller.

Receiving an offer is an exciting moment, but it’s just one step of a larger journey. Stay informed, manage your expectations, and make sure to understand what’s on the table before you accept—publishing is a business, and understanding that will help you make the quickest and best decisions for your career.

Step 6: Sign the book contract

Once you’ve received an offer, the next step is to negotiate and sign the book contract. This legal agreement defines the terms of your publishing deal and lays out both your responsibilities and those of the publisher. While it’s tempting to rush through this part, take the time to understand every detail—this contract will shape not only the release of your first novel or book but also your overall experience as an author.

Here are some important contract terms to consider:

1. Advance and royalties: How much will you be paid upfront, and what percentage of sales will you receive after the advance is earned back? Understanding these details is crucial to planning your financial future as an author.

2. English language rights: Does the publisher want exclusive English language rights for certain regions, or worldwide? Be clear about what rights you’re giving up and what you’re retaining. This can make a huge difference if you later want to pursue translations or release your work in other countries.

3. Audiobooks: Is the publisher acquiring rights to produce audiobooks, or are you retaining them? Audiobooks have become a significant part of the market, and negotiating these rights well can provide you with another valuable revenue stream.

4. Subsidiary rights: Make sure you understand what subsidiary rights you’re giving away—this could include film or TV adaptations, merchandise, or translation rights. Each of these can add extra value to the overall success of your book, but you may want to keep some of these rights to negotiate separately.

5. Publication timelines: Ensure there is a clear timeline for when the book will be released. Know when to expect edits, cover design, and marketing efforts to happen. A well-defined timeline helps keep the process moving forward efficiently and helps you plan your next steps as a writer.

6. Marketing and promotion: What responsibilities does the publisher have when it comes to marketing? Will there be an expectation for you to market extensively on your own or leverage your connections to boost sales? Understanding the level of support they will provide is key to setting realistic expectations.

7. Termination clauses: Understand the terms for how the contract can be terminated by either party. If your book doesn’t perform or if circumstances change, it’s crucial to know how you can part ways and what the consequences will be.

Negotiating a book contract is a delicate process, and getting professional help, such as an agent or an entertainment lawyer, is always a good idea to protect your interests. The terms you agree upon now will impact your book’s success and your rights as an author in the future. Take your time, ask questions, and ensure that you’re comfortable before you sign on the dotted line.

Step 7: After the book deal

After landing a book deal, the real work begins—turning your manuscript into a finished book that is ready for readers. This process involves a series of steps that lead you from signing the contract to seeing your book on shelves. Here’s what you can expect after securing your deal:

1. Editing process: The first major step after the deal is editing. You’ll work closely with an editor who will help shape your book, from developmental edits to copyediting. Even published authors go through rigorous rounds of edits to make sure the book is polished to perfection.

2. Book cover design: One of the exciting parts of getting published is seeing your book cover come to life. You’ll have input, but typically the publisher’s design team will create a cover that’s marketable and visually appealing. The right cover can make a big difference in grabbing readers’ attention.

3. Blurbs and endorsements: You’ll be asked to seek blurbs from established authors or well-known personalities in your genre. These endorsements help add credibility and can significantly impact early sales and the perception of your book.

4. Marketing and promotion plan: Publishers usually provide a marketing strategy to support your book launch. However, as the author, you’ll need to take an active role too. Creating a podcast appearance schedule, building relationships for a media roundup, and leveraging social media are all effective ways to promote.

5. Advance copies and reviews: Advance Review Copies (ARCs) are distributed to reviewers, media, and influencers before the official launch. These copies help generate buzz around your book. A good launch with positive reviews can increase your chances of hitting major lists, like the NYT bestseller list.

6. Launch plan: Launch day is a culmination of all the preparation and promotion work. Your publisher will help organize virtual or in-person events (depending on circumstances like the pandemic). Bookstore signings, blog tours, and social media campaigns are part of the effort to make sure your book gets off to a strong start.

7. Life after you get published: Life after the deal changes—you’re no longer just writing for yourself; you’re writing for readers, critics, and an audience.

8. Plan for the future: Once your book is out, think about your next steps. Many published authors start working on their next project even before the current book hits shelves. Keeping the momentum going is key to building a long-term writing career.

Getting a book deal is a major achievement, but what follows is equally important. Each step—editing, designing, marketing, and launching—is about ensuring that all your hard work results in a book that readers love.