How to Get Published by a Big Five House | Traditional Book Publishing Process
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Have you dreamed of seeing your book on the shelves at your local bookstore? In this video, I provide an overview of how the book publishing industry works and walk through the steps it takes to get a book published by a Big Five publishing house. You'll learn about query letter writing, finding a literary agent, and, finally, scoring a book deal.
The Big Five publishing houses are Penguin Random House, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Simon & Schuster is set to be acquired by Penguin Random House.
HOW TO GET A BOOK DEAL AT A MAJOR PUBLISHING HOUSE (12 STEPS):
1. Finish your novel
2. Consult beta readers or an editor
3. Revise
4. Consult beta readers or an editor (again)
5. Create a dream list of literary agents
6. Write your query letter
7. Send your queries
8. Keep a tracker
9. Receive an offer of representation
10. Complete more revisions
11. Agent submits book to editors
12. Get a book deal!
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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE NOVELS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
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RELATED LINKS:
Why Is It So Hard to Get Your Book Published?: • Why Is It So Hard to G...
How to Get a Literary Agent in 2022: • How to Get a Literary ...
Get Your Book Published Globally!: • Get Your Book Publishe...
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
Feel free to get in touch!
Website: www.alyssamatesic.com
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Request a Quote: www.alyssamatesic.com/inquire
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Email: hello@alyssamatesic.com
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Whoever is reading this, I wish you enter this journey with an abundance mindset, and I wish you reach all your wildest dreams 🙏💞🌅
I’m 17 and last year I completed the second half of a novel I originally wrote at 11. This year my task was editing it and I was able to take the word count down by 20k, though it’s still rather massive. Seeing as I’m young, I definitely worry that I won’t be taken seriously or won’t find an agent who appreciates my work’s strange blend of genres. I’ll definitely need to do some research before I query.
1) Don't mention your age unless they ask you.
2) Don't say you wrote half of the novel aged merely 11 (the agent will think the novel is childish, and rightly so).
Best of luck!
I’m so happy that you’re getting your haircut I
I’m probably
😊
P
Love the video and the vibe is giving alcoholic serial killer
SO HELPFUL, THANK YOU!
I’ve been moving through your backlog of videos. Really helpful. Thanks for making these, Alyssa.
I always appreciate videos that answer the question & keep the video short! This was helpful
Thank you so much for this, it was very helpful! I’ve been writing my YA fantasy since February 28, 2020 and finished the first draft on April 5, 2021. I’m now rewriting it. After that I’m going to type it (I’ve only written on paper so far.) I have big dreams for my book and know that if I keep at it, I will make it!!
How did it go?
@@R.L.Kramer thanks for asking, I’m still rewriting (not on a computer yet). I’ve been so busy with school, and I haven’t gotten to write much but I’m trying really hard to get back into it. 😁
What percentage of your viewers will get published if we are all decent writers and follow all of your advice to the letter? Guesses and estimates are gladly accepted and I will do no more than hit the like button if I get an actual number, and will not say a word if someone responds without actually giving a guess.
Wow that's very cool!
How is it going?
I enjoyed the straight forwardness of how you presented the information and would like your take on the Cozy Mysteries series. I am working on two.
This was super helpful. Thank you so much. 💕 It's amazing of you to give us this clarity.
You're so welcome! Thanks for commenting!
Thank you I have written my first Sci-fi book. It its now at an editor. I am not new to writing having written 100's of television and radio scripts. Also submitted stories for our local Chamber of Commerice. Thanks for your help!
this helped me so much! thank you!
Great video. Many thanks for a clear and concise overview of traditional publishing. The process you describe is the reason I self-published. Apart for the editing and beta reader process, which is the same for many self-published authors, the idea of having to find and pay an agent deterred me from the trad route. Even if an agent is successful in securing a deal, it could be several months (if not years) before a book sees the light of day. Even the then, authors are still expected to market their book or have a substantial social media presence. The ‘big five’ do very little for first-time authors.
Great video, I am a Phd student and planning to start writing my first English thriller novel. So, this video was a great help to have some ideas prior. Thanks and take care.
You are absolutely darling, and this was so helpful! Thank you!
Thanks so much! Happy to help!
Such good info, thank you!
Great stuff! Thanks!
You’re right about the 1st step I have always loved writing books but never finished a full book draft I get bored and start new projects because I always have fresh original idea’s coming out of nowhere 😅
I can relate 😂😂😂
I am now determined to finish one
I'm glad I'm not the only one😅😅
I saw your comment in the Facebook group. Thanks for the information, this is so helpful! :)
So glad it was helpful!
Thank god that I could find your channel 🥺 it’s very helpful
Happy to help!
Great video! 👍🏼
These videos are amazing!
Glad you like them!
So I’m 60% done with my first novel, which is a more in depth version of a comic book series that I’ve already gotten published. So you video was extremely helpful for how I should go about getting the novel out there.
Hi my name is Cameron and I was looking for the steps to publication. I just want to thank you for the advice you give in this video as I believe it will help me move forward with my goals. To show my thanks, I even give one more thumbs up which should promote your video to others even if it is just in the slightest.
Thank you for your videos!
Thank you super helpful!
Thank you!
Hey Alyssa, this was helpful. I have my first children’s non-fiction book full finished including editing. I also am near to completing the second in what I plan on being a series. Have you a video or can you make on shedding light on how to get a children’s book publishing deal, specifically if proposing a series. Thanks so much! ☺️
Great videos
Very helpful thank you.
Thank you for your information on getting a book deal. I have a finished historical romance novel set in SW Alberta, Canada in 1898-1899 and am beginning the querying process. Your advice had been most helpful. Gloria Dawn, author
Best of luck with querying, Gloria!
Best video and advice to date.
Glad it was helpful!
Just awesome. I've completed the draft of my (our) novel about my best friend's (Rick Hast) tour in Vietnam, every day of it. For the last 9 1/2 years we've researched, visited Vietnam and interviewed over 90 veterans who served during his tour, reviewed thousands of documents and made countless revisions. We' have had the help of others putting this into a book form. We weren't sure what's next. Your tutorial gives us hope and encouragement to move to the next step. Wishing you the best. Ken Hughes
totally random, but when this comes out can you reply to me? Sounds interesting and I respect your life's work on it!
I'm 13 years old and in the process of writing a graphic novel called lovestruck, this is going to help me alot for when I'm going to try and get it published, thanks!
Are you hoping to become published by a major publishing house? Let me know where you are at in your publishing journey!
Thank you! I am just starting on my journey to publishing my first book (Other than self-publishing.) I did get an offer from a small publishing business but they want me to pay a lot of money and I am not sure if I am willing to take the risk. I keep debating on if I should or should not look into getting an agent or not. What do you suggest?
I sent my manuscript to an indie publisher but my agent wants to send my book to a traditional publisher. I'm not sure if it's the right path. I feel strange because, I want some form of control but I'm not sure I can get that with traditional publishing.
@@metalworks8818 What specifically are you concerned about losing control over? Traditional publishers should have the intention of retaining your creative vision and listening to your concerns/ideas.
I'm new to the publishing world so I don't exactly know the ins and outs yet but thank you. I was concerned about it a little. Its all new for me.
So whats not clear in this video is if all agents have access to the big 5 or not. How would an aspiring author know the difference in these agents?
Just found you! Subscribed! Great video! Thanks! Are they still publishing unknown authors? How about authors a bit older (mid 60s)? I look forward to your other videos.
Okay I did NOT expect all of this. It's a bit surprising how long of a process it is but it makes sense. I'm almost finished writing my book, it should be done by the end of the month. I guess it's time to find an editor and I'll need to keep track of agents! Thanks for the video.
Did it got published ?
I finished writing the book but never finished editing it so nope lol@@productivitysharma3455
thank you for the info, I am definitely looking to be published by a big publishing house.
Best of luck!
I've got a New York times best seller, a congressional/white house/food market paradigm changer.
Its been working itself out in my head for the last 10 years.
Now I want to write it.
This was soooo helpful ty! I am about a month away from completing my romance novel!
Best of luck with your novel, Janay!
Brilliant Alyssa. My Romantic - Novel has been spell checked by me. And. I have rewritten. Chapters. I am a good writer. It runs in my family, but my computer skills are limited I mean very limited. I need my romantic thriller formatted into a polished manuscript, and I have to get a literary agent writing the book was easy for eight years compared to this part, my cousin in L.A. Is a paralegal, she said she would do it, but I wanted someone in the business. It’s very near to my heart. I know there are many flimflam‘s artists out there. Thank you! for the info your beautiful and intelligent. Separated after 30 years of marriage this is a rough time for me. But I have to get this book formatted and out. Thank you very much. Even your name is beautiful Alyssa Majestic would be more fitting! And see, I can’t even locate the subscribe button Lol. Thank you again ..,Anthony D
Great video and loving the changing backdrops for your sets! Regarding a query letter, if you think you have a really new take on an idea or world setting, is there anything you can do to protect agents or publishers from denying you but taking your idea? Maybe silly to ask, and maybe my idea/setting is bad and not worth taking, but just a little worry of mine.
Totally understand this concern, but rest assured agents or publishers are not out there to steal your ideas. If they were writers, they'd be writing! I have read queries where authors mention copyright and similar concerns, but honestly, that will more likely rub agents the wrong way because it seems like you're assuming they will steal your work, which they won't.
Just be sure you're querying reputable agents - most in the US are based in New York City and they should have a public client list with books of theirs that have been published.
Great insights as always, Alyssa. Your videos have really helped me improve my query letter and approach toward agents. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming.
You have no idea how happy that makes me! I'm so glad you've been able to use the advice in your querying journey. Keep me posted on how it goes!
A professor recommended this video to me (well, us- the class) and I found it so helpful. When you said, "congratulations if you have finished a novel", it was honestly the first time I felt like it was an accomplishment as I am so intimidated by the publishing process. Great video, and I will definitely be watching more and subscribing.
Thank you so much for watching - so glad you found it helpful! Finishing a novel is definitely a HUGE accomplishment. I know the publishing process can be daunting, but my goal for my channel is to help demystify the industry for emerging authors!
Margie. This will be the high school level reader for the book on trade in the ancient Near East.
Subscribed.
I only just recently finished the novel I'd been working on since 2018 and I really, really hope this video will help me out on the next steps.
I've already gone through the Beta Reader stage so I suppose now I gotta approach an agent.
Best of luck!
@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you ❤
As of today I'm still in the middle of making a dream list of agents, but it's surprisingly hard going into twitter blind and I'm still wary of scammers as you warned in other videos. But you know, one step at a time.
Thanks very much.
Great job kiddo. Like the bar in the back of the shot because we all know a couple cocktails really helps when going up the rabbit hole of publishing a novel. Eric stephen bocks
Self published author of wingover Wendover series and who would I be without you children's book. Thanks for the over view. e.
Thank you, my dear. Do you have any advice on the process of the publication of graphic novels? I'm currently working on one.
Thank you for this
No problem 😊
I've been querying agents and revising for more than three years.
This was very useful I am just starting my career and want to go far with it...thank you for the info
So glad you found it helpful. Good luck with your writing and publishing career!
@@AlyssaMatesic thank you
Thanks girl❤
I was hired to move semis rapidly in and out of an assembly plant. During long hours of waiting. I started typing on my phone. Before the job ended I had a novel, a short story and a half finished children's book. I've been considering retirement. I believe that I will need a project. I think getting these published could be that project.
I probably should get working on it. The novel is basically a history of the next several hundred years. I wrote it in 2016 Unfortunately the covid thing happened before I thought it would. It was interesting at that time. When it happened in real life, I lost a chapter of my book.
Thanks
Thank you for the video. I'm only 8 chapters in but I've had the idea in my head for almost 20 years! I so glad I waited becasuse it's a big reflection my life since and I'm trying to keep a chapter a week progress going.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice drinks station! I'm working on my second draft of a 150K (hoping to get that down by about 20%!) fantasy novel. I'm definitely waiting until after this read-through/redraft before sending it off to beta-readers. So I'm sort of mixing up 2 and 3 on your advice here. One question: when you said 'pages' to be sent with the query letter, would you recommend sending excerpts from different parts or perspectives in the novel, to give a broad overview of what to expect, or is it better just to send the first 10 pages?
This video was great, thank you!
Congrats! Always send the first 10 pages. The agent wants to see how you open the novel and if it hooks their interest. Sending excerpts from different parts of the novel will be disorienting because they haven't read the full manuscript, so it will be tough for them to assess.
THANKS
Your video was very clear and sensible. I self published a book of short stories. Can this be submitted to an agent? Also, it is a book of short stories, mostly fiction. Are there agents that specialize in short stories? I am not O Henry but I do think my work could be of interest to an agent interested in short stores.
Hi Alyssa.I have one complete science fiction novel, I'm working on others. I have contacted one agent (with whom I had a family connection) and been rejected. I was very disappointed, and I don't believe she even read the book.Her advice was to read more, always good advice but truly a stock answer. I learned a lot from your video and I hope you can help with some contact info for agents who can handle cyber-punk ( or at least direct me to resources that would help). I look forward to your reply.
The Power Five? Where have I heard that before? It rings a bell.
I would love to see a video on your opinion of how getting an agent and getting published is going to be affected by the new merger. The big 5 being widled down to the big 4 is making a lot of people nervous, especially considering what is happening with YA right now.
This is a great idea - the news shocked me! There's rightfully a lot of concern in the industry, so it's definitely worth discussing more. Thanks so much!
@@AlyssaMatesic You're welcome. I think it will be answering a lot of people's questions and concerns right now. There's also the fact that YA is being considerably culled. The two of those together is leading to lots of concerns. I can't wait to see your response video. Alexa Donne did a video on YA dying and I did a response video, but no one is really talking about the impact of the big 5 becoming the big 4. I'd love your thoughts YA too if that's in your wheelhouse.
Is there a way to protect your books copywrite/ ideas during this process?
I would like to know more about the pitch or the hook
Why do you need an agent? What do they bring to the table? I wonder why we just can’t submit to the publisher by ourselves.
Hello good evening ,I was wondering do you need a patent to have a book trustfully reviewed and or before publication.thank you please respond soonest 😁.
please i need help to find where i can publish my book actually now I am done with the editing
What if I’m the writer and the editor? Do i need to hire another editor from the big publishers to re edit my book? My book is a poetry collection, not a novel
Hi, I would like to book a consultation with you about getting my book published.
Yes , my granddaughter has made a children's book and it was very cleaver . I was hoping to find someone that may be able to help her publish her book to help her enter college possably .
After over 3 years I finally finished my novel and have had friends and family read it.
I was terrified it was really bad but I've only received great feedback, even from people I assumed would tear it apart and be overly critical. I honestly never expected it to be good enough to get published but everyone keeps telling me I would be a fool not to try. I have absolutely no idea how to though so 8 thank you for this video.
did you publish it? or maybe you have any copy of it? I read Korean and Chinese novels sometimes and could give an honest feedback from a not interested person (if it's not too long, like 1000+pages)
@@rizztraininghamster it's 110k words. Currently submitting Query letters to literary agents but haven't heard back yet from anyone. It's been a few weeks but I'm sure the holidays are crazy.
@@Auxik mind to share with me? I could find some time until 2024 to read it. Also some ppl are saying if you want to reach the needed people from entertaining industry much faster you need to find an intermediary who knows the right people. Idk if it's true but you could give it a try
hi did you hear back from anyone?@@Auxik
Hi Alyssa, I am about halfway through with my novel and was wondering if you do editorial assessments? If so, what are your rates?
I do offer editorial assessments--I have them listed here: www.alyssamatesic.com/professional-book-editing-services
If im sending my book to a publishing company arent I the publisher on the isbn application?
I am a children’s picture book author in the inspiring genre of books. Where would I find an agent in that arena?
Thank you. What I find is I get discouraged. It’s hard to press on.
My kids books I have let people read and say their good and like dr suess in some ways but he’s my favorite kids author. I have never done nothing with them but cfp accepted one and Idk what to do but try them for 1st book! Some say kids books do good through them! I have more books that I have done. Would u know what’s best for me to do to contact the big companies that would fit my books!!
Great information! I’ve always had a question though? I write books on Wattpad and I always simply use nice pictures of people I find on Pinterest for my book covers. How does that work when officially publishing a book? I’m thinking it might be different, like I can’t just use random people’s pictures. Can I get in trouble?
If you're traditionally publishing, then the design team at the publishing house will handle sourcing images/securing rights for using them! You can make suggestions as well, but ultimately those images have to be legally processed so that your book can be released without issue. If you're self-publishing, you'll have to secure those rights yourself--but there are many resources out there for finding/purchasing images for books!
Alyssa are agents obligated to keep material confidential? Material in a manuscript I am working on is certainly newsworthy, and I am concerned, it would be leaked prior to the publishing of a book.
If I complete my book, do I have to use my actual name or can I use an Alias?
Can I turn to a Powerhouse Publishing Company to possibly taking my 2 books that I have already published? I have one of the books that I will be turning into a feature film and working on the 3rd book.
Whats the book/film?
I was wondering do the big 5 consider short stories as full books and do they actually make offers on those style books.
There are short story collections published as books, but the editors at the Big 5 tend to prefer working with novels. Thanks for commenting :)
Hi Alyssa, hope that you are well? Thank you for connecting with me over on Facebook currently at the moment I have written five manuscripts and am currently working on my sixth in a science fiction series that I have created aimed at Young adults and beyond. I would really like to know where I can find agents, please and also learn more about writing a decent query letter.
Great! I have videos covering both of those topics:
Top 5 Elements of a Successful Query Letter:
czcams.com/video/nf3BRCKqy0o/video.html
What Do Literary Agents Look for in Writers?
czcams.com/video/89bljc8Za5I/video.html
Why Agents Rejected Your Book
czcams.com/video/4t_nNNv3zEc/video.html
Best of luck on your querying journey!
How can I get someone to help write my book? I have so many things to say, so many experiences I’ve had, but I have trouble organizing it all
Thanks you for the publishing process insights. I am a poor disabled lgtqia writer (poetry, novella, novel series) on Amazon and would like to go be a traditional writer for the young adult literary agencies. How do I begin the poetic novel agent fishing as as a content fictional male white author?
I'm 16 now and on my way to write my second book. I'm going to publish it on Bloomsbury India. Is it possible for me to do so? I have no experience with publishing a renowned house. What should be my action?
You have a lit ass liquor collection behind you.....wildn
I'm querying currently but losing a little heart finding out it can take months to years to get an agent
Wasn't Simon & Schuster acquisition by Penguin blocked?
Do you still do editing for books? Im close to completing my first draft and dont really know where to go from here
Hi there! Yes, I am a developmental book editor. You can learn more about my services at my website: www.alyssamatesic.com/ I also have a few different videos on my channel about common mistakes and tips for editing a first draft. Here's one you might find helpful: czcams.com/video/nfsGgCRReNE/video.html Congrats on getting to the end of your first draft!
Im writing the final draft of my book. Im extremely scared about publishing it because I've never done anything like this before. My family isn't into this stuff and they have no expierence , and I don't have any friends. So I'm the only person I know who wants to be an author.
I’m Artis Holder author of 2023 book Whites Only In America. I received a positive Kirkus Review on May 9, 2023. How can I get my Kirkus Star in the hands of the Big 5
I have a question, how much percentage commission these agents will demand from you? And also is there anyway to publish your fiction novel to any publisher (regardless of its one of the big 5 or any small publishing companies) directly by sending it to them through email without going through an agent?
Industry standard for agent commission is 15%. And while some publishers accept unagented manuscript submissions, most if not all of the Big Five imprints do ask for literary agent representation. Hope this helps!
Should your query letter spoil the story to give a more thorough explanation of the story, or should it be more like writing to the audience for your novel?
hello, I just stump up on your videos and love how you explain the topic clearly. I'm writing a book and the first draft is complete but the issue is I'm from Pakistan and I don't know how to commute with a Literature agent abroad. My biggest fear is to run into a scam and get my story copied. I would really appreciate it if you replay my query
If you check out my website, you can sign up for a free quote on a query letter assessment! I also have a video talking about getting published internationally here: czcams.com/video/K2U3KFXTkFk/video.html Best of luck!
@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you for your reply I'll surely check out your website.
Am new to writing and am told i have some talent. currently writing my first novel and i would love to have friends(beta readers) from the comments section. am writing my first book "ILLUSION'S GAME" and we can be each others "beta friend".
I have a question. Once you get your book published and you write your next one, do publishers or agents provide beta readers as well?
Your agent and your editor at the publishing house will thoroughly read and critique your manuscript - typically several drafts. And in many cases they also will circulate the manuscript among their team for feedback, which they'll then pass along to you.
@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you. Good to know.
Can you read my manuscript? How can I find an agency?
I am a novice in publishing. I am in my country. It is difficult for my country to publish my writing, because only famous people are eligible to publish in my country. To put it bluntly, people who are not distinguished in my country are not worthy of writing and publishing. So I thought about foreign countries. But I have not published my first book yet. I am eager.
Which country ?
Hi thank you for this information,
Is it possible to work with publishers in the US or the UK or In general english language countries, From Iran?
I have an english novel, And i would like to submit for american or britian publishers, But i can't leave the country , I also can't pay any agents or publishers ( I haven't the acsess in Iran, nor the money ) so i just want to know, Is it possible they consider it and read it for free? And they don't steal it .
I have published my persian novel in Iran before , and i would like to work internationally . Can i have a future in english writing ? Or i should just quit and hold to my persian career?
Bottom line: you are not going to get a decent agent, let alone a Big Four publisher. You will never get responses more than the automatically generated kind, if you get a response at all. You will spend years working at this to never get lucky.
This is less like fishing than it is like gold panning. Move tons if earth, sift, repeat. Only a tiny number of people will ever find nuggets and dust enough to cover expenses.
I just completed a sci-fi, crime noir in 3 months. Currently half way through the first revision.
I didn’t know about agents, so thank you very much for that.
Glad I could help! Congrats on finishing your draft and good luck with revisions!