
I received a topic request from blog reader Sandra. She asked me to explain the book publishing types. She wants to know the different ways a writer can change a manuscript into a published book. Book publishing is a large and complex topic, one that I’ve just dipped my toes into myself. In this post, I’ll share how I think about book publishing options for authors with a completed manuscript.
Traditional Publishing: The “Big Five”
Five large publishing houses, all based in New York City, dominate the U.S. trade book market. (A trade book is meant for general readership, as opposed to a specialized book like a textbook.) Walk into any physical bookstore in America (that’s not a university or college bookstore), and the vast majority of the books inside will have been published by one of the “Big Five.”
These large, well-known publishers are Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Macmillan. Within these large companies are hundreds of smaller imprints. For example, a book published by Little, Brown is within the larger Hachette umbrella.
The major publishing houses used to be the “Big Six,” until Penguin and Random House merged in 2013. In 2021, Penguin Random House made a deal to acquire Simon & Schuster, but this was blocked in a civil antitrust lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice. (This press release has the details.)
Writers who wish to be published by one of the “Big Five” often seek representation by a literary agent. A literary agent can help them navigate the process of getting traditionally published by a prestigious NYC publishing house.
Traditional Publishing: Independent and University Presses
Fortunately for mere mortals like me, there are many wonderful options for getting traditionally published that don’t involve the “Big Five.” The indie publisher Beltway Editions, based in the Washington, DC, area, published my book, Two Novembers: A Memoir of Love ānā Sex in Sonnets.
Look closely in your local independent bookshop, and you might find a volume published by a smaller, independent publisher, such as Tin House, based in Portland, Oregon.
Incidentally, Tin House published one of my favorite recent works of fiction, Night of the Living Rez, by Morgan Talty. (Read my blog posts about this book.) They also published his new book, Fire Exit, which I plan to read soon. I discovered Talty in Kramers, an indie DC bookstore.
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University presses are affiliated with a particular university. They publish a variety of books, especially those that are academic or scholarly in nature.
Some writers traditionally published by smaller presses have a literary agent. Many don’t. (I don’t.)
Hybrid Publishing
This type of publishing is halfway between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Like a traditional publisher, a hybrid publisher provides services such as editing, graphic design, cover design, printing, distribution, and promotion. As in self-publishing, the author is responsible for the costs and has the authority to make major decisions.
Hybrid publishers generally charge up to $5,000 or more (sometimes much more) to publish a book. This differs from traditional publishers because traditional publishers do not charge authors; they make their profits through book sales minus production costs.
Authors who choose a hybrid publisher have the advantage of exerting great control over the end product, which is not always the case in traditional publishing. However, they should weigh the cost carefully and remain clearheaded about the fact that publishing is a risky business. Many books do not recoup the cost invested in a hybrid publisher.
Vanity Publishing
Vanity publishing is an option for authors who wish to publish a book, are willing to pay for publication, and don’t mind if the book has a very small readership or doesn’t match the quality standards of other publishers. For example, sometimes a person in comfortable retirement wishes to write their life story and pass a physical book down to their descendants.
This is fine if the company is reputable. However, authors should keep an eye out for scammers.
Sadly, some vanity publishers masquerade as traditional or hybrid publishers. They tell an author that their book is special and has received a rare acceptance. They tell the author that their book will surely be a bestseller. They inform the author that they need to pay thousands of dollars immediately as an “investment” in the book. Then they do an unprofessional publication job and zero promotion. The author doesn’t find many readers, due to poor editing, graphic design, printing, and so on. And they’re out the money.
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Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is big nowadays, and many self-published books have become bestsellers. But, of course, self-published books don’t sell themselves. Authors have to commit to strategies to meet their goals. They must, like an entrepreneur, have a business plan.
The advantage of self-publishing is that the author has complete control. The downside is that the author must spend their own money and assume the risk of the investment, as well as take on every part of their business, whether they are doing tasks themselves or hiring professionals and companies to help. There are many fabulous resources out there for people who wish to go the self-publishing route.
Conclusion
If you’re an author with a finished manuscript, think about the pros and cons of each option before deciding how to publish your book. Consider your personality type, finances, and goals for the book. And avoid scammy publishers. Thanks, Sandra, for submitting the question!