Checklist for Traditional Publishing (Ficton)

OK, you read through the Self-Publishing Checklist and went “Whoa!  That’s not for me!” or you’ve decided your dream is to be traditionally published.  That’s fine!  Here is the traditional publishing checklist for fiction. Some of these steps are the same, and some are very different.

If you’re pursuing traditional publishing for fiction, the process involves specific steps tailored to narrative works. Use this checklist to navigate the journey:

1. Write and Polish Your Manuscript

• Complete Your Draft: Ensure your novel is fully written and follows genre conventions.
• Self-Edit: Revise for plot consistency, pacing, character development, and grammar.
• Seek Feedback: Share your manuscript with critique partners, beta readers, or writing groups.
• Get a Professional Edit: Consider hiring a developmental editor to refine your story. Yep, you still have to do this to even get in the door with an agency.  After this edit, your agent might give you some notes, and if/ when they sell your book to a publisher, that publisher will FOR SURE give you some more notes and edits. You can mentally prepare yourself for this by accepting the fact that nothing is permanent and that everyone is going to want to put their input into your manuscript to make it the best it can possibly be.
• Proofread That Sucker:  For real, don’t send out a manuscript with typos. At the initial query phase, agents and publishers are just looking for reasons to say “no.” Typos are a great reason!

I have found Upwork to be the best place to hire editors and proofreaders. Please do not ask people to work for free “in exchange for future royalties.” This is bad form and you’re not going to get any truly great talent by doing this.

2. Research Your Genre and Market

• Understand Your Genre: Know the tropes and expectations for your genre (e.g., romance, thriller, fantasy).
• Target Audience: Identify who your readers are and what appeals to them.
• Perform a Competitive Analysis: Research similar books to position your manuscript effectively.  Here’s a whole article on how to do one.

3. Build Your Author Platform

• Website: Create a professional site showcasing your work.
• Social Media: Engage with readers and promote your book.
• Email List: Start gathering emails for future updates and book launches.

Side note:  No, I am not crazy for putting this here!  Go read this article on “The Traditional Publishing Myth” for real facts about what agents and publishers are expecting these days.

4. Prepare a Query Package

• Craft a Query Letter:
  • Start with a compelling hook.
  • Summarize your story in a concise, engaging way.
  • Highlight relevant credentials or writing experience.
  • Follow submission guidelines.
  • Here’s a sample if you want to just copy/ paste.  Just to warn you, you are going to need an author platform (website, email list, social media) already established before an agent will even see you.
• Write a Synopsis: Create a 1-2 page synopsis detailing key plot points, including the ending.
• Sample Chapters: Prepare the first 10-50 pages, depending on submission requirements.

5. Research Agents and Publishers

• Find Literary Agents: Use resources like QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List, or PublishersMarketplace.
• Identify Genre-Specific Publishers: Look for imprints that specialize in your genre.
• Review Submission Guidelines: Ensure you meet each agent or publisher’s requirements.

6. Submit to Agents or Publishers

• Personalize Queries: Tailor each submission to the recipient.
• Track Submissions: Use a spreadsheet to record where and when you submitted.
• Follow Up: Adhere to timelines for follow-ups if you haven’t heard back.

7. Prepare for Rejections and Revisions

• Embrace Feedback: Use constructive criticism to improve your manuscript.
• Stay Persistent: Keep submitting while refining your work.

8. Sign with an Agent or Publisher

• Review Contracts: Ensure you understand the terms and rights involved.
• Clarify Expectations: Discuss your vision for the book and potential revisions.

9. Collaborate on Edits

• Developmental Edits: Work with editors to refine characters, plot, and pacing.
• Line and Copy Edits: Focus on grammar, style, and consistency.
• Proofreading: Finalize a polished manuscript.

10. Prepare for Book Launch

• Collaborate on Marketing: Work with your publisher on promotional strategies.
• Engage in Events: Plan virtual or in-person book signings and appearances.
• Leverage ARCs: Use Advance Reader Copies to generate buzz and reviews.

11. Post-Launch Activities

• Monitor Sales and Reviews: Stay aware of how your book is performing.
• Interact with Readers: Respond to reviews and engage on social media.
• Plan Your Next Project: Use momentum from this book to pitch your next one.

Timeline:  You can realistically expect this process to take anywhere from 1-3 years from beginning to end.  It might take you 6 months to a year to hear back from agents, then you’ll spend time working with them to complete their edits and get your package ready to submit to publishers, then you make the deal, then you get assigned an editor, then you spend another year working with them, then your book launches.  I am not even joking!  I have done this three times and it has never been less than two years.