A book deal is a contract which is a legally binding agreement between an author and their traditional book publisher. It dictates the assignment of rights, obligations, and money earned. It also includes the author's deadlines and the expected word count (terms dictated by publishers).
But are you sure?
The self-publishing industry is soaring, it’s growing, and it’s very lucrative for people now. It’s nothing like it was when it first started. More and more great books are being published by professional self- publishers such as White Magic Studios & (Amazon Kindle Self-publish) and they’re competing with traditional publishers.
And if you’re looking to grow your business with a book or a nonfiction writer in general; self-publishing (such as Amazon self-publishing, UK) is almost always the better route, unless you’re famous.
If you insist; the necessary steps are:
- Once more; before going through the work and time to traditionally publish, make sure it’ll really work for you.
- Write a killer book proposal which will convince the agent to give your book a chance.
- Hire an agent directly or through query letters; who will approach the publishing houses for you.
- Wait…wait…wait…until the agent responds and if you are very lucky, he will ask for your manuscript.
- Wait longer till your publisher picks your manuscript from the agent.
- A deal will be negotiated by the agent on your behalf.
- Then a book deal is made. You sign the contract and publishers buy the rights to that book. Wait for another 2-3 years till the book is published.
Mind you! After publication, the script will not be exactly the same, the illustrations (no point to hire an illustrator) and formatting may not be what you had imagined.
Understand that book deals or contracts are made only in traditional publishing. Unlike self-publishing, you don’t have absolute rights over your book, the book cover design (or book covers for children), the layout, illustrations, etc. in traditional publishing.
