Embarking on the journey to publish a book is many things.
Exciting. Empowering. Exhilarating even.
But also exhausting and exasperating.
I’ve sat at the end of a bar in all of those places.
You may well have done as well.
I can, if it’s a journey we’ve both been on, also empathise with you.
I know where you are. You’ve poured your heart into an idea, crafted characters or concepts, and imagined your story on the shelves of bookstores or downloaded to e-readers worldwide.
But how do you turn that dream into reality?
Successfully pitching your book to a publisher is a vital step, and it’s one you can master with the right approach.
Not all publishers are created equal—nor are they all the right fit for your book. Start by identifying publishers that specialise in your genre or subject matter. If you’ve written a romance novel, for instance, a publisher known for fantasy or self-help books is unlikely to be interested. Narrowing down your list to a few targeted publishers saves time and increases your chances of success.
One crucial detail to pay attention to is whether a publisher accepts unsolicited manuscripts.
Many traditional publishers work exclusively with literary agents and won’t consider submissions directly from authors. Check their submission guidelines carefully—most publishers make this information readily available on their websites.
Or invest in a copy of the 2025 Writers & Artists Yearbook which is an invaluable companion to any writer. It will list myriad publishers as well as publications and what their rules and requirements might be with regard to looking at new material. If, as many of them will, one advises ‘No Unsolicited Manuscripts’ then they mean that.
Submitting your manuscript to a publisher who doesn’t accept them will waste your time and can lead to unnecessary disappointment.
You can, of course, approach a publisher directly at a book fair.
I attend the London Book Fair every year. it’s usually held in March at Olympia and, believe me when I say this, you will be overwhelmed at the sheer scale of it.
It is enormous. Off the scale, a small city where, in places, there is barely room to move.
It’s also very impersonal if you’ve gone along without a pre-booked appointment with anyone, be they a publisher or agent.
You can’t just sit down with someone and pitch your idea to them.
Unless you’ve approached them first and piqued their interest with your proposal.
So make it a good one. No, scrub that.
Make it an exceptional one.
They might get a junior member of their staff to cast a tired eye over it if that is the case.
So spend time on it.
A week, two weeks maybe.
You won’t be able to craft a proposal, at least one that is taken seriously, in an evening.
So respect your craft and the people you want to read it by taking your time.
Be professional.
Because for publishers that do accept submissions, your book proposal or query letter must shine.
As in like a super nova.
It’s got to have a ‘Wow’ factor, it’s got to seize them by the scruff of the neck and give them a good shaking.
Because it’s your books audition.
That crucial first impression that convinces a publisher to take a closer look.
So it has to stand out.
Think of it like an audition for drama school.
Where you’re prodded onto a stage and told to impress three or four people sat in the front circle.
And within a few seconds of getting out there and performing whatever it is that you want to do before one of them calls out the time honoured phrase, ‘…thankyou, next please’.
Meaning you go home with your dreams, at least for now, in tatters.
Well, the equivalent of that where a publisher is concerned is that, after a few seconds of looking at your proposal, its either been put in the WPB file or someone, somewhere, has been asked to give you a call.
Make those few moments they’re going to spend with your idea worth their while.
Submission guidelines vary but most publishers will ask for the following:
A synopsis: A concise summary of your book, capturing its essence and major themes.
Sample chapters: Your chance to showcase your writing style and hook the reader-in this case, the most important one you’ll ever have.
Author biography: Highlight your qualifications and why you’re the perfect person to write this book.
Market analysis: Demonstrate that you understand your target audience and where your book fits in the market-publishers will expect you to have a thorough understanding of what your book will do for them in a commercial sense-remember, they judge a potential book on how much money it might make for them, end of.
Tailor your submission to each publisher’s preferences. A generic, one-size-fits-all query will quickly land in the rejection pile. Show the publisher you’ve done your homework by personalising your pitch.
Publishing is a business, and your interactions with publishers should reflect that.
Treat your query letter or proposal as you would a job application. Use clear, professional language, and double-check your work for spelling or grammatical errors. Publishers are looking for authors who are serious about their craft and reliable as collaborators.
Patience is another key trait. The publishing process can be slow, and you may not hear back for weeks or even months. While it’s tempting to follow up frequently, resist the urge to pester. If a publisher specifies a response timeline, wait until that period has passed before sending a polite inquiry.
Rejections are an inevitable part of the publishing journey, but they aren’t the end of the road. If a publisher declines your manuscript, don’t take it personally. Instead, use the feedback (always ask for some and always thank them for their time, even if they do reject your proposal) to refine your proposal and consider submitting it to other publishers.
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was rejected twelve times before being accepted by Bloomsbury with many of the publishers she approached neither seeing or understanding the potential in her story whilst some thought that a story about a boy wizard attending a special school for wizards and witches wouldn’t be of interest to anyone.
She thought differently. She had faith in her idea and the patience to keep working on it until someone took an interest.
Make that your MO.
Faith and patience.
And look for allies, look for those who have already had some success in the business, people who have a CV of books behind them as well as a healthy ‘to do’ list with regard to future projects.
JK Rowling, of course, is unlikely to want to take time out to mentor you.
But I will.
At Couzens-Lake Media, I specialise in helping writers like you bring their book ideas to life. Whether you need guidance on crafting a standout proposal, advice on finding the right publisher, or assistance with the writing process itself, I’m here to help.
With many years of experience as a professional writer (with over thirty books to my name and several more due to be published this year) and editor, I understand what publishers are looking for and how to position your book for success. Together, we can refine your idea, perfect your pitch, and take the steps needed to turn your dream into reality.
Publishing a book isn’t just a journey; it’s a leap of faith in your own story. It’s about turning your vision into something tangible—something that will outlive you.
Yes, there will be challenges, but with the right ally by your side, you can navigate every twist and turn with confidence.
I’m here to make that journey smoother, more successful, and truly extraordinary. Let’s take your idea from dream to reality—together.
Contact me today, and let’s write the first chapter of your writing success story.
