Finishing your manuscript is a huge win, but figuring out how to publish a novel is a completely different beast. You're standing at a fork in the road, with two main paths ahead: you can go the traditional route by finding an agent and selling your book to a publishing house, or you can self-publish and take the driver's seat yourself.
Choosing Your Path from Author to Published Novelist
So, you've written "The End." You've poured countless hours, your heart, and probably a lot of coffee into this manuscript. What happens now? That's the million-dollar question, and the first major decision you'll make is picking your publishing model.
This isn't as simple as choosing "easy" or "hard." Both routes come with their own unique set of opportunities and obstacles that will define your journey as an author.
Understanding the Two Main Roads
At its core, the choice really boils down to this: are you looking for a team and industry validation, or do you crave total creative control?
- Traditional Publishing: This is the path you see in the movies. You query literary agents, and once you sign with one, they pitch your novel to editors at publishing houses. If a house buys your book, they take care of editing, cover design, printing, and distribution. They’ll also handle some of the marketing, but in return, you get a smaller slice of the sales (your royalties) and sign over the publishing rights.
- Self-Publishing: This route puts you in charge. You become the publisher. You’re responsible for everything from hiring an editor and a cover designer to figuring out distribution and marketing. It means you cover all the upfront costs, but it also means you keep full creative control and take home a much bigger percentage of each sale.
The book world is a massive, competitive industry projected to reach a staggering $142.72 billion in revenue. While the big publishing houses are still major players, the ground is shifting. We're seeing rapid, double-digit annual growth in formats like audiobooks, which proves that today's authors often need a strategy that includes both print and digital.
The visual below lays out this initial decision every author faces once the writing is done.
As the infographic shows, your first strategic move is deciding which of these paths truly fits your goals as an author.
To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the key differences between these two publishing models at a glance.
Traditional Publishing vs Self-Publishing At a Glance
| Aspect | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Control | Limited. The publisher has the final say on the cover, title, and edits. | 100% control. You make all the final decisions. |
| Upfront Cost | None. The publisher pays for everything and gives you an advance. | You pay for everything: editing, design, marketing, etc. |
| Timeline | Long. Often 18-24 months or more from signing a contract to launch. | Fast. You can publish as soon as your book is ready. |
| Royalties | Lower. Typically 5-15% of the net sale. | Higher. Often 40-70% of the sale price. |
| Distribution | Wide access to physical bookstores and established channels. | Primarily online, though print-on-demand is expanding bookstore access. |
| Finding an Agent | Required. This is a highly competitive and time-consuming step. | Not needed. You publish directly. |
This table is just a starting point, but it highlights the fundamental trade-offs you'll be making.
Your choice isn't just a business decision; it's a creative one. It defines your relationship with your work, your readers, and your career. Think about your long-term goals, your tolerance for risk, and how much hands-on involvement you truly want.
To really dig in, our detailed comparison of traditional vs. self-publishing breaks down what each path truly involves. There’s no single right answer here—the best choice is the one that aligns with your personal goals, your budget, and the level of control you want over your creation.
Alright, you've finished the first draft. Pop the champagne, take a breath… because now the real work begins. Transforming that raw manuscript into a book that people will actually want to read is a whole different beast. This is where so many authors stumble, thinking a quick spell-check is enough. It's not.
What you have right now is the clay. Professional editing is the process of sculpting it into a masterpiece. It’s what separates a promising idea from a polished, compelling book that can hold its own on the shelf. If you're serious about this, consider this stage absolutely non-negotiable.
The Layers of a Professional Edit
Not all editing is created equal, and throwing money at the wrong type is a classic rookie mistake. You need to understand what your book needs and when. Think of it as building a house—you lay the foundation before you paint the walls.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types you'll come across:
- Developmental Editing: This is the 10,000-foot view. A developmental editor digs into the guts of your story—plot, pacing, character arcs, and world-building. They're the ones who will tell you if your protagonist's motivation feels flimsy or if the big twist in Act Two falls flat.
- Line Editing: Once the story's bones are solid, it's time to focus on the language itself. Line editing is all about the flow, rhythm, and impact of your prose, sentence by sentence. This is where an editor helps you sharpen your unique voice, kill your darlings (like that metaphor you love but doesn't quite work), and eliminate clunky phrasing.
- Copyediting: This is the final, meticulous polish. Your copyeditor is a grammar hawk, hunting for typos, punctuation errors, and weird inconsistencies. Did your hero's eye color change from blue to brown in Chapter 7? A good copyeditor will catch it.
It’s crucial to do these in order. You wouldn’t copyedit a chapter that a developmental editor might tell you to cut entirely.
Finding Your Editing Team: Professionals and Beta Readers
Let me be blunt: investing in a professional editor is one of the smartest things you can do for your book and your career. A good one doesn't just fix your manuscript; they make you a better writer.
The goal of editing isn't just to fix mistakes; it's to elevate your story to its highest potential. A great editor acts as your first professional reader, showing you where your story shines and where it needs more work to connect with an audience.
But where do you find this magical person? It's a big decision, so you need a game plan. For a complete walkthrough, check out our guide on how to find a book editor that’s right for your genre and budget. It covers everything from vetting candidates to requesting sample edits and navigating contracts.
Before you even get to that stage, though, there's a powerful resource you should absolutely use: beta readers. These are people who read your manuscript and give you honest, reader-level feedback. They'll tell you which jokes are actually funny, if they saw the twist coming a mile away, and whether your main character is someone they’d root for or just find annoying.
Here’s how to get the most out of your beta readers:
- Build a diverse team. Don't just ask your mom and best friend. Find people who read your genre voraciously, and maybe a few who don't, to get a well-rounded perspective.
- Give them specific questions. Instead of a generic "What did you think?", ask things like, "Where did you get bored?" or "Was the dialogue between Alex and Sarah believable?" This prompts much more useful feedback.
- Set a deadline. Give them a reasonable timeframe, like 3-4 weeks. This keeps your project moving forward and shows you respect their time.
By combining the candid feedback from beta readers with the keen eye of a professional editor, you’re setting your book up for success. This foundational work is what turns a manuscript into a book that earns glowing reviews and builds a dedicated audience.
Navigating the Traditional Publishing Route
If your goal is to walk into a major bookstore and see your novel on the shelves, backed by a big-name publisher, you’re looking at the traditional publishing path. And for that, you'll need to get past a critical gatekeeper: the literary agent.
Think of an agent as your advocate and business partner rolled into one. They have the industry contacts and negotiation savvy that most authors simply don’t. They’re your ticket through the door, as the vast majority of major publishers won’t even look at a manuscript that comes directly from an author.
The numbers don't lie. Somewhere between 80-90% of all fiction you see in bookstores was sold by an agent. It's a competitive world, and patience is a virtue you'll need in spades. Even after an agent sells your book, the typical wait from that deal to your book's release is around 12 to 18 months.
Finding the Right Agent for Your Book
Before you draft a single email, you have to do your homework. There's no point sending your sweeping fantasy epic to an agent who only represents cozy mysteries—it's a waste of their time and yours. Your first real task is building a carefully curated list of agents to query.
Start digging. Resources like Publisher's Marketplace and QueryTracker are invaluable. Another pro tip? Check the acknowledgments section of books similar to yours. Authors almost always thank their agents by name.
I highly recommend creating a spreadsheet to keep everything straight. You’ll want columns for:
- Agent Name & Agency: The basics to stay organized.
- Genre(s) Represented: Get specific here. "YA sci-fi" is better than just "sci-fi."
- Submission Guidelines: Every agent has their own rules. Follow them to the letter.
- Personalization Note: Did they recently tweet about wanting a specific trope you've written? Jot that down.
This targeted strategy shows you’re a professional who respects their time, which immediately puts you ahead of the countless authors who just blast out generic queries.
A common mistake is querying agents just because they're famous. The best agent for you isn't always the biggest name; it's the one who genuinely loves your manuscript and has a real vision for where it fits in the market.
Crafting a Killer Query Package
With your list of dream agents ready, it's time to assemble your submission materials. This "query package" is your sales pitch, and it has to be perfect. It usually includes two main components: a query letter and a synopsis.
The query letter is a one-page business letter meant to hook the agent and make them request your manuscript. It needs to be sharp, professional, and intriguing. The standard formula works for a reason: a personalized opening, a killer hook that introduces your protagonist and their central conflict, a mini-summary of the plot, and a brief author bio.
To help you nail this, we’ve put together a detailed query letter template to guide you through the process.
Next up is the synopsis, which is a one-to-two-page summary of your entire story, from the first page to the last—spoilers and all. Agents need to know you can pull off a satisfying ending. It has to clearly map out the main plot beats, how your characters evolve, and the final resolution.
Honestly, writing a great synopsis is an art form. You're trying to condense an 80,000-word novel into about 500 words without losing its heart and soul. Don't be afraid to write and rewrite it until it shines. These documents are your first impression, so make them count.
Taking Control with Self-Publishing
Deciding to self-publish is deciding to be the CEO of your own book. It's a powerful move that puts you squarely in control of your creative vision, your schedule, and your earnings. Instead of waiting for a gatekeeper to say yes, you're building the whole operation yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYMaa4neKrs
This means you’ll be wearing a lot of hats—author, project manager, marketer, and small business owner. The great news is that modern self-publishing platforms have completely changed the game, making the whole process more accessible than ever. The tools are out there to create a book that looks and feels every bit as professional as one from a major publishing house.
Building Your Book Package
Before you even think about uploading files, you have to shift your mindset from writer to publisher. Your manuscript isn't just a story anymore; it's a product. In the crowded self-publishing marketplace, success hinges on creating an irresistible package that stops a reader mid-scroll.
Here’s what goes into that package:
- A Professional Cover: Don't even think about cutting corners here. Your cover is your single most important marketing tool. It has to look professional, signal the right genre to the right readers, and pop even as a tiny thumbnail on Amazon.
- A Killer Blurb (Book Description): This is your sales pitch. It needs to hook the reader fast, introduce the core conflict, and leave them with a question so tantalizing they have no choice but to find out what happens next.
- A Spotless Interior Format: Whether it's an eBook or a paperback, the inside of your book must be clean, readable, and professional. Nothing screams "amateur" faster than wonky margins or weird fonts, which can yank a reader right out of your story.
Your cover and blurb have one job: to get a potential reader to click "Look Inside" or download a sample. Invest your time and money here, because even the best story in the world won't sell if the packaging is subpar.
Once you have these core elements polished and ready, it's time to handle the more technical side of things, like getting an ISBN and picking your sales channels.
Securing Your ISBN
Think of the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) as your book's fingerprint—a unique 13-digit code that identifies it globally. If you plan to sell your book anywhere beyond Amazon's ecosystem, you absolutely need your own.
Platforms like Amazon KDP will offer a free identifier, but it’s a walled garden; that number only works on their site. When you buy your own ISBNs from an agency like Bowker (the official source in the US), you are listed as the publisher of record. This gives you the freedom to distribute your book everywhere, from online retailers to local libraries, which is vital for building a long-term author career.
Here’s a glimpse of the KDP dashboard, which becomes the command center for many indie authors.
From here, you can upload your files, set your prices, run ad campaigns, and watch your sales roll in.
Choosing Your Publishing Platforms
You don't have to put all your eggs in one basket. In fact, most savvy authors use a combination of services to get their books in front of as many readers as possible. The three biggest players in the space each bring something different to the table.
Top Self-Publishing Platform Comparison
Understanding the key differences between these platforms is the first step in building a distribution strategy that actually works for your goals.
| Platform | Primary Distribution | Print on Demand | eBook Royalties | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | Amazon's global marketplace, the world's largest book retailer. | Yes, fully integrated with the Amazon store. | 35% or 70%, depending on price. | Direct access to Amazon's massive customer base and powerful marketing tools like Kindle Unlimited. |
| IngramSpark | Global network of 40,000+ retailers, libraries, and bookstores. | Yes, high-quality print options, including hardcovers. | 45-65% of net, based on your chosen wholesale discount. | The gold standard for getting print books into physical bookstores and library catalogs. |
| Draft2Digital | Distributes to major eBook stores like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo. | Yes, through their D2D Print service. | ~60% of list price (they take a 10% cut of the net). | Simplicity. Upload once to reach multiple retailers through a single, easy-to-use dashboard. |
So what's the right move? It all comes down to strategy. You could go "exclusive" with Amazon KDP Select to tap into their Kindle Unlimited subscription program. Or, you could go "wide" by using KDP for Amazon, IngramSpark for print distribution to bookstores, and an aggregator like Draft2Digital to handle all the other eBook retailers.
The best part? The power to make that choice is entirely yours.
Marketing Your Novel for a Successful Launch
That feeling when you finally hit "publish"? It's incredible. But it’s not the finish line—it’s the starting pistol. Now that your book is edited, designed, and ready, you need to get it into the hands of readers. And make no mistake, whether you’re traditionally published or going it alone, the bulk of the marketing will fall on your shoulders.
The best way to think about your launch is as a campaign, not a single event. It has three distinct phases: the build-up before launch, the critical launch week, and the long-term game plan. Each part has a specific job, from creating buzz to driving sales for years to come.
Building Momentum Before You Launch
Selling your novel starts long before anyone can actually buy it. This pre-launch phase is all about finding and nurturing a core group of fans who are genuinely excited to buy—and review—your book the second it goes live. This initial burst of activity is what separates a fizzle from a bang.
So, where do you focus your energy? Two things matter most right now: your email list and getting Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) out there.
1. Cultivate Your Email List
I can't stress this enough: your email list is the most important marketing tool you will ever own. It's a direct, unfiltered line to your biggest fans, something social media algorithms can never promise. Start building it now. Offer a "reader magnet"—a free short story set in your book's world or some exclusive character art—in exchange for an email address.
2. Distribute Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)
ARCs are simply early copies of your book that you send to reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. The goal is simple: to have a handful of honest reviews ready to go live on sites like Amazon and Goodreads during launch week. A new book with zero reviews is a tough sell, but even five or ten glowing reviews provide instant social proof.
You don't have to find these people on your own. Services like Booksprout or Voracious Readers Only connect you with a whole community of readers looking for their next favorite author. This is one of the most powerful things you can do to give your book a fighting chance on day one.
A successful launch isn't about luck; it's about preparation. The authors who seem to "explode" onto the scene have often spent months, or even years, quietly building a community that's ready to support them on release day.
If you’re aiming for bigger media hits, you'll need to learn some effective pitching to media strategies. Landing a feature on a popular blog or in a local paper can introduce your work to a massive audience well beyond your own network.
Executing a Powerful Launch Week
This is it. Launch week is when all your hard work pays off. The main goal here is to concentrate as many sales as possible into a very short window. Why? Because a spike in sales tells retailer algorithms (especially Amazon's) that your book is hot, which prompts them to start showing it to more and more people.
A strong launch week usually involves a flurry of coordinated activity:
- Email Blast: Hit send on a launch announcement to your list. Make them feel like insiders getting the first look.
- Social Media Blitz: Have a whole series of posts ready to go. Share your cover, buy links, and any early reader quotes you’ve collected.
- Price Promotions: I’m a big fan of a temporary launch price. Dropping an ebook to $0.99 or $2.99 can drive a ton of impulse buys and hook readers who might have hesitated at a higher price.
- Run Targeted Ads: Platforms like Amazon Ads or Facebook Ads are your best friends here. You can get incredibly specific with who sees your ads.
Let's say you've written a sci-fi thriller. You could run a Facebook ad campaign targeting people who have liked authors like Blake Crouch and Andy Weir. That kind of focus means your money is spent reaching the exact readers most likely to buy your book.
Sustaining Sales for the Long Haul
A huge launch week is great, but what you really want is a sustainable career as an author. That means you need a plan to keep your book selling long after the launch-day confetti has settled.
Long-term marketing is all about consistency and connection. Keep talking to readers on social media, keep growing your email list with fresh content, and think about teaming up with other authors in your genre. Cross-promotions—where you plug another author's book to your list and they do the same for you—are a fantastic way to find new readers.
And finally, the best marketing tool for Book One is… Book Two. Every new book you release is a new chance for readers to discover your entire backlist. One sale can easily turn into a lifelong fan.
Common Questions About Publishing a Novel
Once you've typed "The End," you've conquered one mountain, only to find another one waiting. The business side of publishing a novel can feel like a whole new world, filled with jargon and decisions that seem daunting at first.
Let's walk through some of the biggest questions I hear from authors at this stage. Getting clear answers now will help you navigate the path forward with confidence and set your book up for the best possible launch.
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Novel?
This is usually the first question on every author's mind, and the answer I always give is: it really depends on the professional standard you're aiming for. You can technically upload a manuscript to a platform like Amazon KDP for free, but in today's crowded market, that's not a move I'd recommend.
To give your book a fighting chance, you need to invest. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a professional-quality release:
- Professional Editing: This is non-negotiable and your most critical investment. For an 80,000-word novel, a full suite of developmental, line, and copyediting can run anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
- Cover Design: Your cover is your single most important marketing asset. A skilled designer who understands your genre will likely charge between $400 and $1,500.
- Formatting and ISBNs: Getting the interior looking clean might cost a few hundred dollars. If you buy your own ISBNs (more on that below), that's another $125 to $300.
All in, a serious author should plan to budget somewhere between $2,500 and $7,000 to produce a book that looks and feels just as professional as one from a major publisher.
Do I Really Need a Literary Agent?
If your dream is to be published by one of the "Big Five" publishers like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins, then the answer is a resounding yes. These major houses almost never accept unsolicited manuscripts. They rely on agents to be the first line of defense, vetting projects for them.
Think of an agent as your business partner in the traditional publishing world. They have the contacts, they know which editors are hungry for a book like yours, and they can negotiate a far better deal for you. They’re the key that unlocks the door.
Trying to approach a major publisher without an agent is like trying to get into an exclusive club without an invitation. The agent is your connection, your guide, and your champion all in one.
What Is an ISBN and Do I Need One?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit code for your book. It’s like a social security number for your novel, allowing retailers, libraries, and distributors all over the world to track it.
Here’s the catch for self-publishers: KDP and other platforms will offer you a free ISBN. It sounds great, but that free ISBN locks your book to their platform only.
If you want the freedom to sell your book everywhere—Barnes & Noble, indie bookstores, libraries, international retailers—you must purchase your own ISBN. Buying one from your country's official agency (like Bowker in the US) lists you as the publisher. This gives you total control over your book's future, a crucial element for building a long-term author career.
How Long Does the Entire Publishing Process Take?
The timeline is where the two paths—traditional and self-publishing—diverge dramatically. The difference is stark.
- Traditional Publishing: This route is a marathon, not a sprint. From the day you sign with an agent, it can easily take 18 months to 3 years before your book hits the shelves. The process is long, involving submissions, publisher production schedules, and fitting into a marketing calendar set years in advance.
- Self-Publishing: Here, you're in the driver's seat. Once your manuscript is fully polished and ready to go, you can have your book live on global retail sites in a matter of days. That speed is a huge advantage for indie authors who want to get their work into readers' hands quickly.
At BarkerBooks, we demystify the publishing process, providing the expert support you need to bring your novel to life. From professional editing and cover design to global distribution and marketing, we handle the details so you can focus on writing. Learn how we can help you publish your novel today.