Steps in the Traditional Publishing Process
The thought of getting your book onto the shelves of a bustling bookstore or in the catalog of your local library as a traditionally published author excites you.
You dream of a book deal with a big 5 publishing house, trade press, university press, or even a small press publisher or academic or professional publisher—and the name recognition that comes along with it. Getting a traditional publishing contract seems like a brass ring.
But what are the steps to publish traditionally?
Let’s dive into the 15 steps to publish a book so you can know what to expect and determine whether traditional publishing is right for you.
Since 2017, I’ve guided dozens of US nonfiction authors through the traditional publishing process. I’ve also traditionally published two books of my own. And I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned with you.
At the end of this article are a ton of resources for you to check out!
What Is Traditional Publishing?
First of all, a definition:
Traditional publishing is the business model by which a publishing house pays an author to produce, distribute, and market the author’s book. Unlike self-publishing, where the author handles all aspects of production, traditional publishing involves a team of experts who help bring books to life—from editing to design to distribution.
A traditional publisher makes an upfront investment and, in exchange, also shares with authors a portion of the profits—royalties—with or without an “advance” of those royalties.
The journey isn’t quick or simple, but for many authors, it’s worth the effort.
How Long Does It Take to Publish a Book?
The process is not fast! It might take months to get a book contract and then another 1 to 2 years before the book is officially published.
Even after the book’s cover and interior has been completed, it could still be another 4 to 6 months or more before it’s actually released to the public.
The Traditional Publishing Process
Here’s a breakdown of the steps in traditional publishing—with what to expect along the way from first draft to first book sold.
Step 1: The Manuscript
The process begins at the manuscript stage when you draft your book. This is the foundation of your book, and it needs to be as polished as possible before submission.
For fiction books, you’ll need to have a complete manuscript, a full draft, before submitting.
For nonfiction books, you’ll need to have at least several polished chapters complete. Some publishers would prefer that you have the entire manuscript written—especially if you’re a first-time author.
Traditional publishing favors manuscripts that are well written, original, and marketable—and that are within the “typical” word count ranges for that genre.
After completing your draft, you’ll likely revise it several times to ensure it’s ready for the next step.
You’ll also need a cover letter, called a “query,” and polished, compelling, industry-standard “book proposal.”
➡️Get the Nonfiction Book Proposal Template today!
Most authors these days work with book coaches or freelance editors to sharpen and perfect at least some, if not all, of the above.
Step 2: Find a Literary Agent—or Identify Traditional Publishing Companies Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts
For many authors, the next move is finding a literary agent. Agents act as gatekeepers, choosing and pitching manuscripts to editors at publishing houses and negotiating deals on authors’ behalf in exchange for 15% of the authors’ earnings. Because many publishers only accept submissions through agents, having a skilled agent can be instrumental.
The search for an agent is competitive; you’ll need to research agencies, craft an irresistible query letter, and possibly undergo multiple rounds of rejection before securing representation.
Your agent may help further refine your manuscript and proposal before pitching it to editors at traditional publishing houses.
There are many traditional publishers accepting unsolicited manuscripts that don’t require authors to submit via an agent. Publishers who work with authors directly make it clear on their websites if they accept submissions and what they’re looking for. They will say they are accepting unsolicited manuscripts—that an agent is not required.
➡️Download the most comprehensive, most up-to-date List of Traditional Publishing Companies (Nonfiction, US)
Step 3: Submission to Publishers
When the manuscript reaches a publishing house, it undergoes a rigorous review. Sometimes the first person to see it is an editor; other times it is the editor’s assistant who makes the decision to forward it to the editor.
They may get dozens of submissions a week. Response times vary from same day to a few months.
When the manuscript reaches an editor at a publishing house, it undergoes a rigorous review. Editors consider factors such as market trends, the manuscript’s originality, and its potential profitability.
If an editor likes your manuscript, they’ll pitch it to a larger group within their company for approval. Sometimes this is referred to as “pub board.”
Step 4: Acquisition
The committee considers many factors, including the book’s commercial potential, audience, and how it complements their existing catalog. They’ll debate how much money they think they’ll make and if and how much they’re willing to invest in the project.
If the team agrees to publish your book, you’ll receive an offer—a traditional publishing book contract—which may include an advance payment (a sum paid upfront against future royalties). If an advance is paid, it will typically be paid in installments.
Step 5: The Contract
Once the acquisition team greenlights your book, you’ll sign a publishing contract. This agreement outlines the terms of your advance, royalty rates, rights, and responsibilities.
Read carefully the clauses about what rights you’re granting and for how long, what it would take to get back those rights (“reversion of rights”), and royalty percentages (which may be on a sliding scale), as well as key dates.
Literary agents play a critical role in negotiating these terms to help ensure the terms are more favorable to you. Keep in mind that a literary agent can also negotiate foreign rights, licensing, and film deals—something the typical author cannot do solo.
Look closely and ask questions! Most authors do not hire a lawyer during this process, but if you feel it’s necessary or there is a lot of money involved, you can certainly do so.
Smaller publishers are often less willing to negotiate; larger publishers not only negotiate, they sometimes bid against each other.
Step 6: The Editorial Process
After the contract is signed, the manuscript enters the editorial phase.
At least in theory, editors work closely with the author to make changes that improve the book’s structure, pacing, and overall quality.
This collaborative process ensures the book aligns with the publisher’s standards and resonates with its target audience.
Some publishers seek the expertise of bias readers, outside reviewers, or other experts to ensure that the book is as appropriate and accurate as it can be.
In my experience, most acquisitions editors are hands off, and questions are often funneled through their assistants.
By the time specified in the contract, you’ll be asked to submit the full manuscript for copyediting. Most publishers have additional instructions and guidelines to follow to make the next two phases smoother.
Step 7: Copyediting
With major revisions complete, the manuscript moves to copyediting (also spelled copy editing).
An in-house editor or a freelancer hired by the publisher will comb your manuscript and fix errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and consistency and align your book with publishing industry standards. In the US, that would be latest edition of The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster. Some authors will have already hired their own copy editor.
The copy editor may have questions along the way. Usually they’ll provide a list of standards applied along with tricky spellings encountered; this is called a style sheet.
Around this time, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, your editor or their assistant will write the book description.
There may also be a “marketing questionnaire” sent to you to plan publicity and promotion activities.
Step 8: Design and Formatting
In the next phase of the traditional publishing process, the publishing house’s design team works on the book’s interior layout and cover design.
The publisher’s design team works to create a visually appealing package that attracts readers and fits market expectations.
The cover is a critical aspect, as it plays a major role in attracting readers. The amount of feedback you’ll have varies widely from publisher to publisher and editor to editor. You might be asked to help conceptualize the cover; you might be asked to pick your favorite cover design option; or you might be told, “This is the cover.”
As far as the interior layout goes, you won’t be involved with that process. The inside of the book will be made visually appealing and formatted for print and/or ebook versions.
Step 9: Proofreading (and Indexing)
After a few weeks, you’ll receive “page proofs”—essentially “almost ready” digital previews of the inside of the book.
The book is then proofread to catch any final errors before it’s ready for production. Some authors do their own proofreading. Some hire proofreaders. Some have other authors they go to for help. Occasionally, but rarely, publishers provide proofreading.
At this stage, whoever is doing the proofreading must comb through the text to catch any remaining errors before production.
There are almost inevitably typos, unexpected formatting issues, or adjustments that need to be made.
If your book requires an index—especially if it is an academic book or written for an audience of specialists, it may need an index. The index is typically prepared at this stage, sent to the person who did the interior layout of the book, and added to the book (and then proofread again).
This is one of the steps in the traditional publishing process I find most stressful. It always seems too rushed.
Step 10: Printing and Production
With design and editing completed, the book is sent to press. Copies are printed in bulk for physical distribution, while digital versions are prepared for e-readers.
Advanced reader copies (ARCs) are produced (more on this in the next steps).
Physical copies of the book arrive in warehouses prior to the official launch date.
Author copies arrive before the pub date. Your words finally make it onto paper, and you hold your book like Simba in The Lion King.
Step 11: Marketing and Promotion
By this time, marketing efforts should already be well underway. You will have completed a marketing questionnaire for your publisher. You may receive a book marketing plan—formal or informal. You may be connected with an in-house publicist or sales rep.
Most traditional publishers have people dedicated to promoting your book. They may create digital flyers or social media graphics and arrange advertising campaigns, social media promotions, book tours, and media appearances. With their network, they can generate buzz around your book launch.
Four to six months before publication, advance reader copies are sent out to potential endorsers, to reviewers and review services, and to book award programs.
Many established publishers have relationships with bookstores and will help secure prominent shelf space.
Traditionally published authors are often surprised by how little their publishers do to market their books. In fact, they expect you, the author, to market your book with gusto. Don’t assume for one second that they will do anything; ask. And hustle on your own.
Step 12: Distribution
The publisher’s distribution network ensures your book reaches bookstores, libraries, online retailers like Amazon, and wholesalers. This broad reach is one of the key benefits of traditional publishing.
Your publisher will not only register your copyright; they’ll also ensure your book is shipped where it needs to go and readily available online.
Step 13: The Launch
Finally, your book is officially released and made available to readers.
Publishers often coordinate events, interviews, and promotions around the launch date to maximize visibility. You’ll want to do the same.
In the weeks and months following your launch, you’ll continue your marketing efforts.
My nonfiction author clients have appeared on podcasts, as talking heads in documentaries, and have been quoted in top media outlets after writing their books. They’ve won multiple awards. One author got three hundred Amazon reviews!
Step 14: Royalties and Rights
In the months and years that follow, hopefully you’ll see sales and increase in your book persist.
Royalty payments are paid out quarterly, semiannually, or annually, depending on the publisher—often on sales made 60 days or more before that date.
If you received an advance payment, you aren’t paid royalties until you “earn out” that advance.
In time, your publisher may want to launch another format of the book, such as an audiobook or a hardcover, if they haven’t already. A second edition might also be in the works.
Your publisher or agent (or you if you own the rights) may negotiate additional opportunities for your book such as licensing and merchandising, foreign rights, and translations, or television and film deals.
➡️My self-paced Step-by-Step Traditional Publishing Course walks you through these steps in more depth, revealing how to optimize each of the steps to publish a book!
Step 15: Writing Another Book
Some publishing contracts include or try to include additional books or a “right of first refusal clause” in which you’re supposed to approach the publisher before any other publishers to see if they’re interested in offering you a contract for your next book.
Many traditionally published authors go through the entire process again—getting traditionally published a second, third, or fourth time.
However, you don’t have to; some authors self-publish some books and traditionally publish others.
Your publishing journey is unique—just like what you’re trying to get published. Whether you pursue traditional publishing or explore other avenues, the most important thing is to stay true to your creative vision and keep writing.
Traditional Publishing Pros and Cons
As you can see, getting traditionally published is challenging.
But traditional publishing also offers several advantages:
Professional Support: You’ll have access to industry experts who can polish your book and help it succeed.
Credibility: Being published by a renowned publisher adds prestige and recognition to your work.
Wider Reach: Established publishers have extensive distribution networks that can help your book reach a broad audience.
Cost Efficiency: Publishers cover the production and marketing costs, so you don’t have to.
However, traditional publishing isn’t without drawbacks:
Limited Creative Control: You won’t have the final say on your title, cover, or design.
Lower Royalties: Many self-published authors make 8–12 percent royalties on a traditionally published book vs. 40–60 percent on a self-published book.
High Competition and Long Wait Times: Getting published often means getting rejected—or ignored—before finding the right publisher for your book. And it’s slow—too slow for many authors; it sometimes takes months to get a book contract and then another 1 to 2 years before the book is officially published. Authors need to be prepared for rejection and patience as they navigate this process.
You can read more on the pros and cons of traditional publishing in my article entitled “Is Traditional Publishing Worth It?”
Additional Resources for Getting Published
I’ve been working with US nonfiction authors since 2017. Consider working with me to bring your book to life and get you published. Genres like self-help and self-improvement; dating and relationships; US history, politics, culture; health and wellness; humanities; and other topics are often a fit.
Digital Downloads and Courses on Traditional Publishing
Top Articles on Traditional Publishing by Daniel Tortora
What Are the Big 5 Publishers? And How to Get a Big 5 Publishing Deal?
Developmental Editing for Nonfiction Books: A Guide for Authors
Work with a Nonfiction Editor and Publishing Coach (US Nonfiction Authors)
Nonfiction Book Editing (including book proposal editing)