The business publishing world is a fast-growing and exciting place. Finding your niche and then working your way into it can be a tricky task. Here are some helpful tips on publishing and choosing the correct business publisher for you:
Do Your Research. Find out who the business publishers are, where they are, and how to contact them. It helps to attend business conferences or seminars, learn the hot topics and trends specific to this industry--understanding these will help you present your manuscript in a more appealing light by tying it to a popular trend. It should go without saying that in publishing business publications--almost more than in any other publishing segment--you must be an expert on your subject matter.
Consider Using an Agent. It is a literary agent's job to help you get published-that's how they make their money--they have the publisher connections, the advice, the know-how, the time. Having literary agent representation gives you an instant degree of credibility.
Choose the Right Publisher for You. The list of publishing companies for business is long. You need to understand what each publisher's specialties, strengths, and preferences are, so you can narrow down the publisher list and match up your material with their needs correctly. Be thorough and picky. The same advice applies to literary agents.
Approach the Publisher Properly. Some business publishers want a call first, some want an email, some want a query letter, some just want a portion of your manuscript in the mail. You must show respect and approach them how they want to be approached--take the publisher's advice; otherwise, they will not listen to you or consider your material. The same goes for approaching an agent.
Learn to Shrug Off Rejection. On the average, 98-99% of submissions to both business publishers and literary agents get rejected, especially if you've never been published before. That's just the way it is. It will help if you can learn from rejection. Be open-minded. You may need to revise and try again. If you have talent and perseverance, you will succeed in getting published.
Resources that may offer help in getting published in the business industry can be found in your local bookstore, library, or Internet stores. Here are some of the best ones:
The Writer's Market. It gives over 4000 market listings for consumer magazines, book publishers, trade journals, and contests and awards, along with 50 listings for literary agents.
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents. This directory provides everything working writers need to find the most receptive book publishers, editors and agents for their work.
Publishers Weekly. The premier international publishing industry news magazine, it reaches every major publisher worldwide. It's the leading publication serving all segments involved in the creation, production, marketing and sale of the written word in book, audio, video and electronic formats. Also found on www.publishersweekly.com
