What Should I Expect from a Traditional Book Publishing Company?

What Should I Expect from a Traditional Book Publishing Company?

For aspiring authors, landing a deal with a traditional book publishing company is often seen as a prestigious milestone. While self-publishing has grown in popularity due to its flexibility, traditional publishing still offers resources and recognition that many writers desire. But what exactly should you expect when working with a traditional publisher? Let’s explore the process, the benefits, and the limitations.

Understanding Traditional Publishing

A traditional book publishing company takes on the responsibility of transforming your manuscript into a professionally published book. This includes everything from editing and design to printing, distribution, and basic marketing. In return, the publisher typically acquires certain rights to your book and pays you royalties from its sales. Some may also offer an advance—an upfront payment against future earnings.

One key difference from self-publishing is that in traditional publishing, you don’t pay the publisher. Instead, the publisher invests in your book and profits from its success.

The Submission Journey

Before you can work with a traditional publisher, you’ll need to go through the submission process. Many publishers do not accept submissions directly from authors, so having a literary agent can be essential. Agents help pitch your book to publishers, negotiate contracts, and guide you through the legal and business side of publishing.

Smaller publishers, however, sometimes accept unsolicited manuscripts, meaning you can send your book directly without an agent. Either way, the process requires patience—it can take months to hear back.

Editing and Creative Input

Once your book is accepted, it will go through a series of editing stages:

• Developmental editing focuses on structure, clarity, and flow.
• Line editing fine-tunes sentence structure and tone.
• Copyediting fixes grammar, spelling, and consistency.
• Proofreading ensures the final manuscript is clean and error-free.

Be prepared to collaborate. While your voice and vision are important, the publisher may suggest significant changes to improve marketability. This can include content adjustments or even title and cover changes.

Design, Production, and Printing

Traditional publishers handle all design aspects of the book:

• Cover design
• Interior formatting
• Choosing print sizes and binding types

After the design is finalized, the book is printed in physical form and also formatted for digital platforms (eBooks). The publisher ensures that your book looks professional and meets industry standards.

Marketing and Distribution

One of the biggest advantages of traditional publishing is access to established distribution channels. Your book can appear in major bookstores, libraries, online retailers, and educational institutions.

Marketing support varies by publisher and project. Some books receive full marketing campaigns, including media outreach and book tours, while others get minimal promotion. As an author, you’ll likely be expected to participate in promoting your book—through interviews, social media, and events.

Royalties and Payment

Traditional publishers typically pay authors royalties based on the book’s sales. The percentage depends on the format:

• Print books: Usually 8% to 15%
• eBooks: Can go up to 25%

You may receive an advance, which is an upfront payment. However, you won’t receive additional royalties until the publisher earns back the advance through book sales.

Royalty payments are generally made biannually or quarterly and are outlined clearly in your contract.

What to Keep in Mind

While traditional publishing has its perks, there are limitations:

• Long timelines: Publishing a book can take 12–24 months or more.
• Limited creative control: The publisher has the final say on some decisions.
• Highly competitive: It's difficult to get a deal, especially without an agent.

Final Thoughts

A traditional book publishing company can provide professional editing, high-quality design, and access to a wider market—all without upfront cost to the author. While the process is competitive and slower compared to self-publishing, the support and credibility that come with a reputable publisher can make the journey worthwhile.

If your goal is to establish authority, reach larger audiences, or build a long-term writing career, traditional publishing might be the right path for your book.