Your Complete Guide to Publishing a Book in 2025

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  • Опубликовано: 26 янв 2025

Комментарии • 82

  • @RegnaSaturna
    @RegnaSaturna 6 дней назад +4

    There's a seventh but rather bold path. Starting your own tiny publishing house. I did that once upon a time for a 500 page book i strongly believed in but was rejected every time by lots of publishers. Wrote it, formatted it, printed it, stocked it at home, distributed it to all the big bookstores in my country myself and after two years of non stop selling eventually sold out everything without promoting it. People seemed to love it and it relied solely on word to mouth. True story :-)

    • @30DayChallengers
      @30DayChallengers 3 дня назад +2

      That’s impressive. Well done

    • @RegnaSaturna
      @RegnaSaturna 2 дня назад

      Thank you very much :-)​@@30DayChallengers

  • @charlessantino1200
    @charlessantino1200 13 дней назад +6

    I’ve worked for-and been published by-publishers big and small for forty years and this here is a wonderful summary of where publishing is today.

  • @jamesstolpa9442
    @jamesstolpa9442 15 дней назад +20

    Great topic. I think of this often. I published my first novel with a hybrid company. My second is awaiting agent representation (queries out and waiting). I have also published a novella using Amazon KDP. As much as I'd love to become rich and famous from writing, I really just want my stories out there in the world. I'll keep writing and trying to get traditionally published, but it takes patience.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +4

      Thanks for sharing your journey! It’s awesome that you’ve tried different paths to get your stories out there. Patience is definitely key. Wishing you all the best with your writing and querying!

  • @imaginepageant
    @imaginepageant 15 дней назад +19

    If anyone wants an example of a successfully socially-published author: Matt Dinniman! He started the Dungeom Crawler Carl series as an online serial, eventually moved it to Patreon where he continued releasing it a few chapters at a time, and eventually had it picked up by a Ace Publishing (a Penguin House imprint), which is now reprinting the current seven books over the span of a year(ish). Meanwhile Matt is still releasing chapters from the next book on Patreon, where he also lets patrons vote on what happens in the story! It’s an AMAZING series (especially on audio - it’s a MUST on audio) and I’m so excited it’s getting more eyes on it now thanks to Ace!

    • @Paikoun22
      @Paikoun22 14 дней назад +1

      Can you say which platform did he used before moving to patron?

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      Great example, thanks so much for commenting!

  • @CodyCEngdahl
    @CodyCEngdahl 14 дней назад +9

    Thanks for this. I did the research when I was writing my first novel and decided self-publishing was it for me. I'm about to publish my sixth novel and I couldn't be happier. I will say though, the marketing side is half the job so you better love it like I do.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +2

      An early congrats on publishing your sixth novel-that’s amazing! You’re absolutely right, marketing can be such a big part of the self-publishing process, and it’s great that you enjoy it. Wishing you continued success with your books!

    • @CodyCEngdahl
      @CodyCEngdahl 14 дней назад

      @@AlyssaMatesic thank you

  • @blancanavarro8487
    @blancanavarro8487 14 дней назад +7

    I have sent dozens of queries to possible agents and though I’ve received a couple of good comments, none have worked out so far. So I decided to self-publish my first two thriller novels. I have sold a few, but mostly to family, friends and friends of friends.
    I admit my marketing skills are quite lacking and I’m not one to have hundreds of followers on social media, so I’m a little stuck on how to promote myself and my books. I will check out the social publishing options and see how those go!!😊 Thank you!!☺️

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      Thanks for sharing, and congrats on self-publishing your first two thrillers! Marketing can definitely be challenging, but exploring social publishing, while certainly a less traditional path, could lead to some great opportunities. Best of luck!

  • @rad4924
    @rad4924 14 дней назад +7

    I've currently got two manuscripts that are almost ready for publication. One I'm planning to either self-publish or send to a small press because I think it's far too niche and experimental for traditional publishing; the other I'm planning to traditionally publish.
    (As an aside, I didn't realise Scholastic was considered mid-size. I've always perceived them as a major player.)

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      That’s exciting-having two manuscripts nearly ready is a huge accomplishment! Your plan to use different publishing paths based on each project sounds smart. Best of luck with both!

  • @grimmdanny
    @grimmdanny 14 дней назад +12

    Since I'd have no idea what to do the first time trying to get published, I'd just try to get an agent to do it for me. The ~15% cost seems worth it. And as I learn more over time, I may try it on my own. Plus, for now, I don't have time to do it on my own, building up my online presence and all that. I'd rather apply that time to writing. Let someone else handle the stress of getting my work published.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      That’s a totally valid approach! For many authors, the 15% is well worth it-an agent can be a huge help in navigating the publishing world, especially if you have limited time or experience.

  • @Gene1969
    @Gene1969 15 дней назад +21

    If I write a short story, I'll self publish it just to have it out there. For a novel or novelette, I will knock on the doors of publishers and agents.

    • @briankilgore8808
      @briankilgore8808 15 дней назад +3

      Short stories are a good place to start. From there, you can level up.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +3

      Best of luck on your writing journey! 🙂

    • @briankilgore8808
      @briankilgore8808 14 дней назад +1

      @ and best of luck on yours. I look forward to reading your book.

    • @Gene1969
      @Gene1969 13 дней назад +1

      @ Thank you. Yours has been inspiring.

  • @e_nyuszi
    @e_nyuszi 15 дней назад +6

    This was such a helpful video!! Thanks once again Alyssa!!!

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад

      Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!

  • @JustClaude13
    @JustClaude13 15 дней назад +7

    #7: If you just want to send a bound copy to your grandma, there are companies that will print and bind a single copy of your PDF file.
    This also a way to get a bound printout you can mark up without using all your incredibly expensive printer ink.

  • @Gamble661
    @Gamble661 11 дней назад +1

    Another great video. After years of querying and even signing with a literary agent for my first novel with no luck getting published I got tired of beating my head against the wall and turned to self-publishing. I currently have three books out that are doing fairly well, not mainstream numbers by any means but better than nothing, which is what I was getting from the query route. I do miss CreateSpace because they provided editing and formatting services for a very reasonable price. These days I publish in Amazon and do most of the work myself.
    Regarding vanity presses; I kept getting come-ons from them to "publish" my books so as a test I submitted a manuscript for a novel that I wrote decades ago. It was bad, amateurish and full of typos and formatting issues, and the story was not great. I got numerous responses telling me they would "accept" my book and were exciting about seeing it published...for a pretty hefty fee. Alyssa is right about this route, if you choose it be very careful who you go into business with.

  • @rowan7929
    @rowan7929 14 дней назад +7

    This year I hope to get an agent. No way I'm going back to the self path since this was a huge failure and only lost money.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +3

      Wishing you the best of luck in finding an agent this year! It sounds like you’ve learned a lot from your experience-keep at it!

    • @rowan7929
      @rowan7929 14 дней назад

      @@AlyssaMatesic Thanks. You and your channel have been a huge help.

  • @literarytreasuresofbrazil
    @literarytreasuresofbrazil 8 дней назад

    Hey, I just stumbled upon your channel and immediately hit that subscribe button! I’ve been watching a few of your videos and I’m honestly loving the content. You have such a great vibe, and I can tell you put a lot of effort into your work. Can’t wait to see more! Keep up the amazing work!

  • @aterejr_
    @aterejr_ 14 дней назад +3

    Hi, this was such an insightful watch. Do you have any resources for publishing poetry works perhaps?

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  13 дней назад

      Thank you!
      You might find my Q&A on whether there’s a market for publishing poetry helpful: ruclips.net/video/pIzZ4TJWX8c/видео.html
      One tip I often recommend to first-time poetry authors finding the market tough is to explore literary journals or magazines. Being published in one of these not only helps you gain exposure but also serves as a valuable writing credential to strengthen your future query letters to literary agents!

  • @jayscott697
    @jayscott697 5 дней назад

    I really enjoyed your video. I’m in the process of crafting my first manuscript. I am considering your services when the time comes. I really liked your website and your services. So we will see. I liked and subscribed

  • @riccardob9026
    @riccardob9026 13 дней назад +1

    Interesting. I would add another issue that could be a strong constraint in some cases (like mine): fiscal issues.
    Clearly it depends a lot on your country. Here in Italy, if you self-publish with (say) Amazon, you are considered as a seller (you do the actual selling, Amazon provides just a "digital window") and this implies, by law, that you need a "partita IVA" (VAT number). Having a p.IVA means that you must pay an annual fee for it, you need an accountant (that must be paid), you need a dedicated bank account and maybe other stuff. Moreover, depending on your main job, it would be illegal for you to have a p.IVA; for example, if you are a university professor or work in some public structure (do not ask the rationale of this, but it is the law).
    With traditional and hybrid publishing, instead, your revenues are considered royalties and they are handled in a totally different way from a taxation perspective; in particular, you do not need a p.IVA and there is no problem even if you are a university professor. That's why I published with an hybrid publisher.

  • @RJGilman1967
    @RJGilman1967 15 дней назад +4

    Good stuff. Thank you, appreciate your time and effort. ✌

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад

      So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

  • @ashdoginc
    @ashdoginc 11 дней назад

    Great video - it helps me enormously. I know for many authors, like myself, finishing a book is hard enough, let alone trying to get to grips with how to get it published and in the hands of readers.

  • @DavidJOBrien
    @DavidJOBrien 8 дней назад

    Well informed and accessible. I guess I've worked hard to be the best writer I can but have no clue how to sell it or myself in a world where the slush pile is a mountain

  • @awakeningalchemy5744
    @awakeningalchemy5744 12 дней назад

    Thank you, very informative and timely. I would disagree that absolutely every author dreams of being published by the big five publishing companies. I have zero interest in being published by them. On the off-chance I sent my first novel to a small-medium sized company, more for feedback than anything else. The benefit was also I didn't have to submit through a literary agent. Anyway, the experience was very positive. The manuscript was under very serious consideration but in the end they didn't take it forward, not because of the writing, but because it didn't quite fit with the list they were publishing in the coming year. I thanked them and said it was just good to know the novel had come up to scratch. The commissioning editor got back to me and replied that it didn't only come up to scratch but much more, and was beautifully written. To be honest that's all the validation I need to self-publish. I just want to feel I've done my best and the novel can sit alongside other published novels in the genre on amazon. I may submit to other smaller publishers when they are open, but I probably won't try to get a literary agent. Good to know there are a number of options out there. Thank you for your videos, they've been really helpful.

  • @osuigwechukwuemeka9476
    @osuigwechukwuemeka9476 15 дней назад +8

    I'm a Nigerian and I tried self publishing. It didn't work out unfortunately. Is it possible for me to secure a literary agent?

    • @briankilgore8808
      @briankilgore8808 15 дней назад +7

      Once you have what you feel is a finished product, reach out to multiple agencies. Worst they can do is tell you, “No.” Good luck.

    • @rowan7929
      @rowan7929 14 дней назад +3

      Same here.
      As the other stated, if you have a book (not the one you have self published) and is as polished as it can be, you look for agents. Sadly you will get tones of rejections. Being doing this for over 2 years now.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +3

      Agreed! Once you have a new manuscript (that hasn’t already been self-published) and you feel confident in it, start querying agents!
      You might find these resources helpful as you start looking:
      Ways to Find a Literary Agent: www.alyssamatesic.com/free-writing-resources/find-literary-agent
      How to Pick the Right Literary Agent: www.alyssamatesic.com/free-writing-resources/how-to-pick-the-right-literary-agent
      Wishing you the best of luck!

    • @osuigwechukwuemeka9476
      @osuigwechukwuemeka9476 14 дней назад +2

      @AlyssaMatesic thank you very much.

  • @sycariummoonshine7134
    @sycariummoonshine7134 15 дней назад +5

    So hey, if you want to publish your work to as many people as you can rather than for profit, what´s the best way about it? There´s something about the online light novel community/side that actually matters to me a bit, and there´s an audience there (and its a different audience to traditional) but I also love the idea of having a physical copy of my book in someone´s hands. So, thoughts on this?

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +2

      That’s a great question, and it really depends on the author and the book! Some authors with growing platforms might reach a large audience through social publishing, while others, with the right marketing, can use self-publishing platforms to get physical copies into readers’ hands. Some even start with digital releases and later offer physical copies for purchase. Of course, traditional publishing isn’t just about profit-with the right team, you can reach a broad and diverse audience this way too!
      All the best as you figure out what works for you!

  • @EdwardFrempong-k4g
    @EdwardFrempong-k4g 14 дней назад +2

    Thanks for this useful information. I submitted my novel to one of the hybrid publishing housing in the United Kingdom. They really expressed great interest in my book. However, I felt disappointed when I was asked to pay an amount of 3183 British pounds .
    I'd be pleased if you could help me get an agent.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      I'm so glad you found this video useful and are taking the time to think through your options!
      While I don’t connect authors directly to agents, you can check out the services I do offer here: www.alyssamatesic.com/professional-book-editing-services.
      I also have free resources, like this blog post, to help authors find the right agent: www.alyssamatesic.com/free-writing-resources/how-to-vet-lit-agents.
      Hope that helps!

  • @kc-jm3cd
    @kc-jm3cd 11 дней назад

    when does copyright take place and how with Trad publishing?

  • @pixel325
    @pixel325 15 дней назад +1

    A great topic and video, thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping out. Currently in the process of querying. Watch your book hook video yesterday and considering the hook and also change some of the other stuff needed to query. EDIT. Have you done a video on self-pub? if not, would you consider it. The costs, ups, downs, etc etc? cheers!

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      Thank you! I’m so glad you liked the video.
      For self-publishing, you might find my video on Traditional vs. Self-Publishing a great place to start: ruclips.net/video/yJiwM2AZZyo/видео.html. My interview with author and RUclipsr M.K. Williams, is also packed with insights for those considering self-publishing: ruclips.net/video/vwh1ql_AB3A/видео.html.
      Hope that helps and wishing you all the best with querying!

    • @pixel325
      @pixel325 14 дней назад

      @@AlyssaMatesic Thanks for the links, will take a look right away :)

  • @TheEccentricRaven
    @TheEccentricRaven 13 дней назад +1

    Thank you so much for the overview and info! You know so much and what you share is valuable! Question- I've done some social publishing by posting snippets of my writing on Tumblr. It's been great receiving compliments and support from the Tumblr community. I didn’t think posting my snippets on Tumblr would count as publishing that would prevent my stories from being published professionally because they are just snippets and in draft form that I don’t expect to be the final polished draft. In other words, I'm sure my snippets will change by the time I feel my whole novel is revised and complete. Or have I screwed my future publishing prospects?

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  13 дней назад

      Thank you for your kind words-I’m so glad you found this info valuable!
      Sharing snippets on Tumblr, especially when they’re in draft form and not representative of the final polished work, doesn’t necessarily ruin your chances. But, it’s definitely important to be cautious and do your research. Some publishers might not consider this prior publication, but if enough of your novel is publicly accessible, others may view it differently.
      That said, trends in the industry vary. For example, publishers like Bloom Books are actually seeking out popular self-published authors with growing fan bases.
      All that to say, the best approach is to check publisher submission guidelines carefully, as they can vary. You’re not doomed, just be mindful! Hope that helps :)

    • @TheEccentricRaven
      @TheEccentricRaven 12 дней назад

      @@AlyssaMatesic Thank you so much for the thorough, well-thought out answer! I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks!

  • @tonythetyger99
    @tonythetyger99 14 дней назад +3

    Easy to think that social publishing isn't 'real' publishing, but of course it is... I kickstarted a game book last year

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  13 дней назад +1

      Absolutely! Congrats on kickstarting your game book!

  • @eliasmccollum5581
    @eliasmccollum5581 14 дней назад

    What do you know of Dorrance Publishing? I have seen an add for them. I have thought maybe they might be a good option but not entirely sure what their reputation among writers is.

  • @ArtAnimeEmerly
    @ArtAnimeEmerly 13 дней назад +1

    I'm at 30 rejections from traditional agents. Don't want to go the self published route yet but my genre is quite niche. I'm 15k into the next, more marketable, project so might just focus my efforts there for now instead.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  12 дней назад +2

      That sounds like a great approach-focusing on your new project while keeping your options open. Wishing you the best!

  • @fluffyspunsugar
    @fluffyspunsugar 14 дней назад

    Excellent video.

  • @pyzziie6712
    @pyzziie6712 15 дней назад +2

    I was thinking of putting my manuscript on a chapter based release on RoyalRoad as I pursue the querying process. Will this reduce my chances of being traditionally published. The web version would be the raw story while the published novel would be the polished version (after the professional editing)

    • @5Gburn
      @5Gburn 15 дней назад +3

      Any web version of a manuscript is considered a publication, therefore a tradpub would reject your manuscript.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +2

      Agreed! Once you post your book online, it’s usually considered previously published, which could make traditional publishing tricky. That said, building a connection with readers and growing your audience on platforms like RoyalRoad could be a great foundation for future projects you’d like to publish traditionally. Best of luck querying!

    • @pyzziie6712
      @pyzziie6712 11 дней назад

      Thank you both for the answers :)

  • @d4red3v1l8
    @d4red3v1l8 12 дней назад

    I’d like to send you my book so you can help me improve it, but I feel like I won’t get a reply back lol. I really want mine to get published this year

  • @mkhensanilettierikhotso3307
    @mkhensanilettierikhotso3307 День назад

    Where is your country please 😮

  • @universal-creator
    @universal-creator 13 дней назад

    I want hay house

  • @johnparnham5945
    @johnparnham5945 14 дней назад +1

    I'm amazed that you should mention so called Hybrid publishing. No author should ever pay to be published. Anybody who does is in danger of being scammed. Iny early writing journey, I nearly fell into the trap twice before I discovered what vanity publishing was. There are many vanity publishers our there. Beware of so called Hybrid publishing.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +1

      Thank you for sharing your experience! It's such an important reminder for authors to be cautious. Hybrid publishing can be confusing, and knowing how to spot red flags is crucial.
      If any authors out there are curious, I actually dive deeper into hybrid publishing and how to spot red flags in this video: ruclips.net/video/g1z3IjrXplA/видео.html

  • @jakiedark
    @jakiedark 14 дней назад

    Who else is listening to this despite having a snow cone chance in hell in getting published.

    • @AlyssaMatesic
      @AlyssaMatesic  14 дней назад +4

      Every writer has to start somewhere... keep going, and you might surprise yourself!

    • @briankilgore8808
      @briankilgore8808 12 дней назад +1

      @@jakiedark don’t be negative. Your lack of confidence will show in your writing. If you are feeling unconfident, then you need to level up yourself. Find authors you like and read their stuff voraciously. I memorize poetry to give myself better meter. “Writing” is not just writing. There are many components. Reading, experience, talent, etc. Write short stories. That’s a good place to start. Good luck.

  • @Jorag18
    @Jorag18 14 дней назад

    You are beautiful. You are talking the way i want to listen to you because i understand you and everything you talking makes sense. And you are giving valuable information without hidden agenda (feels like that). ❤
    With last name ending with IC (ić) i assume that you have Slavic (Balkan) roots 🤭🤗

  • @xChikyx
    @xChikyx 14 дней назад

    Big Five Publishers = Monopoly.
    Stop supporting monopolies

    • @neetfreek9921
      @neetfreek9921 14 дней назад

      How is it a monopoly if there’s three rings of traditional publishing with multiple publishing houses?
      If anything is a monopoly, it’s kdp owning almost the entire self publishing market.

  • @jenzebel
    @jenzebel 14 дней назад +1

    Another great video! Thanks, Alyssa 🩵 But I have a big question! Obviously, finding an agent is super difficult. Which is why I'm wondering: How do I find writing conferences with pitch sessions (with reputable agents)? I've tried doing some internet research, but I can't tell which conferences have actual ties to big five / traditional publishers. For reference, I typically write YA fantasy / magical realism.
    Thanks for all the amazing resources, and congrats on your own publishing deal!