Studying book publisher resources before you submit your manuscript or query can make or break your proposed publication. The road to publishing a book can be long, and some people don't want to wait. For them, there are resources on book publishing for the self publisher to help them print and market their publication right away.

For those not wanting to self publish, resources on book publishing can help you with writers and submissions guidelines as well as with time frames when to expect a response.

To find and use book publishing information:

1. Have your manuscript or query complete, but be prepared for revisions based on specific submission guidelines.

2. Use online or hard copy book publishing information to narrow down your list of potential publishers. Stick to those who specialize in your genre and follow their submission guidelines to a tee.

3. Check, check, and double check your submission before you send it out the door. Follow any return guidelines such as self addressed stamped envelopes with enough postage as well as make sure that you have proofed everything.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for book publishing information and lists

Find comprehensive book publishing information and lists from a variety of sources. There you can start, and hopefully narrow down, your search for the perfect publisher for you.

I recommend: First time editors can take advantage of the free list of around 400 publishers from John Kremer. His site is quite informative for the first timer, and on it you can find marketing tips, author resources, publisher resources, marketing reports and more. Yahoo! Directory also has a publisher listing broken down into tens of categories. Find US publishers by state from PublishingCentral.com. Try out the search services of SearchForPublishers.com.

Find book publishing information for the self-publisher

If you plan to self-publish, stay informed as to book publishing information as far as the costs and expectations that you should make on yourself to bring the project success.

I recommend: Self publishing has never been easier with Lulu, a site that can help you publish and sell print-on-demand books and e-books. They also offer online music and images on-demand sales as well as custom calendars and books. iUniverse is another leader in the self publishing industry. They offer value-packed publishing packages and have an alliance with Barnes & Noble. Request a free self publishing guide to see what they have to offer. Contact AuthorHouse for more information about their self publishing options and processes. See what packages are available to self publishers from Xlibris.

Find information about book publishers and their manuscript submission guidelines

For those not wanting to self publish, the trick is to find information about book publishers who accept manuscripts and queries. Most of the big name publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts, but many of the smaller companies will.

I recommend: Look at the manuscript submission guidelines from John F. Blair, Publisher. Christian Manuscript Submission Services can help you connect with Christian publishers and can offer you other book publishing references and Christian book publishing resources. Find out how to submit your manuscript to PublishAmerica. Check out the listings of aditional publishing directories from Writing-World.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Writer's Market, Children's Writers' Market, Novel & Short Story Writers' Market and Christian Writers' Market Guide are all wonderful book publishing guide publications that offer directory listings, company background information and tips of the trade.