Working with Self-Improvement Book Publishers

Tips for working with self-improvement book publishers

By Nikki Wheeler

Getting any book published is no easy task. The self improvement industry boomed in the 1970s and has steadily remained popular ever since. But with the increased number in self-proclaimed self-help gurus, publishing a self-help book is harder than ever, as a reported 98 percent of self-help manuscripts are turned down or never even looked at.

By having an understanding of working with self-improvement book publishers, become one of the 2 percent that gets their books published. To work with self help book publishers, you must first:

1. Do the legwork in finding out each self help publishers submission guidelines.

2. Write, edit and rewrite your book until it is not only mistake-free but unique enough in subject matter to attract self-improvement and inspirational book publishers.

3. Write self improvement books that are easily marketable to the trends of current times, using subject matters that are relevant like low self-esteem and fulfillment in careers.

Adhere to submission guidelines of self help book publishing companies

Most book publishers are so busy and overwhelmed with legitimate submissions from already established authors they won't even glance at unsolicited manuscripts. Get the attention of self improvement book publishing companies by completely adhering to strict submission guidelines so your manuscript doesn't end up in the wastebasket.
Try: Look at samples of submission guidelines from some of the major publishers of self help books to get an idea of what is needed, including Frederick Fell Publishers, Health Communications and Aberdeen Bay. Find tips for grabbing the attention of publishers with your self-help book at Go Publish Yourself.

Look for freelance self-help and inspirational publishing

Get your name and work out in the public eye to grab attention by submitting freelance work to publishers of self-help magazines. This will give you experience that many book publishers require and access to publisher contacts. If your work is recognized for quality and gains a popular following, publishers will be knocking down your door to publish your self-help or inspirational book.
Try: Find a long list of self improvement publications, each with their own submission guidelines at SelfGrowth.com. InSpire Magazine is a major, national inspirational publication that reaches thousands of readers. Try to get published with Selfhelp Magazine, the self-proclaimed largest and oldest self-help publication.

Self-publish to get the attention of self-help book publishers

Self-publishing services have opened the door for huge numbers of new writers that never before would have been able to publish a self-help book. Many publishers are willing to take on a book that has already been self-published, marketed successfully, and has proved to make money.
Try: Get tips from BookMark Self Publishing on how to publish your own self help book effectively and then print it through them also. Infinity Self Publishing provides professional services, book cover design, marketing tips and access to distribution channels.

Work with ebook self help publishers

It is much easier for unpublished authors to break into publishing of ebooks. Since the cost of publishing books online is much cheaper, the risk involved for publishers is much lower.
Try: Submit your manuscript to publishers of self-help ebooks like Write Words and publishers of inspirational books like DiskUs Publishing. Use the resources available on eBook Crossroads for writing ebooks and working with ebook publishers.