Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You’ve spent the last several years writing a nonfiction book, and you’re relieved that it’s finally done. Now, you’ll be spending the next two years trying to convince someone else to publish it. That’s how the traditional publishing route goes: crafting query letters, researching literary agents, waiting months for a response (any response), collecting rejections, revising proposals, and doing the whole process again and again.
While it’s true that some authors successfully land an agent and a publishing contract, many first-time authors find out quickly that the timeline for traditional publishing takes much longer than they thought. Thankfully, querying literary agents is no longer the only way to get a nonfiction book published.
Today, nonfiction authors have more choices than ever when it comes to professional publishing. You can reach readers around the world while still keeping control of your work, and in many cases, go from completed manuscript to published book in a matter of weeks or months instead of years.
Getting a nonfiction book published the traditional way
As a first-time author, you might assume that the minute an agent says yes, you’re well on your way to getting published. The real process involves several stages, including:
- Querying agents
- Securing representation
- Developing a book proposal
- Submitting to publishers
- Contract negotiations
- Editorial revisions
- Publication scheduling
And only then is your book finally published. That entire process may take a year or more, which might make sense for some authors, but if you want to establish your authority, build your business or capitalize on a timely topic, waiting years can suddenly become a major disadvantage.
Self-publishing could be the better path
It’s entirely possible you’ve considered self-publishing in the past to get your nonfiction book published, but as more of a backup plan rather than the next logical step. That perception of self-publishing is outdated. When you self-publish through an all-in-one service like BookBaby, you get access to everything from professional editing and cover design, to formatting, distribution, eBook conversion, printing, and even marketing support.
Focus on creating a professional manuscript
Bypassing literary agents to get a nonfiction book published doesn’t mean bypassing the quality check. Readers expect the same level of professionalism whether your book went the traditional route or you went with independent publishing. Professional editing is one of the most important steps, and it’s much more than fixing grammar or spelling.
Proper editing, whether it’s copy editing, proofreading, or line editing makes your book clearer, more readable, more organized, and creates a better overall user experience. Take the time to have it professionally edited and both you and your readers will notice the difference.
Create a cover that supports your authority as an author
People absolutely judge nonfiction books by their covers. A weak cover can make even the most knowledgeable author look inexperienced. Likewise, a strong cover practically beams credibility before you even open to the first page.
Your cover has to do more than just look good, though. It needs to showcase your expertise, make it clear what the book is about, and appeal to your ideal audience. It also has to stand on its own next to competing books on the shelf. If you can’t make that happen yourself, hiring a professional cover designer from BookBaby is a smart decision.
Publish in multiple formats
If you’re looking to get a nonfiction book published, don’t inadvertently limit yourself to just one format. Readers consume nonfiction books in several ways, including print, eBook, and audiobook. Some readers want a paperback they can highlight, while others want to read on their Kindle while traveling. Still others prefer to listen to their books while commuting or during workouts. The easier you make it for people to access your content, the larger your potential customer base becomes.
Build your platform while publishing
Last but not least, one of the biggest advantages to bypassing traditional literary agents is that you can start building your audience right away. Don’t wait until your book gets published to start marketing your book! Build an audience gradually by:
- Sharing insights from your book
- Giving behind-the-scenes writing updates
- Offering case studies or other industry observations
- Uploading helpful content related to your topic
By the time your book launches, readers should already have a solid idea of who you are, why they should trust you, and why your expertise matters. Think of publishing as part of a broader authority-building strategy rather than a single launch event, and you’ll be well on your way to getting a nonfiction book published.
You don’t have to wait for permission
The publishing industry has changed dramatically in just the last few years. While it’s true that literary agents and traditional publishers still have a place in the process, it’s no longer the only way forward to a professionally published nonfiction book.
If your goal is to share your expertise, establish authority, grow a business, help readers or build a platform, spending years querying agents may not be necessary. Today, self-publishing authors can publish professionally, keep control, reach a global audience and move much faster than what traditional publishing timelines allow.
With BookBaby as your publishing partner and the ease and simplicity of Print On Demand, you’ve got a path forward that gives you faster time-to-market, higher royalties, full ownership rights and complete creative control.
These days, it’s not a matter of whether you have access to publishing. You no longer need anyone’s permission or agreement to get your books into the hands of potentially millions of readers, and it all starts with a free quote at BookBaby.com.
