In South Africa, when submitting directly to a publisher, you will generally submit your book proposal through the publisher’s website, or by email.
Below is How To Publish A Book In South Africa
MAINSTREAM OR NOT?
One of the questions that I often hear writers ask is, “I’ve written the most incredible book. How can I get it published with a mainstream publisher?
What is it that makes so many people believe that the only way to be truly recognized as a successful author is to be signed with a mainstream publisher? Yes, of course, there is a certain amount of glamour attached to being published with a mainstream publisher – and that’s if anybody is taking the time to ask or notice – but it doesn’t necessarily have to be your only port of call.
I must, however, be completely honest with you. Nobody really cares who published your book. All that matters is that you have a printed, published book with your name on the front, and pages and pages of well-written, beautifully constructed content in between.
APPROACHING A MAINSTREAM PUBLISHER
If you have a large following and you have a great book, you’re technically ready to approach a mainstream publisher. Now what?
As a first-time writer, getting published through a mainstream publisher can takes years of perseverance before your book is accepted for publication. JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by twelve different mainstream publishers before Bloomsbury Publishing finally sat down to read it. The rest, as you know, is history.
If you’re planning on going the mainstream route and you have the patience (and the following) to accompany it, you will need to ensure that you have certain information ready before you make your submission.
The traditional publishing houses will ask you to submit a book proposal to them, and your manuscript forms part of the proposal.
You would submit this to them directly, as yourself, or, if you prefer, you can use a literary agent.
If you want to submit to a large mainstream publisher in the UK or the USA, you cannot submit your book proposal directly.
Instead, you are required to employ the services of a literary agent, but in South Africa, you have the option of doing it yourself or using the experience of a literary agent.
Most of the mainstream publishers have specific window periods that they will open up during the year for manuscript submissions. Sometimes it is for as short a period as a week, so my advice is to go and check out each publisher’s website (the publishers that you would like to publish with) and determine when their window periods are.
Once you have these dates, diarise them in Outlook. or wherever you are most likely to remember to take action.
Have a look at their submission guidelines, as each publisher will have different requirements. Some will only require your full manuscript, while others may ask for a synopsis and your full manuscript. Others might only want a synopsis and the first three chapters of your book. Include this information in your calendar reminder, as well as a link to the submissions page so that you don’t have to go hunting for it months later.
Most publishers will accept electronic copies of your manuscript, but there are some that still prefer a printed hard copy to be sent to them.
Besides your manuscript, ensure that you attach as much supporting evidence about you and your book as possible. You only have one chance to sell yourself, so make sure that you do it well. This will give you the credibility you need to be noticed by a prospective publisher.
THE SYNOPSIS
Most publishers will require a synopsis to be submitted with your manuscript. A synopsis is basically a rundown of what your book is about, chapter by chapter. If you’ve never written a synopsis before, basically what you are required to do is to sum up each chapter in a few lines from the beginning of your book through to the end. A SYNOPSIS IS NOT YOUR BLURB! State the facts and make sure that the story line flows.
The publisher is not interested in suspense or guessing – that is for the reader – they will be looking at your book as a product that they can make money out of, and if they like your concept, there is a good chance that they will contact you for more information.
The synopsis is important and it would be a good idea to take your time writing it, ensuring that there are no grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors.
Your synopsis should not be longer than two typed pages.
COVER LETTER
It is important that you attach a cover letter to your book proposal. Introduce yourself (write a short biography about yourself, including any notable career highlights, and anything else that might attract a publisher’s attention). Take some time to explain why you wrote your book, and why you feel that it would be suited to that particular publisher’s audience. Include a professional photograph of yourself in your cover letter.
I would suggest including a couple of lines indicating that you are willing and able to attend book launches across the country (and internationally, if required), media interviews (and if you are familiar with media interviews, mention this), and anything that the publisher might deem necessary in terms of giving your book as much exposure as possible.
I think it must be a publisher’s worst nightmare to sign a new author, only to discover that they are unavailable to attend media events and sign books for their fans or to be interviewed about their book.
THE SUBMISSIONS PROCESS
In South Africa, when submitting directly to a publisher, you will generally submit your book proposal through the publisher’s website, or by email. Your manuscript must be submitted in either Microsoft Word or PDF format (depending on what they require).
After that, it’s a matter of sitting back and waiting (and praying) for a couple of months while they decide if they like your book, or not. Publishers will generally email you a thumbs down, and they will either call or email you if it’s a thumbs up.
How do I sell my books online in South Africa?
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
Apple Books for Authors.
Kobo Writing Life.
Barnes & Noble Press.
Google Play Books.
Takealot.com.
Draft2Digital.
Smashwords.