How to Submit a Book to a Publisher

How to Submit a Book to a Publisher: Your Essential Guide to Getting Your Manuscript Seen in the USA – Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

So, you’re done writing your book and you’re wondering how to get it out into the world—right? How to submit a book to a publisher is one of the most searched questions by aspiring authors in the USA, and it’s no surprise why. Publishing a book can feel like trying to decode a secret language, especially for first timers. But don’t worry, this guide breaks it all down. We’ll cover everything from preparing your manuscript to submitting it on platforms like Amazon KDP, BookBaby, and B&N Press, and more. Whether you’re dreaming of traditional publishing or planning to self-publish, we’ve got you covered.

In short: To submit a book to a publisher, you need a polished manuscript, a strong query letter, a matching publisher for your genre, and a clear understanding of submission guidelines. Each step matters and skipping any of them could mean your book never sees the light of day. Let’s dive deep into every piece of the puzzle.

Understanding the Publishing Landscape in the USA

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Before you even think about submitting, you need to understand your options. In the USA, the publishing world is largely divided into traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Traditional publishing means you’re submitting your manuscript to established publishing houses. If accepted, they’ll handle editing, design, marketing, and distribution. The downside? It’s competitive, often requires an agent, and takes time. You may also lose some creative control.

Self-publishing, on the other hand, puts you in the driver’s seat. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), BookBaby, and B&N Press allow you to upload your manuscript and start selling—often within days. While this gives you total control and higher royalty rates, it also means you’re responsible for editing, cover design, and marketing unless you pay for services.

Then there’s hybrid publishing, where you invest in publishing services but retain higher royalties than in traditional publishing. Platforms like IngramSpark, Blurb, and AuthorHouse offer such models.

Choosing between these routes depends on your goals: Do you want control and speed (go self-pub)? Or validation and a bigger traditional name behind you (go traditional)?

Hybrid Publishing Options

Hybrid publishers combine elements of both worlds. You might pay upfront for services like editing, cover design, and distribution, but retain ownership and higher royalties. While this can be an excellent middle ground, research is crucial—some hybrid publishers operate more like vanity presses and can take advantage of new authors.

Notable hybrid publishers include:

AuthorHouse
Blurb
BookBaby’s Assisted Publishing Services
IngramSpark’s Global Distribution

Always check their reviews, contract terms, and whether they’re open about costs and royalties.

The Role of Literary Agents

For traditional publishing, especially with the “Big Five” publishers in the USA (Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Hachette), you typically need a literary agent.

A good literary agent helps you polish your manuscript, shops it around to publishers, and negotiates contracts. However, finding an agent is as competitive as finding a publisher. You’ll need to query them first—more on that later.

Agents often take a 15% commission on the income you earn from the deals they broker, which is standard and fair if they help land you a major book deal.

Preparing Your Manuscript for Submission

Final Edits and Proofreading

Think your manuscript is done? Think again. One of the most common reasons publishers reject submissions is poor editing. Your first step is to revise, revise, revise.

Here’s a checklist:

Print your manuscript and read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
Hire a professional editor for a final polish (especially for self-publishing authors).
Do multiple passes—focus on structure, pacing, grammar, and then spelling.

Remember, publishers receive hundreds of submissions a week. A clean, compelling manuscript instantly sets you apart.

Formatting Your Manuscript for Publishers

Proper formatting shows professionalism. If your manuscript looks amateur, publishers might not even read past the first page.

Standard formatting includes:

Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
Spacing: Double-spaced
Margins: 1-inch on all sides
Page numbers: Top right
Header: Title/Your Last Name
File format: Usually Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF

For platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, formatting varies slightly. They offer templates or guidelines for how to upload your book with trim sizes, bleed areas, and print-ready PDFs.

Creating a Standout Book Title and Synopsis

Your title and synopsis are your first impression. A weak title can bury a brilliant book, while a killer synopsis can hook a reader or publisher instantly.

Title Tips:

Keep it short and relevant
Make it genre-appropriate
Use keywords (important for Amazon KDP)

Synopsis Tips:

Limit it to 250–500 words
Introduce your main character and the central conflict early
Highlight stakes without spoiling the ending

If you’re publishing on platforms like Kobo Writing Life or Draft2Digital, your synopsis also serves as your book description—so make it punchy!

Crafting a Winning Query Letter

Structure of a Query Letter

If you’re going the traditional route, your query letter is your golden ticket. It’s the one-page pitch you send to agents or publishers to convince them to read your book.

Basic Structure:

Opening hook (1–2 lines): Grab their attention.
Book pitch (1 paragraph): What’s your book about? Who’s it for?
Author bio (1 paragraph): Why are you the right person to write this book?
Closing and contact info

Keep it under one page—edit ruthlessly. Avoid gimmicks and keep it professional.

Writing a Compelling Author Bio

Your bio adds credibility. Mention any writing experience, previously published work, education, or relevant life experience. Don’t oversell yourself, but don’t downplay either. Publishers want to know why you’re the right voice for this story.

Example:

“I’m a former journalist with over a decade of storytelling experience. My short stories have appeared in several online journals, and this is my debut novel.”

Tips for Personalizing Your Query

Generic queries scream laziness. Personalizing your query shows effort and research. Mention:

Why you’re querying this agent or publisher
Books they’ve published that are similar to yours
How your book fits their catalog

Use tools like QueryTracker, Duotrope, or Publisher’s Marketplace to learn about publishers or agents before you send that letter.

How to Find the Right Publisher

Researching Publishers Accepting Submissions

Not all publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts (a.k.a. ones without an agent). So, your first step is to find publishers who do.

Use:

Writer’s Market guidebooks
Reedsy Directory
PublishersMarketplace.com

Filter by genre, market (USA), and submission preferences.

Tip: Watch out for vanity publishers who charge upfront without offering real value. If it feels fishy, it probably is.

Matching Your Genre to the Right Publisher

Don’t send your sci-fi epic to a poetry press. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Always research the kind of books a publisher puts out.

Check their recent releases.
Look at their bestseller lists.
Visit their submission guidelines page.

Publishing platforms like Draft2Digital and StreetLib allow indie authors to distribute genre-specific books easily, but for traditional publishers, matching your manuscript to their niche is key.

Using Submission Trackers and Databases

Keep organized. Use spreadsheets or tools like:

QueryTracker
Trello
Airtable

Track when and where you submitted, the date, the response, and follow-up reminders. Submitting to multiple publishers is fine (unless the publisher asks for exclusivity).

Submission Guidelines and Processes

How Publishers Like Amazon KDP, BookBaby, and B&N Press Differ

Understanding how to submit a book to a publisher also means recognizing that not all platforms follow the same rules. Especially in the self-publishing world, platforms like Amazon KDP, BookBaby, and B&N Press have unique workflows, file requirements, and author support services.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP):

Pros: Free to use, massive reach through Amazon.com, print and eBook options, and up to 70% royalties.
Submission Process: You upload your manuscript (Word or PDF), input metadata (title, description, keywords), set pricing, and publish.
Requirements: Manuscript must be correctly formatted for Kindle. Tools like Kindle Create help simplify this.

BookBaby:

Pros: Offers full-service publishing packages (editing, design, distribution), wide distribution to online retailers.
Submission Process: Pay for a package, upload your files, or work with BookBaby’s team to get them ready.
Requirements: More hands-on help but at a cost. Better for authors who want support but not full traditional publishing.

B&N Press (Barnes & Noble Press):

Pros: Direct access to Barnes & Noble’s customer base, both print and eBook options.
Submission Process: Similar to KDP, upload files, enter book details, set pricing, and publish.
Requirements: Accepts .doc/.docx or EPUB for eBooks, PDF for print. Offers formatting guides and templates.

Understanding each platform’s quirks and advantages helps you choose the right one for your goals. For broader reach, many authors use Draft2Digital or PublishDrive to distribute to multiple retailers at once.

Common Mistakes Authors Make During Submission

Even the best manuscript can get rejected or overlooked if you make submission mistakes. Here are some of the most common missteps authors make—and how you can avoid them.

Ignoring Submission Guidelines:
Each publisher or agent has unique requirements. Submitting without reading their guidelines is like sending your resume without checking the job description. Always check:

File format preferences
Required documents (query, synopsis, sample chapters)
Word count limits
Genre fit

Typos and Grammar Errors:
First impressions matter. A single typo in your query letter can ruin your chances. Proofread everything multiple times. Ask a friend to review it. Use editing tools. Invest in a copyeditor if needed.
Generic Queries:
Agents and publishers can spot a copy-paste job from a mile away. Personalize each submission to show you’ve done your homework.
Overhype or Dishonesty:
Don’t claim your book is the next Harry Potter unless you can back it up. Publishers prefer authors who are confident yet humble and realistic.
Submitting Prematurely:
Make sure your manuscript is truly finished. Rushing into submissions because you’re excited can cost you opportunities.

What to Expect After You Submit

Now the waiting game begins. What happens next depends on who you submitted to and how.

Traditional Publishers:

Timeline: Response time varies—from 2 weeks to 6 months.
Rejection or Acceptance: Most will email a form rejection. If they’re interested, they may ask for the full manuscript.
Further Steps: If accepted, you’ll receive a publishing contract. It’s crucial to have a lawyer or literary agent review this before signing.

Self-Publishing Platforms:

Timeline: Your book can go live within 24-72 hours on platforms like Amazon KDP or Kobo Writing Life.
Feedback: You’ll get automated emails about approval, potential formatting errors, or pricing issues.
Next Steps: Promote your book! Success doesn’t stop at publishing—it depends heavily on marketing.

Regardless of the path you take, don’t take rejections personally. Every author gets them. Even bestsellers like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King faced dozens before hitting it big.

Building a Book Marketing Strategy Post Submission

Why Marketing Matters More Than Ever

Submitting a book is only half the battle. Even if a publisher picks up your manuscript, you’ll still need to market it—especially if you go the self-publishing route.

Marketing can be the difference between selling 10 copies and 10,000. In today’s competitive landscape, even traditionally published authors are expected to promote their own work.

Some key strategies include:

Building an author website
Starting a mailing list
Blogging or podcast guest appearances
Leveraging social media platforms
Running Amazon Ads and Facebook Ads

The earlier you start building your author platform, the better. Platforms like PublishDrive, Draft2Digital, and StreetLib offer marketing tools and promo options for indie authors.

Using Amazon KDP and Goodreads for Exposure

Amazon and Goodreads are two of the most powerful tools in your marketing arsenal.

Amazon KDP Tips:

Use relevant keywords to boost discoverability.
Select the right categories (niche ones often rank better).
Encourage early readers to leave reviews (they affect your rankings).

Goodreads Tips:

Create an author profile.
Run a giveaway for exposure.
Join genre-based reader groups and engage.

Both platforms offer free visibility boosts if you engage strategically. Don’t rely on “hope marketing”—build a plan and stick to it.

Building Your Author Brand for Long-Term Success

Authors are brands now. Whether you write thrillers, romance, or nonfiction, readers want to connect with you, not just your book.

Here’s how to build your brand:

Be consistent with your tone and messaging.
Use the same author photo and bio across platforms.
Share behind-the-scenes writing journeys.
Create content that aligns with your genre and values.

Tools like Canva, Mailchimp, and Substack help you create content and stay connected with readers long-term.

Legal Considerations Before You Submit a Book

Understanding Publishing Contracts

If you’re lucky enough to receive a contract from a publisher, read it carefully. These legal documents can be dense and packed with jargon. Here are the key elements to watch:

Rights Granted: Are you giving them print rights only, or digital/audio as well?
Territory: Does the contract cover just the USA or worldwide rights?
Royalty Rates: What percentage do you earn from sales?
Advance: Will you receive any upfront payment?
Termination Clause: Under what circumstances can either party cancel the agreement?

Always consult a publishing attorney or a literary agent before signing. Never rush the process—many authors have regretted signing away rights for life without fully understanding the terms.

ISBNs, Copyright, and Legal Protections

If you’re self-publishing, especially on platforms like Blurb, StreetLib, or Kobo Writing Life, you’ll need to handle your own ISBNs and copyright.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number):

In the USA, you can purchase ISBNs via Bowker.
Amazon KDP provides free ISBNs for print books, but they list Amazon as the publisher.

Copyright:

In the USA, your work is automatically copyrighted when created.
However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office adds legal protection and makes enforcement easier.

Other tips:

Include a copyright notice in your book.
Consider registering with the Library of Congress for broader cataloging and legitimacy.

Case Studies: Authors Who Successfully Submitted Their Books

Indie Authors Who Made It Big

Self-publishing success stories are no longer rare. Authors like:

Andy Weir (“The Martian”) – Started as a self-published novel.
Colleen Hoover – Dominates bestseller lists through Amazon KDP.
Amanda Hocking – Sold over a million copies through self-publishing before signing a major deal.

These authors mastered not just the art of storytelling but also the business of publishing—from formatting to marketing and reader engagement.

From Manuscript to Publishing Deal: A Traditional Success

Take Delia Owens, author of “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Her book was submitted traditionally and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons (a Penguin Random House imprint). Her success stemmed from:

A polished manuscript
An agent who believed in her story
A submission process tailored to the right publisher

She leveraged marketing, word of mouth, and critical acclaim to dominate both indie and mainstream charts.

Top Publishing Platforms Compared (Table)

Platform	Type	Cost	Royalties	Services Offered
Amazon KDP	Self-Publishing	Free	Up to 70%	eBook/Print publishing, global distribution
BookBaby	Hybrid	From $149	Up to 85%	Editing, design, distribution
B&N Press	Self-Publishing	Free	Up to 70%	Print/eBook for Barnes & Noble
IngramSpark	Hybrid	Setup fee	Varies	Global print distribution
Blurb	Self/Hybrid	Free/$	70–80%	Print-on-demand, photo books
AuthorHouse	Hybrid	High fees	Varies	Full publishing services
Draft2Digital	Aggregator	Free	60–70%	Distributes to multiple stores
StreetLib	Aggregator	Free	Up to 70%	International publishing
Kobo Writing Life	Self-Publishing	Free	Up to 70%	Direct access to Kobo readers
PublishDrive	Aggregator	Subscription	Varies	Advanced analytics, global distribution

Tips for First-Time Authors Submitting a Book

Start with Short-Term Goals

Don’t get overwhelmed by dreams of movie deals or bestseller status. Start with manageable goals:

Finish and polish your manuscript.
Learn the basics of formatting.
Submit to 5 carefully researched publishers or agents.

Join Writing Communities and Workshops

Groups like:

SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
Writers Digest Forums
NaNoWriMo Community

Can provide critiques, support, and insider tips from other authors on the same journey.

Track Your Progress and Learn as You Go

The publishing journey takes time. Keep track of:

Submissions and responses
Edits and versions
Platform performance

Stay adaptable and use each feedback—positive or negative—as a learning opportunity.

Conclusion

Submitting a book to a publisher may seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes much more manageable. Whether you choose a traditional route or go all-in with self-publishing, the key to success lies in preparation, professionalism, and persistence. By following the steps in this guide, you can confidently navigate your publishing journey—from polishing your manuscript to choosing the right platform, to marketing your book to readers across the world.

No matter which publishing path you choose, how to submit a book to a publisher comes down to knowing the rules, respecting the process, and putting in the work to stand out in a crowded market.

FAQs

Do I need an agent to submit my book to a publisher?

Not always. Many small and medium publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts. However, for larger traditional publishers, an agent is usually required.
Can I submit my book to multiple publishers at once?

Yes, unless a publisher specifies exclusive submissions. Always read the guidelines before submitting.
How much does it cost to submit a book to a self-publishing platform?

Platforms like Amazon KDP and B&N Press are free. Hybrid platforms may charge setup or service fees.
How long does it take to hear back after submitting a book?

Anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on the publisher or agent. Self-publishing responses are usually within 24–72 hours.
What’s the best platform to self-publish in the USA?

Amazon KDP is the most popular, but using platforms like Draft2Digital or Publish Drive can widen your reach across different stores.