A publishing consultant helps you decide how to publish your book, and provides the guidance you need to get there. Whether you’re interested in self-publishing or traditional publishing, a professional consultant will make the process easier with information, support, and connections. Here are the services they offer:

What is a book publishing consultant?

A publishing consultant helps authors choose the right publishing path for them and take the steps they need to succeed. This can involve giving self-publishing advice around polishing the final manuscript, distributing the book, and marketing it effectively. It can also include traditional publishing strategy around querying literary agents, submitting to publishers, and negotiating your contract.

Do I need a publishing consultant?

You’ll benefit most from a publishing consultant if you’re a first-time author who’s not sure what to do with your book, or if you’re a published author looking to change up your current strategy. Experienced publishing consultants can advise on any stage of the process, about whatever you need.

Can I just have a one-off consultation call?

Yes! Plenty of our professionals provide one-time consultations for authors. If you want a general introduction to the world of publishing — or alternatively, a deep dive into a specific issue you’ve been struggling with — this can be a great option.

Publishing Strategy

Choosing how to publish your book is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an author. A publishing consultant can help you understand the options available to you, weigh the advantages and challenges of each path, and create a practical plan for moving your book toward publication.

What can I expect from a publishing strategy service?

A publishing consultant will assess your goals, your book, and where you are in the publishing process before counseling you on the best route forward. Depending on your goals and where you are in the publishing process, a consultant may help you:

1. Evaluate your publishing options and determine which approach best fits your book, goals, and resources
2. Map out the key steps and decisions involved in getting your book to publication
3. Identify the publishing professionals and services you may need, from editors and designers to agents and other specialists
4. Assess your manuscript’s readiness and establish what needs to be addressed before you move forward
5. Build a realistic publishing timeline, including the key milestones and decisions along the way
6. Outline next steps for distribution, marketing, and reaching your target readers

How do I know which publishing path is right for me?

There’s no single publishing route that works for every author. A consultant can help you consider your goals, expectations, resources, and the type of book you’re publishing before recommending a path that makes sense.

When should I work with a publishing consultant?

You can work with a consultant at almost any stage of your publishing journey. First-time authors may benefit from guidance before making major decisions, while published authors can use a consultant to rethink their existing strategy or explore a new publishing path.

Distribution

Distribution to retailers is an important part of a self-publishing strategy. A publishing consultant can help you understand your distribution options, compare the potential royalties and other financial considerations, and determine which retailers, bookstores, and publishing platforms best fit your goals.

What can I expect from a distribution consulting service?

A consultant can help you develop a distribution strategy based on where and how you want to sell your book. This may include:

1. Choosing between different distribution options (including print and digital options) and understanding how they differ.
2. Considering the needs of different markets and territories.
3. Comparing the royalties, fees, and other financial considerations associated with different options.
4. Reaching online retailers and bookstores.
5. Uploading files in the right formats for distribution.

Should I distribute my book everywhere?

Not necessarily. Making your book available through more channels doesn’t always mean reaching more of the right readers — and different distribution options can have different advantages. A consultant can help you prioritize the retailers, bookstores, and distribution channels that make the most sense for your book, audience, and financial goals.

Agent & Publishing Querying

If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, finding the right literary agent or publisher is an important first step. A publishing consultant can help you develop a targeted querying strategy, identify appropriate publishing opportunities, and navigate the process of submitting your work.

What can I expect from a querying or publisher submission service?

A publishing consultant can help you understand the traditional publishing process and develop a plan for approaching agents and publishers. Depending on your needs, this may include:

1. Identifying literary agents or publishers who are a good fit for your book. A consultant may also already have relevant connections within the publishing world to inform your approach.
2. Developing a querying and/or submissions strategy, which means understanding what different agents or publishers are looking for and how to approach them.
3. Preparing your query, planning your submissions, and tracking your communications with agents and/or publishers.
4. Following up with agents and publishers, and explaining next steps if you receive interest.

The goal is not simply to send your manuscript to as many people as possible, but to help you make informed, targeted submissions to publishing professionals who are appropriate for your book.

When should I get started with this service?

Most authors, namely in fiction, will benefit from having a finished and polished manuscript before starting the querying process. It’s generally helpful to work with a consultant before you begin querying, so you can make strategic decisions about which agents or publishers to approach and how to present your work.

Proposal-driven nonfiction is different. If you’re writing nonfiction that would typically be sold on proposal — particularly if your platform or expertise is an important selling point — you may want to get guidance earlier, typically when you have a few sample chapters ready.

Can a publishing consultant guarantee that I’ll find an agent?

No. A consultant can help you develop a stronger and more targeted querying and submissions strategy, but agents and publishers ultimately decide which projects they want to represent or acquire. This service is about finding the right opportunities and presenting your book professionally.

Contracts & Rights

Publishing contracts involve important terms about how your book can be published, distributed, and used in the future. A publishing consultant can help you understand the key terms of an agreement, the rights involved, and the financial terms being offered, so you can make informed decisions before committing to a book deal.

What can I expect from a contracts and rights service?

A publishing consultant can help you understand the publishing agreement you’re considering and identify the rights, obligations, and financial terms that may affect your book. Depending on the project, this may include:

1. Understanding the key terms of a publishing agreement
2. Considering territory, format, and language rights
3. Understanding licensing and other uses of your work
4. Understanding how royalties are calculated, including the basis on which they are paid and how different rights or formats may affect your earnings
5. Identifying questions or issues to raise before signing

The aim is to give you clarity on what you’re agreeing to, what your potential earnings could look like, and how the deal fits into your wider publishing plans.

Can a publishing consultant help me understand or negotiate royalties?

Yes. A publishing consultant can help you understand the royalty structure being offered, consider how it compares with the broader terms of the deal, and estimate what different outcomes could mean for your earnings. They can also help you identify areas that may be worth negotiating and prepare questions or points to raise with the publisher.

Can a publishing consultant negotiate my contract for me?

A consultant may be able to advise you on the commercial and publishing implications of the agreement, help you identify terms worth negotiating, and support you in preparing for discussions with the publisher. However, for official legal advice, drafting, or legal representation, you may need to consult a qualified publishing lawyer or other legal professional.