How do I publish a book and how long does it take?

Here is a simplified look at various ways authors can publish and the pros and cons of each followed by a timeline:

(Please note: Distribution refers to a sales team who place books in various stores and outlets. All methods of publishing are able to use Amazon and/or Ingram as distribution)

Traditional publishing with the "Big Five" and the close behinders (Hachette, Harper Collins, MacMillan, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster plus Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Workman, Sterling, etc).

• Pros: The biggest distribution (ie. the book will be widely available in bookstores and elsewhere). Arguably, the best chance at a well-known, well-read book that makes some money. Likely to get an advance (money to the author upfront for book).
• Cons: You need to get an agent first, if you aren't top book in the publisher's catalog you are unlikely to get much marketing support or sales so don't forget to add in the cost of a publicist. Also, it takes a very very long time from finishing the book to having it published.

Mid-sized press Press:

• Pros: Likely to have a robust backlist of titles, name recognition in the industry, a professional staff, and strong publishing resources. May publish more unique and risky titles than a large publisher. May have major distribution. May be more personalized than a big press.
• Likely to need agent but not always. Likely to have some publicity but still will count on author and freelance publicist for the bulk of publicity. Distribution will not be as robust as a big publisher. Less likely to have a significant advance.

Small Boutique Press:

• Pros: There are a lot of small boutique presses you can directly submit to. This cuts out the time it takes to get an agent and small publishers generally have a much quicker timeline for turnaround. Small pubs will likely pay for editing (though you will only get a percentage of sales).
• Cons: You are unlikely to get better distribution than if you are self-publishing. Also, it still takes a while to find a press and submit and you are unlikely to get good/any publicity support. Also, the print run will be small or it will be print on demand and sales are not likely to be high. The quality of the editing and design may not be very high because the press will not have a ton of financial resources (though this is not always true -- some small presses put out magnificent books!).

Hybrid Models:

• Pros: You may benefit from the press being known (but perhaps not if the reputation isn't good). They will likely project manage the making of the book.
• Cons: You will pay out of pocket for most of the services a publisher would usually provide. The hybrid press makes money in the difference between what they pay their workers to provide publishing services and the amount they charge the authors. Not a great set up for quality or pricing. Unlikely to have distribution unless it is charged at a very high rate/book. Our least recommended option.

Self-publishing/Start a Publishing Company

• Pros: You can hire very good people to edit and design a book to the level of reputable presses. Your timeline is in your own hands, though it will still take at least 5 months for a publicity campaign plus editing and design. Author retains full rights to money from sales.
• Cons: It is expensive to do it right and a legitimate publicist will not work on a book that isn't extremely high quality. Amazon will be your main distribution though you can contact individual bookstores for events in order to stock book. Starting in a new industry is a huge learning curve for authors and it can be overwhelming without a project manager (and even with a project manager).

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How long will it take?

1. If you are going for a traditional press you need an agent. The agent will want to know if your book is good, and if you have a robust community (social media plus real community) who will promo you and buy the book. They will want to know that you are easy to work with. Your agent will need to write a proposal with your previous writing clips and anything else to show that you will be able to sell books so you will gather this together in advance. You'll want an author website in any case so that you can have your clips and news in one place and increase your SEO.
2. Research a number of agents (between 5 and 20) who represent books comparative to yours. Carefully read submission guidelines and pitch the right agents. Many don't get back for a couple of months and it is quite difficult to get an agent. Simultaneous submissions are a fraught subject. Read the directions.
3. If you get an agent, excellent. Keep working on your social media and publishing short pieces so your agent can pitch you successfully. The agent will pitch over the next year and responses take a while to come in. If you get an offer, your book will likely be out in print a year or two after you sign a contract with the publisher.
4. If you don't get an agent, decide if you are going to research and pitch small presses (similar to pitching agents), use a hybrid press or self publish. There are new options every day.
5. If you decide to start your own pub company/self-pub, hire a reputable editor, interior designer, cover designer (particularly for books, not a general graphic designer) and ebook creator. Make a publishing website. Hire a publicist and do a complete publicity campaign to put out the book about 8 months later.