I know this might sound strange coming from a publisher, but I believe there’s too much emphasis on the act of publishing itself. Not that getting your book published isn’t a goal—it definitely is—but I’ve seen many writers become so fixated on publication that they lose sight of what’s actually best for their book. My advice boils down to this: Don’t send your work to presses you don’t genuinely love or that don’t align with the kind of writing you do; your book deserves better. The right press will be your partner throughout the publication process, and you want a partner who truly understands your book and knows how to best bring it into the world.
If you’re worried that you don’t know how to find the right press, trust me—you do. There’s no magic to it; it’s simply research and hard work, which you’re more than capable of—you’ve already written the book! Here’s some practical advice I often give: First, read widely, and not just the best-sellers—seek out books from indie and university presses, too. When you find a book you admire, one that feels like it’s in conversation with your work, note the publisher and check their submission guidelines. And do this again and keep doing this until you’ve found a press that feels like a true home for your book—because your work deserves nothing less.
—Christine Stroud, editor in chief, Autumn House Press
Photo credit: Kinsley Stocum