I received an inquiry through this website recently that read: “Hello, we are in the makings of a book and are curious if it would be “publishing worthy.”
Later that same day I met in my office with an author who was accompanied by her husband. She had written a biography about a family member who had lived what she considered an interesting life. As she shared some details with me, her husband politely interrupted a few times saying things like, “Oh honey, I doubt anyone would be interested in that,” and “Why would any of this be of any value to anyone?”
As our meeting went on, I could tell that the real reason she wanted this book published was something very personal for her. It was very important for her, but not for him.
Now, I have a question for you. Are either of these book projects “worthy” of publishing? Would Harper Collins publish either of these? Maybe. If you have watched some of our videos, you understand that they might—but only if they know for sure that thousands of copies will sell upon release.
Would or should any publisher take a project like this on? Would you if you were in the publishing business?
To answer those questions, you need to know what it means to “publish” a book. The best answer I know of is that publishers add value to an author’s work. That can even go back to working with the ideas someone has in their brain—having a ghostwriter transcribe or write the material that the author communicates. Then, after the writing is editing and re-editing and often more editing and proofreading, followed by design work, legal filings, and marketing and publicity.
A publisher’s job is to take the book from an idea to a finished product—a printed book, Ebook, or audiobook—and then release it for sale into the marketplace. Publishers ensure a book is created in line with market expectations so it will be competitive and sell successfully.
But here again, as I’ve said many times, how far we take a book in that process depends upon the author’s reason for wanting to have their book published and their objectives and goals.
For the woman author I met with, her reason is more profound than making a buck. Her goal isn’t material—it is one she fully understands. So, for the authors wanting to know if their project is worthy of publishing, I believe every project is worthy—IF the author has a clear understanding of what their reasons are and if they then have realistic expectations of what the results may be for the time and resources they’ve invested in their project.
If you come to us with a book project, we won’t “pump you up” with publisher stardust about how amazing your book is and how it is destined to hit the NY Times best sellers list. And we won’t throw water on your dreams and goals, either.
We will seek to discover what’s most important to you, give you our best assessment, and explain your options in getting you to where you want to go with the book you have in mind.
If you are wondering if your book is “worthy” of being published, feel free to contact us anytime to discuss your project. You’ll get no sales pitch and no pressure—just honest answers to your questions.
