Find the Perfect-Fit Publisher for Your Scholarly Book

Hi Manuscript Workers,

This is a quick weekend email to remind you that my free five-day challenge, Find the Perfect Fit Publisher for Your Scholarly Book starts on Monday.

Over the course of five days from April 24th through 28th, I will guide you step by step through the process of identifying potential publishers, evaluating them for fit, and narrowing them down to a short-list of dream presses.

I'll share insider knowledge about what publishers are looking for when evaluating projects for fit and tell you what to look for in a publisher in order to meet your personal and professional goals.

You'll finish the challenge knowing which editors to reach out to about your book project and how to make the case that your book will be right at home on their list.

A participant from last year's challenge said: "Thanks to your expert advice, acquisitions editors at all three of the carefully curated presses I sent my proposal to have requested sample chapters or the full manuscript!"

Who should do this challenge

• First-time authors feeling lost in the process

• Previously published authors who want to feel more in control of the process this time around

• Authors who have no idea where they should publish their book

• Authors who already have an idea of where they should publish but know they need to be able to make a strong case as to why their book is a good fit

• Authors who want to meet and share ideas with others who are at the same stage

• Nerds who like worksheets and checklists

How the challenge will work

Once you sign up, you'll get immediate access to some background info and my overview handout on how to identify target presses for your scholarly book.

• On Monday, April 24th, Day 1 of the challenge will be unlocked with some further information and a worksheet for you to start filling out (if you want to). You can use the info and the worksheet to start generating your list of presses.

• On Day 2, a new step of the challenge will be unlocked with more tips and resources to help you research your options and refine your list.

• Day 3 will show you how to explore publishers and ask the right questions to find the best fit for you.

• On Day 4 I'll show you how to you evaluate your list and rank your options using my checklist.

• On Day 5 you'll use another one of my worksheets to prepare to approach the editors at your top-ranked presses. I will also hold a live Q&A session via Zoom at 10am PT.

When the challenge is over, you'll be set to keep working on your pitch, knowing that you have some great presses waiting for you when you're ready to make your approach. If you're already ready, you can start reaching out to publishers right away.

I'll also let you know about other resources, workshops, and courses I offer to help you craft your pitch, just in case you'd like a little more help.

You will receive a series of emails to walk you through the challenge, so you can participate right from the comfort of your inbox if you like. You’ll also have access to the challenge website, where you’ll be able to ask questions and interact with the other participants along the way. You'll keep access to this site indefinitely.

If you have signed up for this challenge in 2021 or 2022, you are more than welcome to join again, even if you’re still working on the same book. Your project and your goals may have evolved, which means your ideal publisher might be different now.

Please forward this newsletter on to anyone you know who might find the challenge helpful. Thanks for reading and see you soon!