Publishing advice for Bristol authors and writers

Here’s our essential advice for authors and writers looking to publish or self-publish their book in Bristol.

1. Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Traditional Publishing:

Finding a publisher willing to publish your book isn’t easy. To start with you need to research the publishers and/or literary agents specific to your genre. In Bristol there are only a small number of publishers so you may need to look beyond the city.

A traditional publisher will usually pay an author a royalty fee per book sold and in some cases an advance fee. They provide you with access to a team of professionals (editors, cover designers, marketers, etc) and potentially wide distribution in bookstores.

Self-Publishing:

Pros: Full creative control, higher royalty rates, faster publication timeline, and the ability to build a personal brand.

Cons: You’re responsible for everything, from editing to marketing to cover design, which can be overwhelming.

Advice: Research platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital. Don’t skimp on professional services for editing and cover design, as they play a huge role in reader perception.

2. Polish Your Manuscript

Editing: Whether you go traditional or self-publish, editing is crucial. Consider hiring a professional editor who specializes in your genre to give your manuscript a fresh perspective.

Beta Readers: Before submitting to agents or publishers, or before self-publishing, gather feedback from beta readers—people who read your book before it’s released. They can spot inconsistencies, pacing issues, or areas that need improvement.

3. Craft a Strong Query Letter (for Traditional Publishing)

If you're going the traditional route, a well-crafted query letter is essential. Focus on:

A strong hook: A concise, compelling sentence about your book.

Synopsis: A brief (1-2 paragraphs) summary of your plot.

Bio: Why you’re the right author for this book (mention any relevant writing credentials).

Personalization: Tailor each query to the specific agent or publisher.

4. Create a Solid Author Platform (for Both)

Whether self-publishing or traditionally published, an author platform is a must:

Website & Blog: Set up a website where readers can learn about you and your books. Having a blog can also help with visibility and SEO.

Social Media: Build a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. Many readers love connecting with authors through social media.

Newsletter: Building an email list is a great way to maintain contact with your readers and keep them engaged with upcoming releases.

5. Understand the Business Side (for Self-Publishing)

Self-published authors wear many hats. You’ll need to:

ISBN & Copyrights: Ensure your work is properly registered with an ISBN and is copyrighted. For most self-publishing platforms, ISBNs are optional but can lend more professionalism.

Pricing & Royalties: Decide on the price point for your books, keeping in mind the royalty percentages from platforms like Amazon (typically around 70% for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99).

Marketing Strategy: Self-published authors must take charge of marketing. This could include using email newsletters, social media ads, book bloggers, and running promotions.

6. Market Your Book Early (for Both)

Marketing should begin before your book is published. Build buzz early by:

Teaser Content: Share snippets or character introductions on social media.

Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs): Send out ARCs to book bloggers or influencers in your genre to get reviews.

Pre-Orders: Offer your book for pre-order to build momentum.

7. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of the Cover and Title

The cover is often the first thing that attracts readers to your book. Make sure your cover:

Reflects the genre and tone of your story.

Has a professional look (consider hiring a designer if you’re self-publishing).

Has a clear and readable title.

8. Be Persistent

Rejection: Both traditional publishing and self-publishing come with rejection and setbacks. The key is perseverance. Keep writing, submitting, and learning.

Self-Doubt: It’s natural to have doubts, but keep pushing forward. Writing and publishing are long-term projects, so don’t expect instant success. Many successful authors faced years of struggle before hitting their stride.

9. Join Writing Communities

Whether online or in person, writing communities can be incredibly helpful. They provide support, feedback, and opportunities for collaboration.

Forums & Social Media Groups: Join Facebook groups, Reddit subreddits, or writing forums to network with other writers.

Writing Conferences/Workshops: These events can help you connect with industry professionals and other authors.

10. Keep Writing

Once your book is out there, keep writing. It can take time to build a readership, and the best way to grow as an author is to continue creating. Readers love discovering new authors, and having a backlist of books will help build your audience.

Additional Tip:

If you self-publish, don’t forget to continually update your book’s listing. Tinker with keywords, try different categories, and adjust your marketing strategy based on what works.

Publishing is a journey, and everyone’s path is different, but focusing on quality writing, learning the craft of publishing, and being persistent will get you far.