How to Get a Book Published: a Guide to Balancing Authenticity with Strategy

book publishing professional writing Mar 06, 2025

Want to know how to get a book published in 2025? Traditional publishing is competitive, but writers who balance authenticity with strategy have a real chance at success. This guide breaks down the key steps to securing a deal, from understanding market trends to crafting a strong pitch.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

Traditional publishing in 2025: opportunities for authentic writers
How to get a book published: 6 steps
Beyond the deal: what authors need to know
Cultivating a success mindset for your publishing journey

Traditional publishing in 2025: opportunities for authentic writers

Securing a traditional publishing deal requires more than just writing a great manuscript—it demands a strategic approach, understanding the industry, and crafting a compelling pitch. While the path is competitive, opportunities abound for writers who embrace both authenticity and strategy. Publishers are always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling stories. Writing a book that expresses your true self while having strong market positioning gives you a real chance of success.

In 2025, the publishing industry continues to evolve with shifting reader interests and breakout successes. According to Publisher's Marketplace, adult fiction book sales surged to $2.76 billion in the first ten months of 2024, driven by massive sales from authors like Sarah J. Maas and Freida McFadden, while nonfiction rose to $2.36 billion. Audiobooks also saw a 27 percent increase in sales, surpassing ebooks for the first time [1].

These market shifts show that there are still plenty of opportunities for new writers, but it's important to navigate the industry with a professional mindset, strategic approach, and an open heart.

How to get a book published: 6 steps

The steps below guide you through both the mindset and strategy of getting traditionally published, helping you stay true to your voice while making informed, powerful moves. This journey blends the art of storytelling with the business of book-selling, allowing you to navigate the industry with clarity and confidence. Along the way, you’ll grow into the next version of yourself—one who understands what stories are made of and how to get your story into readers' hands.

1. Balance market trends and authentic writing.

Even with rising book sales, understanding market trends is essential for making informed decisions about what to write and how to pitch it. No doubt, trends influence acquisitions. Romantasy, for example, is booming in 2025, while some genres are fading. However, chasing trends can be risky. By the time your book is ready, the market may have shifted, and a book written solely to match a trend can feel forced or quickly fall out of favor.

Opportunities in publishing are constantly evolving, so successful authors focus on craft, persistence, and meaningful connections with readers rather than chasing quick success. Books that resonate from the soul have a lasting impact. Many enduring bestsellers, like The Catcher in the Rye, weren’t written to follow trends but to express something deeply personal. While trends shape what’s popular in a given moment, authenticity endures over time.

A well-written book with strong positioning has a better chance in the long run than one designed just to fit a fleeting trend. Publishers also value authors with long-term career potential and multiple book ideas, rather than those focused on selling a single book.

For reading inspiration, get my list of "Timeless Books That Will Make You Cry."

2. Research agents and publishers who fit your book.

Not all agents and publishers are the right fit for your work, which is why thorough research is essential to finding the right match. While some agents and publishers may seem like the perfect fit on paper, it’s important to ensure they align with both your genre and your vision as an author.

Here are some specific actions to take:

Search industry databases like QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List, and Publishers Marketplace to identify potential agents and publishers. These platforms offer valuable information about agents' specific interests, submission guidelines, and the kinds of books they are actively seeking. This will help you narrow down your list to those who have a track record of representing or publishing work similar to yours.
To further assess whether a publisher or agent is a good fit, take time to read their mission statement and about page. These resources provide insight into the values and vision that drive the publisher or agent, why books are important to them, and how they work with authors. Do they prioritize nurturing author relationships? Are they passionate about fostering diverse voices in literature? A publisher or agent whose mission aligns with your own goals can make for a more successful and harmonious partnership.
Be vigilant about predatory publishers. Some presses may offer deals that seem enticing but are structured to benefit them at your expense. These publishers might charge you upfront fees, offer low royalties, or fail to provide essential marketing and distribution support. Always research the reputation of a publisher or agent, read reviews, and consult other authors' experiences before committing to a partnership.

By doing your homework and understanding the landscape, you can ensure that the agent or publisher you choose will be an advocate for your work and help guide your career forward.

3. Craft a strong pitch.

For fiction and memoir, a query letter is your first opportunity to make a strong impression with an agent or publisher. Here's a basic, tried-and-true outline for your query:

Personalize your greeting to each agent or publisher, making it clear why you reached out to them in particular.
Include a compelling hook that captures the essence of your book and grabs the reader's attention right away.
Provide a brief synopsis that highlights the key stakes and character arcs, ensuring that it conveys the core conflict and emotional journey of the story.
Follow this with a short bio that includes relevant writing experience, focusing on any previous publications, awards, or credentials that are pertinent to your work.

Unlike fiction, nonfiction books often sell on proposal rather than a full manuscript. A strong book proposal includes several key elements:

Start with a clear book concept, explaining why the book is needed and what gap it fills in the market.
Follow this with a competitive analysis, showing how your book fits into the current literary landscape and how it stands out from similar works.
Include a detailed chapter outline with summaries of each chapter, giving the publisher a clear roadmap of your book’s structure.
Finally, highlight your author platform and credentials, demonstrating why you’re the right person to write this book. This might include your professional background, personal expertise, or any existing audience you have cultivated through speaking, writing, or other media.

For every submission, make sure you follow the agent or publisher’s submission guidelines precisely. Submission requirements vary, and ignoring them can hurt your chances, even if your query is otherwise strong.

4. Take action while you wait for pitch responses.

The querying process can be slow, and many writers find themselves stuck in a waiting game. Instead of passively waiting for responses, take proactive steps to strengthen your position:

Research and build relationships with small presses that accept unagented submissions.
Enter reputable writing contests with publication opportunities to gain exposure.
Start working on your next book to develop your skills, ideas, and body of work at large.
Start an author platform to increase your visibility online.

While many writers believe they need a massive social media following to get published, publishers care more about engagement and credibility than just the number of followers. Consider writing guest posts for niche literary sites related to your genre, teaching workshops in your genre or area of expertise to establish authority, and getting featured on podcasts or in newsletters that align with your book's theme.

For tips on building your platform, see "Social Media for Authors: 3 Experts to Help You Find Readers" and "Launch Your Author Website in 7 Steps: a Quick Start Guide."

5. Turn rejections into opportunities.

Rejection can feel like a punch to the gut. After all the hours spent perfecting your manuscript, crafting a winning pitch, and putting yourself out there, getting a "no," even a polite one, can feel discouraging. It’s hard not to take it personally, especially when you've poured so much of yourself into your work. But it’s important to remember:

Rejection is not the end. In fact, it’s often just the beginning of another opportunity.
You’re not alone in this process. Rejection, even with an opportunity to revise, is something that many of the most successful authors have gone through.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this part of the publishing journey:

Be on the lookout for "revise and resubmit" (R&R) opportunities. Sometimes agents offer these when they see potential in your manuscript, but believe it could be stronger. An R&R is a chance for you to examine your work with fresh eyes and make it even better. Don’t be afraid to ask the agent for clarity on what specific changes they’d like to see. Understanding their feedback will help you make strategic revisions and give you a better chance the next time you submit.
Think of rejection as a test of your endurance and commitment to your craft. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect on your book, and refine both the manuscript and the pitch. With each revision, you strengthen your book, clarify what makes it unique, and improve your pitch to the right agent or publisher.
Don't let one or even fifty rejections define your success as a writer. Never lose sight of why you started writing in the first place.

6. Explore alternative paths to traditional publishing.

While literary agents are the typical route to big publishers, they’re not your only option. There are several alternative paths to consider:

Submit directly to small and mid-sized presses. Many respected publishers accept direct submissions, bypassing the need for an agent.
Win writing contests or fellowships. Earning recognition through awards or fellowships can attract editors’ attention, often without the need for an agent. For some writing contests, the prize is publication with a reputable press.
Consider indie presses: Many authors build their careers through independent publishers, eventually transitioning to larger houses once they’ve established a following and proven their work.

By exploring these alternative pathways, you can open doors to traditional publishing while maintaining control over your journey.

Beyond the deal: what authors need to know

Securing a publishing deal is a significant milestone, but it's just the beginning of your journey as an author. Understanding the financial and marketing aspects of publishing is crucial for building a sustainable career. Here's what you need to know:

Financial realities of book publishing

Many writers dream of a substantial advance, but it's important to have realistic expectations:

Publishers typically disburse advances in multiple payments over months or years [2].
You'll need to "earn out your advance," meaning your book must sell enough copies to cover the advance before you start receiving royalty payments [3].

Marketing realities of book publishing

Many new authors assume that publishers will handle all the marketing and promotion of a book, while authors can focus strictly on writing. While it's true that publishers provide a platform for authors to reach readers and support the author's relationship with their audience, keep in mind that publishers' marketing budgets and capabilities vary. Authors are increasingly expected to promote their books actively, leveraging their personal networks and platforms to engage readers.

Establishing clear expectations and maintaining open communication with your publisher can help ensure a successful partnership.

Cultivating a success mindset for your publishing journey

Traditional publishing is as much a business as it is an art form. Success requires a combination of creativity, strategy, and resilience. Understanding that your journey will involve ups and downs helps you stay grounded and focused. To navigate the challenges and stay on course, adopt these essential mindset principles:

Commit to Your Craft: Talent alone won’t guarantee success, but dedication to refining your craft will help you stand out. Keep honing your skills through revisions, seeking feedback, or continuing your writing education. A commitment to improvement shows both in your writing and in the way you approach your career.
Stay market-aware without sacrificing your authenticity: The publishing industry is ever-evolving, and while it’s essential to understand trends and market demands, staying true to your voice and story is just as important. Authenticity resonates with readers and is what keeps books relevant long after trends fade.
Prioritize your long-term vision over short-term gains. Publishing isn't about one book; it’s about building a sustainable career. Focus on developing multiple ideas, maintaining a creative vision, and positioning yourself for long-term success. A well-rounded career often offers more opportunities than chasing quick wins with a single book.
Remember that rejection is part of the process: Although it doesn't feel good, rejection is something that every successful author has faced in one form or another. See each instance as a stepping stone, not a roadblock. Use agent or publisher feedback to refine your work and keep moving forward. There’s always room for great books and determined authors who persist despite setbacks.
Stay connected to your vision: Above all, stay grounded in the message your soul is calling you to share. Publishing is challenging, but by holding onto your creative vision and staying authentic, you’ll find your unique place in the literary world.

Sources

Publisher's Marketplace. "2024: A Year in Finance," https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2024/12/2024-the-year-in-finance/.
PublishDrive. "What are Book Advances? Understand How Book Advances and Royalties Work," https://publishdrive.com/what-are-book-advances-how-book-advances-and-royalties-work.html.
Penguin UK. "Getting published: book advances and royalties," https://www.penguin.co.uk/about/company-articles/book-advances-and-royalties.