How to Think Like a

PUBLISHER

An Overview of the

Publishing Process

Mark“M.K.”Gilroy

BOOKVLOG

ACQUISITIONS

THE PUBLISHER ASKSHave we found something unique and

compelling? Is there an audience for the proposal?

1

MOST IMPORTANTLY:Can WE reach those who will be WOWED by the project?

COST ANALYSIS

THE PUBLISHER DOES A LITTLE MATHProjected units (after historical returns rates)

net receipts (price − discount ) − costs(prepress + sales & marketing + overhead) =

PROFITS

2

What are the margins?Is the project worth it?

THE AGREEMENT

THE PUBLISHER offers terms (advance and royalty rate; buy back terms; etc.) to purchase full and exclusive rights to publish in all forms

and media what the author has created.

3

Intellectual Property Rights can be litigious and nothing starts until

rights are secured.

SUBSTANTIVE EDIT

THE PUBLISHER REVIEWS CONTENT FROM A MACRO LEVEL

4

What’s missing? What should be taken out? What’s out of order? What doesn’t

make sense? What is inconsistent?

(The author usually has more work to do.)

LINE EDIT

THE PUBLISHER edits the grammar, syntax, spelling, and punctuation, one line at a time.

5

PACKAGING

A PUBLISHER creates a cover and interior design that fits the genre and

tone of the work.

6

SALES & MARKETING PLAN

PUBLISHER outlines the month-by-month activity – publicity, advertising, placement

programs, social media – with costs.

7

How are we going to promote and sell this thing?

“We” includes the author.

SALES CONFERENCE

PUBLISHER holds a formal or informal “hand off” to sales team 4 to 6 months before

publication date.

8

Features – Advantages – BenefitsMarketing Plans

MetadataFINAL product information – specs, retail

price, sales blurbs, category, cover design, etc.

PREPUB MARKETING

PUBLISHER begins promotional activities to put book in front of media (reviewers,

bloggers, influencers) 3-5 months before the book releases.

9

FINAL PROOFING

PUBLISHER (and author) review final cover and interior files yet

ONE MORE TIME!

10

PRODUCTION

FINAL PUBLISHER reviews bids and uploads PRINTER READY FILES to manufacturer

and eBook distributors.

11

CONSUMER MARKETING

PUBLISHER’S marketing activities focus on readers shortly before and as the book

releases.

12

Most dollars will be spent through sales accounts.

This is when savvy authors kick into high gear and promote like crazy.

Many projects are purchased because of the author’s marketing platform more than their

initial proposal.

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY

PUBLISHER and AUTHOR invite media, influencers, friends, and fans for a well-

earned party.

13

POST MORTEM

6 months after publication the PUBLISHER holds a formal evaluation of all aspects of

the project.

14

What went right? What went wrong?What have we learned?

By the way, did you learn anything from this simple overview of publishing?Any lessons for your business?

As an author?

Mark Gilroy is a long-time publisher andauthor of the Kristen Conner Mystery Series.

m.k. gilroy

REVIEWS!

"An exciting police procedural ... fast-paced,

readers will enjoy kick butt Kristen." - Harriet

Klausner, The Mystery Gazette

"I loved this book! Mark Gilroy is an author to watch. He's written believably and honestly about a serial killer without dragging readers through every horrible cut of the knife. Crime scenes are described, yet leave enough to our imagination. Highly recommended." C.J. Darlington, Good Reads

"A thriller that blends all the elements of the

genre: evil criminal, dedicated cop, and exciting

ending. Readers can't help enjoying this new

voice." -Publishers Weekly

"An intense, eerie, funny, and suspenseful thriller with a very subtle faith thread that enriches rather than suffocates the story. M.K. Gilroy's debut is a sure-fire winner." - Serena Chase, -USA TODAY

I was shocked to learn it was a

debut novel. Gilroy’s writing feels

effortless, as if he had been doing

this for decades. –Popcorn Reads

For More Information

visitwww.mkgilroy.com

www.facebook.com/MKGilroy.Author

A Sydney LaneHomemade Production

© Mark Gilroy Creative LLC