Writing a book is something many people — around 80% of Americans — aspire to do, but statistically, less than 0.1% will do it. You fall in that minuscule percentage, and you should be proud of that accomplishment. The next step is to find a book contract. However, as an academic writer, this process can be complex.

A book contract isn’t necessary if you can get your work published in a journal. If you’re looking to reach a wider audience, though, it is helpful. Book contracts are also impactful ways to increase your scholarly reputation and pave the way toward other grant opportunities and tenure. Since you’ve already done the hard work to complete your Ph.D. thesis or another research project, so why not put in a little more effort and turn it into a book? It’s possible to land a book contract as an academic researcher, as long as you understand how to navigate the process.

First Step: More Research

Before you jump in and try to connect with a potential publisher, you’ll need to put a little more research into your project. Yes, more research. In this case, you’re aiming to find out information about your target market.

Publishers will need convincing that they should accept your book because it’s economically going to be a good thing for them. For that to happen, you have to provide the legwork. Find out which market the book appeals to, and then analyze the books that are already out there that cover the same thing.

What does your book do that the others don’t? How will it increase awareness and knowledge of the field and improve teaching? Will it help students? Teachers? Explain how your book is going to make the publisher money using quantitative data as much as possible.

Step Two: Research the Publishers

There are dozens of publishers that will gladly approve your book, and it’s exciting to have so many companies knocking on your proverbial door to offer you a book contract. The problem is that a lot of these companies aren’t legitimate. They’re like predatory journals, but with a publishing company name attached to them. 

Look for publishers that have a positive reputation in your field. Check with other published authors in your institution, or ask your university press what companies they prefer to use. You already made a list of books in your field that are already available on similar topics. Pull up those books online (or in person,) and see if there are any consistent publishers. Legitimate academic publishers often have editors that know what a scientific audience is looking for, and can help you focus your book and ensure it will reach the market you prefer. 

These publishers also provide peer reviews, but predatory publishers don’t. That’s a quick red flag to watch out for. If a publishing company approaches you or is quick to offer you a contract without reviewing your book, they want the hefty author fees they’ll charge.

Step Three: Your Book Proposal

Once you find the publishers you’re interested in approaching, it’s time to put together your book proposal. Editors will frequently reject manuscripts from unknown authors. Instead of “cold calling” the company, try to introduce yourself first.

Make your name known by putting on as many presentations as you can at your institution or academic conferences. Develop a following by initiating an academic blog. The more exposure you can attach to your book proposal, the better your chances are of getting your book in front of an editor who will give it a fair chance.

If you’ve never written a book proposal before, consider working with a professional to put it together this first time. Similar to a cover letter on a resume, your proposal is your “one shot” to get the attention of an editor. It doesn’t matter how amazing your work is if you can’t get it seen by the right people. Your book proposal is the way to do this. 

Follow Your Work’s Influence on Impactio

When you’ve become a published author, you want to see how your work is impacting your target audience. As an academic writer, that means watching quantitative and qualitative data. Those numbers are easy to see when you use Impactio’s data analytics tools. Follow your work’s influence, demonstrate your academic contributions for others to see, and watch how your book performs with Impactio.