Publishing E-Books For Dummies

Approaching Agents (Or Publishers) to Represent Your E-Book

Some self-publishing authors haven’t ruled out the possibility of making traditional print deals. In fact, they may well have published in e-book format to build an initial audience and to prove that a market for the book exists.

If your e-book has sold reasonably well (a few hundred copies), you may be ready to approach agents and publishers. In the past, the publishing industry was reluctant to handle material that had already been released online — but that resistance is changing fast. By demonstrating that your book has appeal and that you have a strong author platform, you gain an edge over other authors in the slush pile.

You should, obviously, follow any guidelines set out by the agents or publishers you’re approaching. Most post information on their websites, so check to see, for example, their preferences for e-mail or snail-mail (postal mail) contact, manuscript formatting in your sample chapter, and query letters. If you find scant (or nonexistent) submission guidelines, follow the standard use of double-spaced type, in 12-point Times New Roman or Courier font, on plain white paper with 1-inch margins.

Even if your e-book is selling well, a print deal can help it reach a much wider audience. Though a print deal doesn’t necessarily result in a great deal more money from book sales (after all, your royalty cut ...