How to Publish a Self-Help Book

Self-help books are a multi-million dollar industry and every year there are many new ones available to readers. If you have a self-help book ready for an audience, you want to make sure to get it on the bookshelves while the market for it is hot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Find a publisher. Look self-help publishers, particularly publishers that specialize in your topic. Pick up a Writer's Market or check your local library and bookstores for the most current information.
2. Study the books distributed by the publishers you have picked. You want to make sure your style is compatible to theirs and that your topic is not overdone in the market. Call each publisher or visit the company website to learn their submission guidelines.
3. Compose your query letter and book proposal. Your query letter should briefly outline what makes your book distinctive. Your proposal should fill out the promise of the letter with the details. It must identify the target audience, explain why you have the experience to write about this topic, detail what makes the book distinctive, identify publicity and marketing possibilities and outline each of your proposed chapters. Include one or two strong sample chapters. Most publishers don't have time to read a finished manuscript, particularly from first-time authors. Without a strong proposal, your chances of getting published are dim.
4. Get an agent. Most self-help publishers are looking for a writer who is knowledgeable in their topic and have an agent to represent them. Look for an agent in your genre and approach them the same way you would a self-help publisher. Most agents will want to read your proposal.