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Listen "How Does the Book Submission Process Work? | Episode 12"
Episode Synopsis
On the episode of The Book Proposal Podcast, Debra Eckerling answers the question, “How does the book submission process work?”
As you might expect, Debra says it all starts with writing a compelling book proposal. In tandem with that, research and create a list of agents and publishers you want to submit to. You can do this by reviewing similar titles - checking publishers, as well as agents mentioned in the acknowledgement section, and attending writer events. (More on finding publishers in episode 7.)
Study their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. Note: Debra advocates for going the agent route, as they have access to all publishers; most of the large ones will not take un-solicited manuscripts.
Once your proposal is polished, write and submit a query letter, along with your proposal. Debra shares how nonfiction and fiction submissions differ, and why memoir authors should always have their full manuscript ready even though they’re submitting a proposal. After you hit send, the waiting begins. It typically takes two months or longer for a response. If there’s interest the agent or publisher will contact you with next steps.
Traditional publishing takes time, strategy, and persistence, but for authors seeking a credible platform with a larger reach, it’s absolutely worth it. Listen to the ep for more detail, insights, and examples from Deb’s experience.
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Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.”
Have a question about book proposals, email [email protected]. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As you might expect, Debra says it all starts with writing a compelling book proposal. In tandem with that, research and create a list of agents and publishers you want to submit to. You can do this by reviewing similar titles - checking publishers, as well as agents mentioned in the acknowledgement section, and attending writer events. (More on finding publishers in episode 7.)
Study their submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. Note: Debra advocates for going the agent route, as they have access to all publishers; most of the large ones will not take un-solicited manuscripts.
Once your proposal is polished, write and submit a query letter, along with your proposal. Debra shares how nonfiction and fiction submissions differ, and why memoir authors should always have their full manuscript ready even though they’re submitting a proposal. After you hit send, the waiting begins. It typically takes two months or longer for a response. If there’s interest the agent or publisher will contact you with next steps.
Traditional publishing takes time, strategy, and persistence, but for authors seeking a credible platform with a larger reach, it’s absolutely worth it. Listen to the ep for more detail, insights, and examples from Deb’s experience.
***
Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and author of “Your Goal Guide” and “52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting.”
Have a question about book proposals, email [email protected]. Connect with Deb on LinkedIn and follow @TheDEBMethod for more resources and tips. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Book Proposal Podcast
What Do I Put in My Author Bio? | Episode 16
25/11/2025
What is an Author Platform? | Episode 11
21/10/2025
Why Publish Traditionally? | Episode 8
30/09/2025
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