If you have a manuscript ready but don’t know how to make it into a book without being taken for a ride, a literary consultant is the best person to approach. It is a fairly new designation yet to catch up but soon they are going to be guiding light for writers, eagerly waiting to enter the world of books.
The role of a literary consultant
Mostly, they are the experienced literates from the publishing industry who knows every aspect of publishing ; from the manuscript to the various services the publishers provide to answering the simple question of ‘how can I get my book published in the most cost-effective way’. They can
· Provide valuable inputs for your manuscript
· Understand the publishing needs and suggest what’s best for your book
· Help you with services including book cover, ISBN, editing, proof reading, typesetting and printing
· Help you list the book in the online/offline book shops
· Advice on book promotions and marketing
· Work along with you as the cheer leader for your book
Tips to find a reliable literary consultant
Not everyone who comes with a placard can be trusted with your masterpiece. If they miss the passion and sincerity towards your work, then your book publishing experience can turn into a nightmare. Undoubtedly, most of them do it only for money. Let’s face it, the bitter realities of business which overpowers the creative connotations of the work; hard hitting truth.
What to look for in a literary consultant?
· A person from a literary background will always hold your manuscript in high esteem when compared to others
· Don’t fall for stories, fact sheets and success stories
· Focus on your work and what the literary consultant can help you with
· Always do a background check
· Before the talk, be prepared to talk in detail about the book so that the literary consultant can grasp the book’s personality and breathe its characters
· Lots of talk and name – throwing is a big no no, it’s always an advantage to find consultants who understand your wave length and work towards it
Is book publishing free?
Unless your manuscript makes it to the few big names in the industry for traditional publishing, it is nearly impossible to publish your book for free. Let’s be realistic; no publishing house can survive the market by editing and printing books from their own pockets, and as much as it is a creative venture for them, it is also their means to bread and butter. So, we should take this into consideration while approaching a literary consultant or a publishing house. While the writer finishes a manuscript, they also put in their efforts with the publishing house in order to pitch the book at the right platform.
Will a literary consultant market your book?
Usually, it is not the job of a literary consultant to sell your book. Their role revolves around the following factors.
· Effective communication with the writers
· Sound guidance about the book
· Services writers can avail of
· Tips on creative promotions, marketing and selling
· Printing needs and publishing recommendations
The Kampaigners: Publishing experts and literary consultants
The Kampaigners is a joint venture headed by one of the leading guided publishers in India – The Alcove Publishers. They are a group of writers, editors, marketing heads and finance go-getters who got together to help out new writers find their road to easy, cost effective book publishing.
While their publishing wing is thriving with writers from all fields of interest, The Kampaigners is their literary-marketing wing of copy influencers and consultants who will provide you valuable inputs on the publishing journey.
Are you a writer?
If you have written a manuscript
It should see the light of the day.
Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Instead, get talking to people who can answer your queries and steer you into the world of books, as an author waiting to unwind, explore and celebrate.
For more details, visit the page: The Kampaigners - The Alcove Publishers
Feel free to write to us @ thekampaigners@gmail.com