Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for authors looking to get their work out into the world. But do publishers look at self-published books? The answer is yes, but it’s not always easy.
For publishers, the key factor in deciding whether to look at a self-published book is whether it can demonstrate that it can sell. If the book has sold well, even at the modest self-publishing level, then publishers will be interested. However, if the book has not sold, then it’s unlikely that a publisher will be interested.
When a publisher looks at a self-published book, they are looking for evidence that the book is marketable. This means that the book should have a strong story, engaging characters, and a unique perspective. It should also have a professional cover design and formatting, as well as a good description of the book.
In addition to the quality of the book, publishers will also look at the sales numbers. If the book has sold well, even at the modest self-publishing level, then publishers will be interested. However, if the book has not sold, then it’s unlikely that a publisher will be interested.
When it comes to marketing, publishers will also look at how the author has promoted their book. If the author has taken the time to build an audience and market their book, then this will be seen as a positive sign. On the other hand, if the author has not done any marketing, then this could be seen as a negative.
Finally, publishers will also look at the author’s platform. If the author has a large social media following, or if they have been featured in the media, then this could be seen as a positive sign. On the other hand, if the author has no platform or media presence, then this could be seen as a negative.
In conclusion, it is possible for publishers to look at self-published books. However, the key factor in deciding whether to look at a self-published book is whether it can demonstrate that it can sell. If the book has sold well, even at the modest self-publishing level, then publishers will be interested. However, if the book has not sold, then it’s unlikely that a publisher will be interested.