A Look at Traditional Publishers

Traditional publishers are those companies you frequently see on the back cover of the books in stores. They pay you for your writing and not the other way around. Here is a list of some known publishers, what is required to submit your manuscript and the sources for this information. Below this you will find Traditional Publishing Pros and Cons as well as a service video. Please keep in mind that the information provided below was relevant at the date of this post. In no way are we trying to tell you which way to go or that these publishers are bad. This information is here for your use to help you look into which route is best for you.

Harper Collins Canada
- Does not accept unsolicited submissions or query letters. (This means you need an agent)
​​Source: http://www.harpercollins.ca/for-authors/submit-a-manuscript

Hachette Book Group
​- Requires a literary agent.
Source: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/customer-faqs/

Penguin Random House
- does not accept unsolicited submissions, proposals, manuscripts, illustrations, artwork, or submission queries at this time. This includes submission of work previously published elsewhere. 
Source: ​http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/faqs/#manuscripts-how-do-i-submit-my-manuscript-or-abstract-to-penguin-random-house-for-publication-2_

Pantera Press
- They are not publishing picture or illustrated books, cookbooks, self-help books, health and well being books, travel books, poetry, play scripts, short stories, compilations, novellas, chapter books or children’s books (by children’s books, we mean books for under 12's. We are actively looking for Young Adult Fiction, for an age group 12 years +)
Source: https://www.panterapress.com.au/submit-your-manuscript
Note: As far as I can tell, this place works like a traditional publisher. I didn't see anything about costs.

Harlequin
- Accepts certain manuscripts in the romance genre.
Source: ​https://harlequin.submittable.com/submit_

Peach Tree
- Does not publish historical novels (except children’s/young adult), science fiction, fantasy, romance, westerns, horror, poetry, short stories, plays, business, scientific or technical reference, or books intended specifically as textbooks.
- Send biographical material about the author (past publishing credentials, education, etc.) 
Source: ​http://peachtree-online.com/index.php/resources/submission-guidelines/manuscript-guidelines.html_

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Traditional Publishing Pros

• If they take you, you are paid a royalty check.
• They market your book for you.
• Your book is in the bookstores plus widely distributed for you.
• Added credibility as an author.

Traditional Publishing Cons

• That royalty check has to be paid back through your sales. You won't receive any more money until it has been.
• It can take up to 6 months after submitting your manuscript, to find out if they are interested or not.
• The process is slow so it will take awhile before the book is on the bookshelves.
• Royalties are anywhere from 10% of the book or $1 per book. This is lower than self-publishing and print-on-demand.
• They own full rights to the book which means they have control over everything including whether it stays on the bookshelf. You won't be able to publish it again.
• If your book doesn't do well, that will go towards your credibility as an author as well.
• Unless your book becomes a best seller (this doesn't happen to most people), you will never get rich.
• Some traditional publisher will not take on an author without an agent. Those that do prefer to see the market for your book and/or a writing resume.
• Traditional publishers are less likely to publish children's books because there are so many out there and they rarely take on a book series because they don't want to commit to books that may not sell.
• If your first book doesn't sell well, they won't publish another book for you.

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Things to Beware of:

1. Type the publisher's name and then the word "Scam" after and read any articles you may find.
2. Anyone saying "starting at $" is listing the lowest price possible which usually doesn't fit most page counts.
3. Before publishing through a self-publishing company, find out what price you will have to set your book at to make money.
4. There are certain companies out there who simply want your money (or there is a catch) and will make it seem like they are offering you a great deal or are like traditional publishers but they are not.

Please note that while at the time these were published, they were true. In the future, they may change. The warnings above in no way are meant to discredit the above companies.