How to Get Published by a Big Five House | Traditional Book Publishing Process

Have you dreamed of seeing your book on the shelves at your local bookstore? In this video, I provide an overview of how the book publishing industry works and walk through the steps it takes to get a book published by a Big Five publishing house. You'll learn about query letter writing, finding a literary agent, and, finally, scoring a book deal.

The Big Five publishing houses are Penguin Random House, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. Simon & Schuster is set to be acquired by Penguin Random House.

HOW TO GET A BOOK DEAL AT A MAJOR PUBLISHING HOUSE (12 STEPS):
1. Finish your novel
2. Consult beta readers or an editor
3. Revise
4. Consult beta readers or an editor (again)
5. Create a dream list of literary agents
6. Write your query letter
7. Send your queries
8. Keep a tracker
9. Receive an offer of representation
10. Complete more revisions
11. Agent submits book to editors
12. Get a book deal!
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ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with 7+ years of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey—whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.

Feel free to get in touch!

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[MariaMilenovasArt]

Whoever is reading this, I wish you enter this journey with an abundance mindset, and I wish you reach all your wildest dreams 🙏💞🌅

[aftoncrain]

I’m 17 and last year I completed the second half of a novel I originally wrote at 11. This year my task was editing it and I was able to take the word count down by 20k, though it’s still rather massive. Seeing as I’m young, I definitely worry that I won’t be taken seriously or won’t find an agent who appreciates my work’s strange blend of genres. I’ll definitely need to do some research before I query.

[AlyssaMatesic]

Are you hoping to become published by a major publishing house? Let me know where you are at in your publishing journey!

[bobrown]

I’ve been moving through your backlog of videos. Really helpful. Thanks for making these, Alyssa.

[guiomardart]

I always appreciate videos that answer the question & keep the video short! This was helpful <3 thank you

[vkc]

Thank you so much for this, it was very helpful! I’ve been writing my YA fantasy since February 28, 2020 and finished the first draft on April 5, 2021. I’m now rewriting it. After that I’m going to type it (I’ve only written on paper so far.) I have big dreams for my book and know that if I keep at it, I will make it!!

[vandini]

This was super helpful. Thank you so much. 💕 It's amazing of you to give us this clarity.

[TomasBlackAuthor]

Great video. Many thanks for a clear and concise overview of traditional publishing. The process you describe is the reason I self-published. Apart for the editing and beta reader process, which is the same for many self-published authors, the idea of having to find and pay an agent deterred me from the trad route. Even if an agent is successful in securing a deal, it could be several months (if not years) before a book sees the light of day. Even the then, authors are still expected to market their book or have a substantial social media presence. The ‘big five’ do very little for first-time authors.

[mukibuzzamankhan]

Great video, I am a Phd student and planning to start writing my first English thriller novel. So, this video was a great help to have some ideas prior. Thanks and take care.

[katherinenicolealvarez]

I saw your comment in the Facebook group. Thanks for the information, this is so helpful! :)

[A-Nonnie-Mouse]

You are absolutely darling, and this was so helpful! Thank you!

[MiaCosco]

Love the video and the vibe is giving alcoholic serial killer

[carlgolec]

I enjoyed the straight forwardness of how you presented the information and would like your take on the Cozy Mysteries series. I am working on two.

[richardbrantley]

Thank you I have written my first Sci-fi book. It its now at an editor. I am not new to writing having written 100's of television and radio scripts. Also submitted stories for our local Chamber of Commerice. Thanks for your help!

[stevanmedina]

You’re right about the 1st step I have always loved writing books but never finished a full book draft I get bored and start new projects because I always have fresh original idea’s coming out of nowhere 😅

[tlhejmz]

Hi my name is Cameron and I was looking for the steps to publication. I just want to thank you for the advice you give in this video as I believe it will help me move forward with my goals. To show my thanks, I even give one more thumbs up which should promote your video to others even if it is just in the slightest.

[farida]

Thank god that I could find your channel 🥺 it’s very helpful

[kennethhughes]

Just awesome. I've completed the draft of my (our) novel about my best friend's (Rick Hast) tour in Vietnam, every day of it. For the last 9 1/2 years we've researched, visited Vietnam and interviewed over 90 veterans who served during his tour, reviewed thousands of documents and made countless revisions. We' have had the help of others putting this into a book form. We weren't sure what's next. Your tutorial gives us hope and encouragement to move to the next step. Wishing you the best. Ken Hughes

[gloriadawn]

Thank you for your information on getting a book deal. I have a finished historical romance novel set in SW Alberta, Canada in 1898-1899 and am beginning the querying process. Your advice had been most helpful. Gloria Dawn, author

[anthonyD]

Brilliant Alyssa. My Romantic - Novel has been spell checked by me. And. I have rewritten. Chapters. I am a good writer. It runs in my family, but my computer skills are limited I mean very limited. I need my romantic thriller formatted into a polished manuscript, and I have to get a literary agent writing the book was easy for eight years compared to this part, my cousin in L.A. Is a paralegal, she said she would do it, but I wanted someone in the business. It’s very near to my heart. I know there are many flimflam‘s artists out there. Thank you! for the info your beautiful and intelligent. Separated after 30 years of marriage this is a rough time for me. But I have to get this book formatted and out. Thank you very much. Even your name is beautiful Alyssa Majestic would be more fitting! And see, I can’t even locate the subscribe button Lol. Thank you again .., Anthony D