How Does Traditional Publishing Work?
For many writers, the dream of seeing their book on shelves begins with the traditional publishing route. But understanding how it works isn’t always straightforward. Publishing houses—whether big or small—have layered processes that vary widely depending on the press, the deal, and the type of book. Some offer full-scale marketing and editorial support, while others may expect authors to take on more of the workload themselves.
This blog breaks down the traditional publishing process in a general, step-by-step way to help you understand what typically happens behind the scenes before and after you get a book publisher. While no two publishing experiences are exactly alike, this guide will give you a solid starting point for understanding how a book moves from manuscript to bookstore. Keep in mind that publishing is nuanced—and every path looks a little different—but knowing the landscape can help you navigate it with more clarity and confidence.
If you want to learn more about your options for publishing, read our blog, How to Publish a Book: A Go-To Guide for Aspiring Authors.
Step 1: The Author (It All Starts With You!)
The journey begins with you, the writer. Your role is to create, revise, and polish your manuscript until it’s the best version possible. While writing is often considered a solitary act, the path to traditional publishing requires engagement with industry professionals and potential readers.
When They Enter: From the very beginning and well beyond publication. Your work doesn’t end once your book is published—you play a crucial role in its success.
Why It Matters: Your dedication and vision set the foundation for the entire publishing process. Beyond writing, you also need to think about your author platform. Publishers look for authors who are actively building their audience through social media, newsletters, and public engagement.
Pro Tip: Start building your author platform early! Engage with your potential audience through social media, writing groups, and email newsletters. Publishers are more likely to take a chance on a writer who has a built-in readership.
Step 2: The Literary Agent (Your Publishing Partner)
Once your manuscript is polished and ready, the next step is to secure a literary agent. Agents act as the bridge between you and publishers, using their industry expertise and connections to find the right home for your book.
When They Enter: After you’ve completed multiple rounds of revision and have a solid manuscript ready for submission.
Why It Matters: Most major publishers only accept submissions through literary agents. A good agent will not only find the right editor for your book but will also negotiate your contract to ensure you get the best possible deal.
Pro Tip: Research agents who specialize in your genre. Follow their submission guidelines carefully and personalize your query letters to show why they’d be the perfect advocate for your work. (Learn more about how to write a query letter.)
Step 3: The Acquiring Editor (The Publisher’s Gatekeeper)
Once an agent takes you on as a client, they’ll submit your manuscript to acquiring editors at publishing houses. These editors review submissions, assess market potential, and determine whether a book aligns with the publisher’s vision.
When They Enter: After an agent submits your manuscript to a publisher.
Why It Matters: The acquiring editor is your book’s first real advocate within a publishing house. If they see promise, they’ll pitch your book to their editorial board for final approval.
Pro Tip: The submission process can take months. Be patient and trust your agent’s strategy—they may need to submit to multiple editors before landing an offer.
Step 4: The Editorial Board (The Decision-Makers)
If the acquiring editor is excited about your book, they must convince the editorial board—composed of senior editors, marketers, and sales executives—that it’s a worthy investment.
When They Enter: After the acquiring editor decides to move forward with your manuscript.
Why It Matters: This is one of the biggest hurdles in traditional publishing. The editorial board considers factors like sales projections, market trends, and competition before giving the green light.
Pro Tip: Even if your book is rejected at this stage, don’t lose hope. Many authors receive multiple rejections before landing a deal.
Step 5: The Production Team (Editing and Design)
Once the deal is finalized, your manuscript moves into production, where it undergoes rounds of professional editing and design.
When They Enter: After the editorial board approves the acquisition.
Why It Matters: Your book will go through multiple edits, including developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading, to ensure it’s polished to perfection. Meanwhile, designers will work on the book’s layout and cover.
Pro Tip: Be open to feedback. Editors are there to make your book stronger, and collaboration is key to refining your work.
Step 6: The Marketing and Publicity Teams (Building the Buzz)
Before your book hits shelves, marketing and publicity teams will create a promotional strategy to generate buzz.
When They Enter: Several months before publication.
Why It Matters: A strong marketing plan can make or break a book’s success. These teams plan everything from social media campaigns and book tours to media outreach and promotional materials.
Pro Tip: Even with a publisher’s support, authors are expected to participate in marketing. Engage with your audience, schedule interviews, and promote your book actively.
Step 7: The Distributors (Getting Books Into Stores)
Once your book is printed, distributors handle the logistics of getting copies into bookstores, online retailers, and libraries.
When They Enter: After production is complete.
Why It Matters: Distributors ensure that your book is available in key markets and accessible to readers worldwide.
Pro Tip: Authors with strong platforms can influence distribution. Booksellers are more likely to stock titles from authors who already have an engaged audience.
Step 8: The Booksellers (Making Your Book Accessible to Readers)
Your book finally reaches the shelves! Booksellers, both independent and large retailers, play a significant role in promoting new releases.
When They Enter: Once distributors place books in stores.
Why It Matters: Placement in bookstores can greatly impact sales. Books that receive front-table or window displays often sell better.
Pro Tip: Engage with indie bookstores! Many are eager to support local and emerging authors through readings and launch events.
Step 9: The Readers (The Ultimate Goal)
After all the effort behind the scenes, your book finally reaches its intended audience. Readers will engage with your work, leave reviews, and spread the word.
When They Enter: As soon as your book is available for purchase.
Why It Matters: Reader feedback influences sales, rankings, and future opportunities for you as an author.
Pro Tip: Encourage reviews! Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools for a book’s success.
Get Support on Your Book Publishing Journey
Traditional publishing can feel complex, but the more you understand the process, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions that align with your goals as a writer.
At Our Galaxy Publishing, our mission is to educate and empower authors, especially those navigating traditional publishing for the first time. We help you understand the literary landscape so you can choose the best path forward. That includes identifying literary agents who are a strong match for your book, refining your author identity, and building a query strategy that reflects your vision.
We offer tailored support through every stage of the submission process—from writing and editing your query letter and synopsis to evaluating your manuscript and creating a personalized query plan to keep you focused and motivated. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to query, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
Our Galaxy Publishing is an educational and service-based platform that helps writers navigate the publishing industry with clarity, confidence, and creative control. Whether you’re self-publishing, seeking a literary agent, or still figuring out W T F you’re doing, we provide the tools, resources, and support to make your writing and publishing journey intentional, strategic, and powerful.