Landing a traditional book deal with a large publishing house is a dream for many writers. From the outside, the process can seem very mysterious and opaque. Landing one of those deals is a long process, and there is no hidden secret that comes with a guarantee. While we’ve said many times on this channel that all publishing paths are valid, we also want to encourage anyone aiming at that Big-5 Book Deal to go for it. This week we break down the process into five milestone steps to set your expectations and ensure you’ve given your book project its best shot at getting that deal.
Reading is essential to improving your writing skills, and reading like a writer means seeing past the glossy end-result into a book’s structure and the author’s choices about how the story is told. Learning to read like a writer doesn’t mean learning how to merely imitate but learning the craft by example. We’re excited to announce the launch of our Memoir Method Book Club! Your first session is free, so sign up to save your seat here.
All Publishing Paths are Valid
When it comes to publishing, there’s no single “right” way to bring your book into the world. The most important thing is choosing the path that serves you, your book, and your readers. That could mean self-publishing, working with a hybrid press, signing with a small press, or pursuing a traditional deal with one of the Big Five publishers. Each option has its own strengths, and all of them are valid.
For many high-achieving authors—especially the women I work with—the dream of landing a traditional book deal looms large, but what do we really mean when we say “book deal.”
A contract with a small press, whether independent or university-based, is technically a book deal, though it often comes with a modest advance or none at all. Hybrid publishing contracts might also fall into this category, and I’ve seen many authors thrive with hybrid presses. But since hybrid agreements usually involve financial investment from the author, they don’t fit what most people envision when they talk about “getting a book deal.”
A “Big Five” book deal usually means a contract with one of the major New York publishers that typically includes an advance and the full weight of traditional publishing behind it. Keep in mind that traditional publishing is just one path among many. While it may be the right fit for you, it doesn’t define the legitimacy of your work or your worth as an author.
So if your heart is set on chasing that big, glorious book deal, know that we’re cheering you on. There are five major stages to seeking out a traditional publishing deal. While going through these steps won’t guarantee a high-value publishing contract, it does give you the best possible chance. An excellent benefit is that each of these steps also generates materials and experience that will enormously benefit you, even if you later decide to pursue a different publishing path.
First Step: Build a Platform
To give yourself the best chance at landing a traditional book deal, you first want spend some time building a platform. Many authors assume this means massive social media numbers, but a platform is actually simply a reliable, repeatable way to reach the readers most likely to buy your book.
That reach can take many forms. If you’re a speaker, your audience at live events or webinars may serve as your platform. If you run a thriving business, your clients and community can be the foundation. Publishing articles in smaller outlets can also establish credibility and connect you with readers. And yes, social media can be part of the mix—but it’s far from the only option.
Agents and publishers look closely at whether you have a consistent way to engage readers. Even if your pitch is strong, without a platform agents will often invite you to requery once you’ve built one, so it’s smart to start now. For memoirists or those who don’t see themselves as “experts,” remember: your lived experience and insights are valuable. We’ve shared tips in past posts on how to promote your work even if you don’t feel like an authority, so revisit those for inspiration.
Building a platform can take time, often six months to a couple years, but it’s the foundation that makes agents, publishers, and ultimately readers pay attention.
Second Step: Write the Book
Some writers hope to be able to secure a book deal based on the pitch and sample, so they can use the advance to finance the time it takes to write the book. While this might work for specific kinds of books from established experts or second or third time authors, most debuts these days do not work this way.
For memoirs and other narrative nonfiction especially, the expectation in today is having a complete manuscript before pitching, similar to how fiction finds traditional deals. These genres rely heavily on demonstrating not just line-level writing skill but also structural mastery. Agents and publishers want proof that you can deliver the full story and follow through, which means they’ll need to see the finished work.
Writing the manuscript also gives you a deeper understanding of your project, helps refine your voice, and sets you up for the next step: preparing your pitch.
Third Step: Prepare your Pitch
Once your manuscript is ready, the next step is crafting your pitch, which requires two key documents: the book proposal and the query letter.
A book proposal is a formal document with several components. Lately we have seen many authors turn to ChatGPT for help in this because of its formal nature, but we don’t recommend that. Proposals include sample chapters, a detailed outline, market analysis, and comps (comparative titles). Comps are especially important: they show agents that your book fits into a proven market while also offering something new, which is the key formula agents use to pitch to publishers and publishers use to market to readers.
The query letter, on the other hand, is short: no more than 300-400 words, or roughly the same amount of text you’d find on the back of a published book. Its purpose is simply to catch an agent’s attention and prompt them to ask for your proposal. A good query letter includes a concise description of your book, a compelling hook, a brief note on your expertise, and sometimes a few comps. Because it’s so brief, every word counts, and you’ll likely refine it as you send it out and receive feedback. It should also include a brief personalization for the agent.
Together, the proposal and query letter form the foundation of your pitch. The query opens the door, and the proposal shows you’re ready to walk through it. Once an agent is intrigued, they’ll ask to review your proposal and having it ready to go is key. If the agent thinks they can find a publishing home, they schedule a call, and—if it’s the right fit—sign you as a client before taking your book “on submission” to publishers.
Fourth Step: Query Agents
With your proposal and query letter complete, the next stage is querying agents. This process can feel overwhelming, but having a clear strategy makes it more manageable. One excellent practice is to query in batches because this way you can gauge whether your pitch is working or might need revision. The first step is to form your agent list. Agent information is found in multiple places, including websites like Querytracker or Publishers Marketplace. Agents rely on authors who are appropriate for their list being able to find them, so they usually try to have profiles in several places. It’s worth spending a couple weeks of research developing your target list.
Rather than sending dozens of letters at once, divide your list into A, B, and C tiers—your top choices, solid options, and fallback picks. Send a mix from each tier in the first round so you can refine your query letter based on responses (or lack of responses) without losing the chance to reach your top agents.
Another important strategy is to set a time boundary for yourself. Agents often take six to eight weeks to reply and often don’t reply at all with a “no response means no” policy. It’s easy to feel stuck in that waiting limbo. Decide in advance how long you’re willing to query, whether that’s six months or a year or two, so you have a clear end point if things don’t move forward.
The waiting can be difficult, so working on something fresh keeps your creativity alive and helps you stay motivated. Move on to your next project or focus on continuing to build your platform.
Fifth Step: Go on Sub to Publishers
The final step is where your agent takes the lead. Once you’ve signed with them, they’ll submit your proposal—known as going “on sub”—to editors at the Big Five publishers and sometimes to respected independents. From there, the goal is straightforward: land a contract, sign with an editor, and celebrate achieving that ambitious milestone.
It’s worth remembering, though, that while these five steps outline the path to a traditional book deal, none of them are simple. Each stage requires effort, patience, and persistence, which is why securing a deal is such a meaningful accomplishment. And just as important, a Big Five contract is not the only measure of success. No publishing route guarantees sales, nor does it absolve you of the responsibility for marketing and promotion. What matters most is reaching your readers and creating a book you’re proud of.
If your dream is a traditional deal, pursue it wholeheartedly—you’ll never regret trying. But don’t tie your legitimacy as an author to that outcome. Whether you publish with a major house, a small press, a hybrid, or on your own, every path is valid, and each can lead to a successful, fulfilling book. At Page & Podium, we’re here to support authors across all publishing journeys, from those chasing big deals to those carving their own path.
PS. Searching the internet for writing, publishing, and book marketing advice can be exhausting to say the least! If you’re ready for hands on, one-on-one support for your memoir, check out The Memoir Method. We’d love to welcome you into this nine-month group program specially designed for women writing their first memoirs. And don’t forget, if you’d like to chat with Amanda about the program (or any other services we offer), you can book a free consult any time!
