Understanding Publishers
Publishers specialize in publishing and selling certain kinds of books. The Humanics Publishing Group
in Atlanta says that they have an interest in self-help, how-to, psychology, human relations, health and nutrition, creative
expression, humor and spirituality.
If you have a sports book, you will find the following publishers interested in these: Abbeville Publishing Group, Adams Media Corporation, Bonus Books Inc., Chelsea House
Publishers, Contemporary Books, Crown Books, and others. Science: John Wiley & Sons, Springler-Vertag, St. Martin’s,
Oryx, Avery Publishing group and many others.
Contemporary Books: Self-improvement, personal finance, self-awareness, health, popular biography and lifestyle.
Sports, parenting, cooking pets, new age and historical profiles.
Delacorte Press: Popular psychology,
self-help child care, humor, politics, true crime and current issues.
Huperion: Popular culture, health
and wellness, business, popular pyschology, self help and humor.
Little Brown and Company: Art and architecture, Biography, Autobiography, Business/Economics, Childcare/Pregnancy,
Cookbooks, Current Affairs, Education, Gardening, Health/Medicine, History, Lifestyle/crafts, Music, Nature, Pets, Psychology,
self help, Reference, Religion/Inspiration, Science, Sports Fitness, Travel
Warner Books: Biography, Business, Cooking, Current Affairs, History,
House and Home, Humor, Popular Culture, Psychology, Self-Help, Sports, Games and General Reference.
You need to look careful at just what each one
is publishing. Just like magazines each publisher has a different personality. A
sports book at one house, for instance, may be completely different than one put out by another publisher. Abbeville Publishing
Group published Legendary Sporting Guns (a high quality illustrated book), Contemporary
Books, Greatest Golf Stories of all Time.
The approach of each of these is completely different. I generally make my list, then go on the internet to check out
each publisher to make sure I am offering them something they might be interested in.
In addition, Titles
often have themes running through them.
A
publisher may say they take military history. But their list looks like this.
Tank Battles in World War II
Hitler's Generals
Battle over Britain in World War II
How
Hilter Took Poland
The
Allied Bombing of Berlin The theme running through these titles is World War II. A book on the Civil War probably
wouldn't bring an acceptance from this house.
Publishers
are also known for their specialties. In making up your list it’s helpful to get familiar with some of them.
Chronicle
Books: Regional California. Here are some of their books: 52 Adventures in and Around LA, Back Road Wineries of Southern California, Bed and Breakfast
in California, Places to Go With Children in Northern California, Historic Houses of California,
Krause Publications: Hobbies
and Crafts: The Ultimate Scrap Quilt, Painted Wooden Furniture, Japanese Folded Patchwork,
Naturally Creative Candles and others.
TAB Books: Aviation and others
Presidio: Military History
The Biographical History of World War II, Operation Dragoon: The Allied Invasion of the South of France, Phantom over
Vietnman, Elvis in the Army: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll as Seen by an Officer Who Served with him.
Crossroad: Spirituality
A Restless Seeking of God,
Christianity for a New Millennium, Dear Heart, Come Home: The Path of Midlife Spiritually
Howell Book House: Animals/Pets
Dogs, cats, birds, horses, The Dog owners home veterinary handbook, The complete book of pet care, Dictionary of Pet Knowledge, Training the
Retriever, All about parrots, The Complete Cockatoo, Heal Your Cat the Alternative Way.
Assignment
