Editor Name: Tad Crawford
Publisher Name/Location: Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10010
Link: www.allworth.com
Social Media Links: FB
Nonfiction Genres Acquired: Our list includes business and self-help books for artists, photographers, graphic designers, and interior designers as well as for filmmakers, performing artists, and authors. We also publish legal and personal finance and estate planning guides for the general public.
What is your best tip for new writers looking for a book deal?
Please study our list so you have a good understanding of the type of books we have already published. If your book fits well with our list, the chances of a book deal increase greatly.
What kinds of pitches catch your attention?
I like thorough proposals that explain why the book being pitched fits well with the type of publishing done by Allworth Press. The proposal should include the outline of the book, the writer’s background, several sample chapters, competitive or comparable books (keeping in mind that competition may mean this is an area where readers have a strong interest—which is a plus), a realistic assessment of the market for the book, and any especially helpful information such prominent people willing to give a blurb, likely special sales customers, course adoptions, etc.
How important is platform in getting a deal?
Not as important as for a work of fiction. If the book is within the categories published by Allworth Press, we can assess its likely success. We expect our authors to have credentials related to their expertise. A strong platform is welcome but not the determining factor.
What do you look for in a writer’s platform?
Certainty. Do a lot of followers really translate into book sales? Has this happened with a previous title? We’re distributed by Simon & Schuster and have our own in-house publicity and special sales departments, so as I said above the platform isn’t determinative.
How should writers promote themselves right now (before seeking a book deal)?
We’re seeking authors with expertise. Social media, podcasts, public speaking, and teaching can all be helpful, but promotion can never be a replacement for an in depth understanding of the author’s subject matter.
What should writers know about book proposals?
It’s pointless to send a proposal to a house that doesn’t publish that genre of book. See above for what I would like to see in a proposal. Obviously, it should be well-written, carefully proofed, lack hyperbole, and be persuasive as to the need for the content and the authority of the author.
What other steps should writers take before approaching an editor?
If it’s possible to get the name of the editor you would be submitting to, it could be helpful to do a Google search and also check out the editor on LinkedIn for his or her special interests. Researching books published by the house that relate to the proposal is a good way to reassure the editor that the author has made an informed choice in sending along the proposal. The more the author can show that he understands the interests and direction of the house, the better the outcome is likely to be.
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