From Book To Publisher (Part 2): Meet the Publishers!

Source Credit

Original Author: HiImThinkTwice

Original URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgressionFantasy/comments/17l9w6k/from_book_to_publisher_part_2_meet_the_publishers/

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Everything you need to know about publishers:

Enough chit-chat.

Do you want to meet a publisher, but are too shy to say hi?

Does your dream publisher seem like they’re way out of your league?

Or, are you not sure which publisher you should speak to, or how to speak to them?

You’re in luck. I won’t let your dreams stay dreams. I’ve got the step-by-step plan. I’ve got the tools for you to contact publishers. And I’ve gone through this journey.

Today, I’ll be your ~~love~~ publishing guru.

It’s time to change your life.

In this guide I’m going to lay bare each publisher’s inner thoughts and deepest desires. I’ll tell you what flowers make them swoon, which clothes snatch their attention, and I will personally push you onto the front steps of their house. I guarantee that when I’m done, you’ll be armed with all the knowledge and tools you’ll need to approach publishers with confidence.

The only thing I won’t do is push the doorbell. But I’m sure as heck going to teach you how to do that too.

Getting you ready to meet a publisher:

Preparation is key:

I’m going to introduce you to all the major publishers in our genre. However, I’m not going to send you out into the wild on your own. Approaching a publisher isn’t just a conversation, it’s a negotiation. You can wing it, but going in with proper preparation and a game plan makes everything easier.

They have what you want. You have what they want.

But, first, you need to know the value of the cards you hold. Then, I'll teach you how to present everything you learn in a lovely package called a cover letter. And, to make sure you deliver it correctly, I’ll tell you the ways your publisher can be approached, and show you exactly who it is you’re meeting with.

First, you should know that...

Every author holds these cards in their hands:

- Your rights as an author,

- Your book/book series,

- Your plans for the future,

- Your book’s existing stats,

If you record each one as you read along, then you’ll be ready to approach a publisher by the time you’ve finished reading this section.

Your rights as an author:

As an author, and as the owner of your intellectual property (the book), you own a series of rights. These rights are your most important asset. If royalties are the hundred dollar bills, then rights are the mint that prints them.

When signing with a publisher, you are doing so because you believe they will print more money using these rights than you will.

So, what are your rights? Simple:

- Ebook rights,

- Print rights,

- Audiobook rights,

- Translation rights,

- Audio sub-rights,

- Graphic novel/Comic rights,

- Television, movie, video, videogame, streaming rights,

- And more!

All of these rights are incredibly valuable. They are what publishers want from you, and what you give to them when you sign with them. Each one can be negotiated with, and they are your most important assets.

These rights and their intricacies will be explored further in Part 3 of this guide, as each deserves an in-depth explanation and exploration.

Know what you bring to the author-publisher relationship:

You have a book. Publishers want that book!

Whether a publisher plays coy, or even pretends to give you the cold shoulder, if they’re still talking to you then they want what you have. Before approaching a publisher it’s easy to lose confidence in yourself and doubt your assets. This is why it’s always important to know what you’re bringing to the table.

Make sure you know:

- How many books you have written for this series.

- How many words each book is.

- What genres your book falls into.

- What platforms they are currently posted on.

All publishers will want this information before anything else. They want books, so they need to know you have books to give them.

Exploring your plans for the future:

Publishers don’t just want to know what you have. They also want to know what you plan to have. Your plans for the future are important, and making sure know them is key to negotiating.

Confirm the following:

- How many books will your series have in total?

- How many pages will they each be?

Think carefully about this. Especially the number of books. Some contracts include the numbers you give the publisher, which makes them legally binding. Don’t throw out random numbers for the sake of it or you could find yourself locked into a lot of work you can’t do.

Preparing your book’s existing stats:

Publishers love seeing stats. Big stats. Small stats. All the stats.

Stats give a sense of confidence and safety to publishers when they are considering you for publication. Providing a list of existing stats can give you a leg-up when you’re compared to other authors submitting their novels.

Make sure you prepare:

Put it all together in an amazing cover letter:

You have your books. You have your plans. You even have your stats.

Now you need to put it all together.

To do this, I’m going to arm you with a tool. The ultimate tool. Something so grand and amazing, that it will impress publishers for miles, and guarantee your fortunes.

We call it this magical tool the cover letter.

A cover letter is a letter sent with, and explaining the contents of, your submission to a publisher. For most authors their cover letter is their first impression. Which means it can make or break a publisher-author relationship. Or better yet, improve it before it’s begun.

A cover letter should include:

- Everything requested by the publisher in their submissions guidelines (first and foremost),

- Nice manners,

- Your real name and/or pen name

- Your series name (and genre),

- The number of books currently written and also plans for future books,

- Platforms the series was published on (with links!),

- The stats your series has accumulated on these platforms,

- A short summary,

- Cover letters are accompanied by: However many pages or chapters the publisher requests be sent to them.

A cover letter should not include:

- Things that break the publisher’s rules: No things that go outside the instructions. E.g if a publisher asks for two chapters, do not send them the entire novel.

- A statement of awesomeness: Please don’t brag about how your novel is so good that the rules don’t apply to you (and that’s why you sent your whole novel and not just the requested chapters).

- A really big summary: If your summary is more than 2000 words, it’s likely to be too big for the publishers.

- Don’t insult others: Both rival publishers or authors.

Just telling you these things is great, but that’s not enough. I want to do more for you.

Here’s a cover letter template that covers all the above points:

Dear, \[Publishing Company\],

My name is \[name\], I write under the pen name \[pen name\] on \[list websites\]. My novel \[novel name\] has had \[nice/modest/noteworthy\] results, obtaining over \[#\] views and over \[#\] \[followers/active readers/ratings\] over the last \[timeframe of release\]. It has also been \[nicely/modestly\] successful on \[second platform\].

\[Series name\] is planned to be a \[#\] book series. \[Insert any extra plans here: Spin offs etc\]. Currently, books \[#\] are finished. Book 1 is currently \[#\] words long. \[Continue listing currently written books/word counts\].

\[Series name\] is a \[insert genres here\] novel about \[insert 1-5 sentence book summary here\].

Enclosed is the \[number of pages/chapters the publisher asked for.\] of Book 1.

Extra: \[List platform links here\].

Thank you for your time.

\[Your name\].

This cover letter is the wrapping that covers the package that is your book.

Now, you need to know how to deliver it.

Approaching the publishers:

Now, I said in the beginning that I would push you in front of the publisher’s door, but I wouldn’t press the doorbell. That was a bit of a misdirection. The truth is, there is more than one way to get in contact with them.

In fact, there are three common ways that publishers are contacted by authors in the Progression Fantasy space.

1. Authors approach publishers via their normal submissions process.

2. Authors are approached directly by publishers.

3. Authors approach a publisher via an intermediary (usually another author recommending them to the publisher, rather than an agent).

For the sake of this section, we will be focusing on how you can do number 1, submitting to publishers directly. This means you’re preparing to knock on their door and give them the best dang first impression possible. However, everybody likes strangers bearing lucrative and profitable opportunities, but if you do it in the wrong way or give the wrong pitch, then they’ll likely close the door in your face.

For the best chance of success you need to know what publishers want. What they’re thinking. And how best to approach them.

To do that, I’ve done some research, and I’m unveiling the results to you.

Authors and writers, I present to you… the publishers!

Meet the publishers in our genre:

Already meeting the publishers? Are you crazy??

Crazy like a fox!

This is the part where the fog gets lifted and you see everything.

Each publisher in this section is Progression Fantasy-focused, with a couple of more mainstream exceptions. Make sure you examine them all carefully because you are choosing a companion that will help you and guide you through your book writing and publishing journey. That companion can make or break your success, and each one has different methods.

The publisher sections all include:

1. An overview of the publisher.

2. Their submission guidelines (overview).

3. Their submission instructions (specific).

4. What the publisher can do for you.

5. Some well known series by them.

What if I want to collect them all like Pokemon?

The fun part about publishing is that it isn’t a one and done deal. Every new book series you write is able to be shopped around to different publishers upon completion. However, most publishers also work with their counterparts in various instances, which I’ll be writing about down below.

Basically, things start to get crossed like an Alabama family tree.

Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…

The publishers.

Aethon Books:

Type of publisher: Print, eBook, and Audiobook.

Link: [https://aethonbooks.com/](https://aethonbooks.com/)

Aethon Books is an independent publisher established by authors Rhett C. Bruno and Steve Beaulieu that is well known as an all-rounder type of company, with many big hits, solid/great covers, and audiobook success. They work with every major audio publisher on top of having produced 300+ audiobooks themselves, being one of the top 15 publishers on all of audible. Their collaborators include Recorded Books, Tantor, Blackstone, Dreamscape, Podium, and others.

The chances are high that if you’ve been in the Progression Fantasy community for a while, you’ve read one of their series.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://aethonbooks.com/submissions/](https://aethonbooks.com/submissions/), [https://aethonbooks.com/contact/](https://aethonbooks.com/contact/).

- Current status: Open for novel-length submissions.

- Preferred genres: Most genres.

Submission instructions:

Aethon submissions are always open and they’ve worked with authors of all backgrounds. Submit any time per their requirements:

- Click the link and it will open up a submission section with a provided email,

- Email Aethon with a cover letter pasted in the email,

- Include a story summary, number of books written, and their genres,

- There are no requirements for RR followers, but, if you have a following already, let them know details about it!

- Include the first 50 pages of your manuscript in the email.

What novels are Aethon looking for?

Aethon is searching for novels that are Science Fiction and Fantasy, but with a focus on Progression Fantasy, litRPG, Cultivation, Military Scifi and Space Opera.

What Aethon can do for you:

- Advances are negotiable,

- Royalty competitiveness: Industry high royalty rates across all formats (eBook, audiobook, and webtoons).

- Language translation: Aethon offers translations for your novel into German and Italian for sale in those markets,

- Editing: multiple editing passes and final proofread,

- Covers,

- Scheduling, including keeping authors in the loop for when their pre-orders are up/manuscripts are sent to amazon/etc,

- Casting Narrators,

- A dedicated Advertising / Marketing plan for your specific book,

- Access to merchandising opportunities. Aethon has worked with their authors to sell commemorative coins for books series, plushies for cute characters, and even the occasional keyring.

- Access to webtoon/webcomic opportunities: Aethon’s works are being published on webtoon after being converted into full webtoons.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon](https://www.amazon.com/He-Who-Fights-Monsters-Adventure-ebook/dp/B08WCT9W26) (Audio done via Podium publishing)

- [Primal Hunter by Zogarth](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09MV3G8PG)

- [Defiance of the Fall by TheFirstDefier](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09168R29M)

- [System Universe by SunriseCV](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B61RJ929)

- My series! (Okay, you probably haven’t heard of my series, but it’s super cool!)

Podium:

Type of publisher: Print, eBook, and Audiobook.

Link: [https://podiumaudio.com/](https://podiumaudio.com/)

Podium publishing is a big player in the Progression Fantasy field. They have the money. They have the power. They have the technology. They also have six million audiobooks (I exaggerate to add flavor).

Podium Publishing is an eBook and audiobook publisher that focuses on audiobook releases. Most publishers on this list will often work with them for audiobook production of novels. Well known among the community, they have had great success with web serial content even outside of the Progression Fantasy genre. The Martian (the book the movie was based on) was first picked up by Podium Publishing after it had serialized its work as a web novel. It made so much money that they decided to pick up more web serials.

Then bam. He Who Fights With Monsters’ money truck rocketed through their gates.

Needless to say, they are very interested in the LitRPG/Progression Fantasy novel space right now.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://airtable.com/appF1A42fRvF8aNth/shrtNlcjp585B7AKn](https://airtable.com/appF1A42fRvF8aNth/shrtNlcjp585B7AKn).

- Current status: Open for published novel submissions.

- Preferred genres: Most genres.

Instructions:

- Your novel must be published on a platform. This can be Amazon, Patreon, Wattpad, RoyalRoad, Scribblehub, etc.

- Fill in the submission form in the link provided.

- Provide a link to your published book.

What novels are Podium looking for?

Rather than specific genres, Podium are looking for authors that are building fan communities and are interested in reaching new audiences. This means the bigger/more popular your novel is on its respective website the more likely they are to accept your submission.

Podium reaches out to novels that they believe have grown big enough, but it doesn’t mean all novels are approached like this. Don’t lose heart if yours isn’t, because there are many novels that start small and then explode on Amazon.

What Podium can do for you:

- Flexible and negotiable advances,

- Editing: Podium has a team of production editors who can work with the author on edits needed including copy edits or full developmental edits.

- Covers & Scheduling are provided.

- Print program: Podium are digital-first and have a strong digital expertise but they do print deals as well.

- Casting Narrators: A great casting team of industry experts working with all the best narrators in the audiobook industry

- Marketing: Podium has an in-house marketing team that does promotional pushes for their titles. They also provide advice on how to create an Advertising / Marketing plan for your specific book.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Beware of Chicken by CasualFarmer](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Y6RQSHM)

- [He Who Fights With Monsters by Shirtaloon](https://www.amazon.com/He-Who-Fights-Monsters-Adventure-ebook/dp/B08WCT9W26) (Audiobook)

- [Arcane Ascension by Andrew Lowe](https://www.amazon.com/Sufficiently-Advanced-Magic-Arcane-Ascension-ebook/dp/B06XBFD7CB) (Audiobook)

- [The Stitched Worlds by Macronomicon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PW28MKC) (Audiobook)

Portal books:

Type of publisher: eBook, and Audiobook.

Link: [https://portal-books.com/](https://portal-books.com/)

Portal Books is a boutique publisher that specializes exclusively in LitRPG novels and Progression Fantasy. With editors that have been trained for years on, and work exclusively on, LitRPG and Progression Fantasy, their editing process is their competitive advantage. Their goal is to help authors unlock their story’s full potential, not just sell it. To make this happen, Portal Books goes beyond a commercial alliance and enters into a creative partnership with their authors.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://portal-books.com/submissions](https://portal-books.com/submissions).

- Current status: Open for completed English manuscript submissions.

- Preferred genres: LitRPG, Dungeon Core, Cultivation and Progression Fantasy. Any story with elements of progression will be considered.

- They are specifically looking for: LitRPG apocalypse fiction, isekai LitRPG fiction, and cultivation novels (can be LitRPG focused).

Submission instructions:

Portal Books are small/specialized and therefore they can only take a handful of new authors each year.

- Have a completed manuscript to submit,

- The novel must be 100,000 words or higher in length,

- Email them a cover letter telling them a little about yourself and any relevant writing history,

- Include a plot outline of no more than 2,000 words,

- Include a detailed explanation of the core game mechanics - e.g. how your MC’s class works, abilities, leveling system, and any other features that are critical to the plot,

- Note: Books with existing strong followings get a leg up but it is not a requirement.

Portal Books does not accept:

- Any novels with 18+ sexual content or harem novels.

- Previously rejected works. (May accept self-published)

What Portal can do for you:

- Highly competitive royalty rates on all formats.

- Advances are modest but negotiable.

- Full-service publisher that covers all production and promotional costs,

- Cover art – All covers are bespoke and created by artists selected specifically for each novel,

- Casting Narrators – Portal Books works with all the in-genre greats and produce audio in-house as well as work with all major third-party audio producers from Soundbooth, to Podium, to Audible Studios themselves,

- They can provide a distinct, fully funded Advertising / Marketing plan for your book, creative assets to assist with promotional activity, and continued assistance and guidance to build your brand as an author.

- Portal Books can also deliver translations, merchandising, webcomic pitches, and limited edition Kickstarter campaigns. Other things can be provided upon inquiry.

What Portal can do for you (editing):

Portal Books is a publisher that focuses specifically on editing books and also making sure their editors and authors work closely together. This is where they specialize, and it is where most of their benefits come from. So, let’s explore those.

- Portal books provides one-on-one developmental and structural editing as well as professional line editing, copyediting and proofreading (multiple rounds if needed),

- They offer an intensive structural and developmental editing process that functions a bit like a writer's room where they workshop the novel alongside the author to polish it,

- This includes access to a personal editor upon signing who will become a long-term creative partner,

- Furthermore, Portal’s editor helps in identifying common pitfalls and areas for improvement in a signed author’s writing, providing someone to bounce ideas off, and to offer insight (both creative and commercial),

- To ensure this can be done, these editors are available continuously for calls, emails, and chats.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Azarinth healer by Rhaegar](https://www.amazon.com/Azarinth-Healer-Book-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0BLRD8YPD)

- [Bone Dungeon by Jonathan Schmidt](https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Dungeon-Elemental-Core-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B07PRT6V9W)

- [The Jade Phoenix Saga by D.I. Freed](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B3L5Y1SR)

- [The Ripple System series by Kyle Kirrin](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RY6CMWZ)

Side note: Have you read Azarinth healer? No? You definitely should. Great book series.

Mountaindale Press:

Type of publisher: Print, eBook, and Audiobook.

Link: [https://www.mountaindalepress.com/](https://www.mountaindalepress.com/)

Mountaindale Press is a publishing company founded by the author Dakota Krout. If you hang out in author discords you’ll often see this one touted as a great publisher to work with, however, they also have a reputation of being exclusive. They don’t take submissions often, but when they release a series you can expect it to make a profitable splash on amazon. Or a tidal wave of money.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://www.mountaindalepress.com/submissions](https://www.mountaindalepress.com/submissions).

- Current status: Closed to submissions. Invite-only.

- Preferred genres: LitRPG, Gamelit, and Cultivation.

Let’s say you get invited, what can Mountaindale press do for you?:

- Editing,

- Covers,

- Scheduling,

- Casting Narrators,

- Focusing on making a distinct Advertising / Marketing plan for your specific book.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Unbound by Nicoli Gonnella](https://www.amazon.com/Dissonance-LitRPG-Adventure-Unbound-Book/dp/B09XY3SMDR)

- [The Completionist Chronicles by Dakota Krout](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFMB1X6Y)

- [Dragon Core Chronicles by Lars Machmüller](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09WBW4MF8)

- [Viceroy’s Pride series by Cale Plamann](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KYCFDZN)

Wraithmarked:

Type of publisher: Print, and eBook.

Link: [https://www.wraithmarked.com/](https://www.wraithmarked.com/)

Damn. These guys have cool covers.

I mean, they have a lot more to offer. But damn. Those are some sick as covers.

Wraithmarked is a publishing company created by author Bryce O’Connor that quickly became established in the Progression Fantasy scene. They’ve released a lot of heavy hitters in three years and their success rate speaks for itself, with most of their published series being widely renowned in the community. They are known for taking command of the advertising/promotion side of things, while giving the authors they work with a lot of free reign on how their stories turn out.

They are also known for being exclusive in their selection. Like Mountaindale Press, they are invite-only for the most part.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://www.wraithmarked.com/contact\_us.cfm](https://www.wraithmarked.com/contact_us.cfm)

- Current status: Closed. Invite only.

How to get invited by Wraithmarked:

- Your manuscript should be over 150k words long.

- It should be character driven.

- It should be clean.

- Well-written.

- In possession of something new and awesome.

If you get invited, what can Wraithmarked do for you?:

- Editing,

- Covers,

- Scheduling,

- Casting Narrators,

- Focusing on making a distinct Advertising / Marketing plan for your specific book.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Mother of Learning by Nobody103](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09M2R6QLF)

- [Warforged: Stormweaver (The Iron Prince) by Bryce O’Connor](https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Prince-Progression-Warformed-Stormweaver/dp/0999192094)

- [The WraithBlade Saga by S.M. Boyce](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09237SG4H?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks)

- [Savage Dominion by Luke Chmilenko](https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Dominion-Adventure-Luke-Chmilenko-ebook/dp/B08RSNK38B)

Wraithmarked is known for working with various audiobook publishers to deliver their audiobooks. So, if you get approached by them, you can still get a great audiobook deal as well.

Tantor Media:

Type of publisher: Unabridged, Non-Dramatic Audiobooks

Link: [https://tantor.com/](https://tantor.com/)

Tantor Media is a veteran producer of unabridged audiobooks from many genres both within and outside the Progression Fantasy space. Founded in 2001, Tantor began as a small, family-owned, startup audio company and first specialized in public domain classics. Tantor later expanded to publishing audio from traditional and independently published authors and, in January of 2015, Tantor announced its acquisition by Recorded Books. Today, Tantor remains an independent imprint, but it now enters the market with the support, infrastructure, and distribution network of the entire RB Media family, which now offers a catalog of over 70,000 titles.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: Email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) for submissions.

- Current status: Open for audiobook creation.

- Preferred genres: Most.

Submission Instructions:

- Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

- Cover letter: Tantor does not require a formal cover letter. However, it’s better to write all the information available about the project and include a link to any website it's published on.

- To provide: The number of books completed, the number of books planned, their approximate length in word count, and the estimated timeline for their release.

- All submissions are reviewed by Tantor’s team of Acquisitions Editors, who typically follow up within 2 weeks or fewer of submission.

What novels are Tantor looking for?

Tantor doesn’t have any preferred genres, however, for authors without any past publication history, Tantor’s strong preference is for authors first to be published on Amazon, Royal Road, or another comparable platform prior to review.

They consider the following:

- A length that falls reasonably within the margins of “novel” length, (Typically 50,000 words or greater).

- Demonstrable reader engagement (bigger stats), whether that be via Amazon Kindle rankings, Royal Road statistics, Patreon subscriptions, or other similar measures.

- The past print, eBook, and/or audio publication history of the author, if any.

- The weight given to these criteria depends heavily on the genre and audience of the book in question.

What Tantor can do for you:

- Competitive and flexible royalties: Tantor is willing to consider flexible royalty terms on a case-by-case basis.

- Competitive advances: Tantor Media offers competitive advances.

- A note on their advances: Tantor’s advance payments are their authors’ to keep regardless of audio sales performance (non-recoupable/guaranteed advances).

- Full-service audio production, including: Casting, recording, editing, proofing, cover art adaptation, and marketing.

- Other language translations: Tantor Media publishes exclusively in English. However, the RB Media Network includes publishers of German, French, and Spanish novels.

- Connections: Tantor works with many independent genre-focused publishers including Aethon, LMBPN, Mountaindale Press, Shadow Alley Press, and Timeless Wind. And also traditional publishers, including the “Big Five” of Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan.

- Production expenses: Tantor covers all production costs, so royalties come directly off the top of Tantor’s proceeds without any deductions except for the recoup of the advance.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [The Completionist Chronicles by Dakota Krout](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFMB1X6Y) (Audiobook)

- [The Good Guys series by Eric Ugland](https://www.amazon.com/One-More-Last-Time-GameLit-ebook/dp/B07HS2MP8D) (Audiobook)

- [Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon by Matt Dinniman](https://www.amazon.com/Kaiju-Battlefield-Surgeon-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B07ZY25KDW) (Audiobook)

Additional information about Tantor:

Tantor makes no claim to authors’ eBook or print publication rights, and so they are equally willing to consider authors with or without an eBook or print publisher.

Soundbooth Theater:

Type of publisher: Audiobook.

Link: [https://soundbooththeater.com/](https://soundbooththeater.com/)

Soundbooth theater is one of the best in the business. Founded by narrator Jeff Hays this company specializes in audiobooks, specifically, multicast audiobooks. A lot of the audiobooks listed in this guide are partly produced by Soundbooth Theater because Soundbooth often works together with other publishers to do the audiobook side of things.

I’ve never worked with them myself, but from what I hear they are good to work with. They also have a great resume and are known for their LitRPG and Progression Fantasy experience, which is a rare bonus.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://soundbooththeater.com/contact/](https://soundbooththeater.com/contact/).

- Current status: Open for audiobook creation.

- Preferred genres: most.

Instructions:

- To submit to Soundbooth Theater, email them at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

- Add a proper cover letter,

- Send in the manuscript of the book you want to produce audio for,

- If this book is an Amazon eBook: They would like you to include information about sales for the Kindle version of the book you're submitting,

- If on other platforms: Soundbooth would like you to send along any stats that show interest from readers, including followers on social media, followers on publishing platforms, email list size, or reviews in publications.

What Soundbooth can do for you:

- Negotiable royalties: Soundbooth Theater will offer up to 50% royalties for a book they know/believe people want,

- Soundbooth Theater does not often offer advances. Though they may in response to other offers the author may have received from other publishers,

- Scheduling,

- Soundbooth Theater is a full service audio production company that offers all types of narration, even doing full Cinematic Audio, which is their word for audio drama,

- This includes a full cast for your book, sound effects, and music, for an elaborate and detailed production that goes beyond a simple audiobook.

Soundbooth’s audiobook platform (a Soundbooth exclusive benefit):

Soundbooth Theater also has their own platform, which is still growing, but is showing potential as a viable place to sell your audiobooks. However, willing authors can expect to do some extra marketing legwork.

Benefits:

- Soundbooth will offer 50% royalties for a book they know people want, however,

- On Soundbooth’s platform, Audible won't be taking a cut of the sales on Soundbooth Theater's platform,

- With both combined each sale will provide authors with a lot more money than usual.

If you're interested in taking your audiobook to a whole new level and have a rabid fanbase who would pay more for a premium audio experience, this can be a very solid option. A well thought out and executed marketing campaign alongside using Soundbooth’s platform could potentially make more money than a simple release on Audible.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman](https://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Crawler-Carl-Gamelit-Adventure-ebook/dp/B08BKGYQXW) (Audiobook)

- [Everybody Loves Large Chests](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076NSQ6JT) (Audiobook alongside Spoken Realms Publishing)

- [Chrysalis series by RinoZ](https://www.amazon.com/Chrysalis-Antventure-Begins-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B09T7ZN7NC) (Audiobook alongside Aethon Publishing)

Dreamscape Media:

Type of publisher: Audiobook.

Link: [https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/](https://www.dreamscapepublishing.com/)

Dreamscape is the fastest growing independent audiobook publisher in the United States, securing licensing deals with other publishers. Exclusive to audio, they have a wide collection of audiobooks from famous names outside of Progression Fantasy, including Marvel Comics, and have published over 8,000 audiobooks.

Now, they’re hungry for some of that delicious Progression Fantasy pie. They come with professional narrators and open DMs and while their new presence may make them a gamble to work with, it could be a profitable one.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

- Current status: Open for audiobook creation.

- Preferred genres: LitRPG and SFF.

Instructions:

- Email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).

- Or find the right discord to contact them in. They are present in discord servers for authors and can be contacted in those servers (or via DM if they allow it).

What Dreamscape can do for you:

- Pay aggressive advances,

- Pay aggressive, competitive royalties,

- Professional audiobook production with author consultation,

- Scheduling,

- Casting Narrators.

- Expert audiobook marketing and promotion,

- Dreamscape believes in broad distribution, so has no exclusive deals with Audible,

- With them your audio will go to Spotify, Audible, Apple, Overdrive, Hoopla, and dozens of other platforms in the United States and globally, and they are experts in using these platforms to bring in revenue for your audiobooks,

- Also; access to sales and promotion on platforms like Audible.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Rogue Merchant series by Roman Prokofiev](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084TR8WD1) (Audiobook)

- [The Nameless Restaurant by Tao Wong](https://www.amazon.com/Nameless-Restaurant-Cozy-Cooking-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B0C3WXRXPN) (Audiobook)

- [System Fall by Kaz Hunter](https://www.amazon.com/System-Reborn-Vol-Apocalypse-Reincarnation-ebook/dp/B0BK7XWYX8) (Audiobook)

- [King Maker by David J. VanBergen Jr.](https://www.amazon.com/King-Maker-Adventure-Integrated-Universe-ebook/dp/B0C8F7Z4TS) (Audiobook)

#

Royal Guard Publishing:

Type of publisher: Print, Ebook, and Audiobook.

Link: [https://royalguardpublishing.com/](https://royalguardpublishing.com/)

Royal Guard Publishing was established in 2020 and is an audiobook and eBook publisher run by authors. They primarily focus on LitRPG, GameLit, Progression Fantasy, Harem Lit and Cultivation Fantasy. Their aims are to provide more authentic, transparent and personal experiences for their authors.

Submission guidelines:

- Link: [https://royalguardpublishing.com/submissions/](https://royalguardpublishing.com/submissions/)

- Current status: Open for audiobooks. Only open for ebook submissions for authors currently established with RGP.

- Preferred genres: LitRPG, GameLit, Progression Fantasy, Harem Lit and Cultivation Fantasy.

Submission instructions:

- Email them at the given email address: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]),

- You can also DM the owner Jessica on Discord (Discord ID: royal\_guard\_jess),

- Include a link to your book/series,

- Give them an elevator pitch about your series,

- Requirements for Audiobook only - RoyalGuard look at ranking/reviews and followers on RR, as well as the success of your previous series,

- Requirements for Ebook: Royalguard states their authors must be willing to take advice and make changes if needed. No min word count, no requirement to have work posted elsewhere, no follower requirement etc.

What Royal Guard publishing can do for you:

- Paying aggressive royalties,

- Fast turnaround,

- Marketing and Advertising,

- Scheduling,

- Casting Narrators,

- Editing,

- Personal one-on-one working experience,

- Duet narration (Male narrator for male characters, female narrator for female characters)

- Advances- They have stated that they will offer competitive advances in 2024,

- Perks of being an Audible Partner.

Some well-known series published by them are:

- [Isekai Magus by Han Yang](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0918MB4CL)

- [Imperial Wizard by J Parsons](https://www.amazon.com/Imperial-Wizard-Arcane-Awakening-Book-ebook/dp/B0CC9V29JS)

- [Jake’s Magical Market by JR Mathews](https://www.amazon.com/Jakes-Magical-Market-J-R-Mathews-ebook/dp/B09HWX11N9) (Audiobook)

- [Ghost of the Truthseeker by Strungbound](https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Truthseeker-1-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0BWDBNLY1) (Audiobook)

What comes next?

Whew.

This was a lot to type. And research.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry!

Take your time and go through the information carefully. In here should be almost everything you need to know about the publishers you will run into. If I've missed any, please feel free to leave a comment and I'll add them

Coming up next time are first-hand accounts from professional authors detailing how they approached or were approached by publishers, and how those journeys turned out. As well as what you need to know about contracts and your book rights. Stay tuned for the 3rd and final part of the publishing guide: Authors, rights, and contracts.