Approaching a Publisher
Pitching your game to a publisher involves a series of steps. Here’s a typical process to follow:
- Step 1: Email your short pitch: Start by sending an email to the publisher with a concise summary of your game.
- Step 2: Provide a sell sheet: If the publisher is interested, they may request a sell sheet, a one-page document that highlights the key information about your game.
- Step 3: Arrange a meeting: If the sell sheet captures their attention, the publisher may invite you for a meeting to discuss your game further.
- Step 4: Submit a prototype: Following the meeting, the publisher might request a prototype of your game to evaluate its potential.
- Step 5: Publisher assessment: The publisher will carefully evaluate your game, considering various factors such as market demand and production feasibility.
- Step 6: Receive a contract offer: If your game meets the publisher’s criteria, they may offer you a contract to publish your game.
It’s important to note that this process can be time-consuming, often taking a year or more. Publishers are busy, and competition is steep. Rejections can occur for reasons unrelated to your game, such as production schedules or budget constraints. Remain persistent, as your game may eventually find a suitable publisher if it is marketable. When reaching out to companies, personalize your emails to increase the likelihood of a response.
Make sure your sell sheet is visually appealing and concise, conveying all the necessary information in an attractive and easy-to-understand way. Remember, a well-designed sell sheet with captivating images can be more effective than lengthy text.
During meetings with publishers, treat the interaction as a job interview. Practice your pitch and allow the publisher ample time for questions. If possible, play the game with them, showcasing its best features. When sending a prototype, ensure it looks polished, even if you haven’t invested heavily in art. Impressions matter.
Throughout the evaluation process, you can send follow-up emails every four to six weeks to check on the progress. Be brief and polite, keeping your game in the forefront of their minds.
If a contract offer is extended, carefully review it. Seek advice from other designers or individuals familiar with the publisher to ensure it’s a fair deal. Read the contract thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to request revisions. Remember, this is a business negotiation.
If your game is rejected at any point, ask for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve your game significantly. Avoid arguing or responding angrily to rejections. Each game is unique, and future endeavors may find success elsewhere. Maintain professional relationships, express gratitude, and move forward.
While this process may vary depending on the publisher, this general outline should provide you with a solid understanding of how things typically unfold. For more detailed information on getting your game published, consult our comprehensive guide here.
What’s a Sell Sheet?
A sell sheet is a one-page document that serves as a condensed overview of your game, similar to a movie trailer. It’s essential to capture the publisher’s interest without overwhelming them with excessive details.
Here are some key elements to include:
- High-quality images: Use visually striking images that showcase your game’s best features. Ensure you have the necessary rights or permissions to use the artwork.
- Brief synopsis: Provide a concise summary of your game, clearly stating the players’ roles, objectives, and winning conditions.
- Game details: Mention vital game information, such as player count, age range, and estimated playtime.
- Components list: Include a list of game components to give the publisher an idea of production costs.
- Contact information: Don’t forget to prominently display your contact details.
For more information on creating effective sell sheets, along with examples, visit our resource here.
Contracts
When entering into a partnership with a publisher, it’s crucial to have a written contract that outlines the terms and protects both parties involved. Keep in mind that specific contract details may vary depending on the publisher. While we won’t delve into the specifics, Isaac Shalev has compiled a comprehensive list of items to discuss and potentially include in your contract. You can find it here. Additionally, industry reports containing valuable survey data on royalties, advance payments, and expectations can be found here.
Self-Publishing
If you’re willing to put in the effort, self-publishing can be a viable route. Although it demands a significant amount of work, online resources and platforms like Kickstarter have made the process more accessible.
However, self-publishing means taking on the responsibilities of running a business. You’ll need to handle aspects such as taxes, marketing, manufacturing, shipping, and customer service.
If you choose this path, you’ll find a wealth of articles on running your own publishing company here.
Kickstarter
Many game designers opt to self-publish their games by using crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. Kickstarter, the world’s largest crowdfunding website, provides an opportunity to raise funds for printing your game.
Crowdfunding is a vast topic, so for a comprehensive guide on going from zero to funded, refer to the book “Board Game Kickstarter Advice from the Best in the World,” available on Amazon. Additionally, we’ve gathered an extensive collection of blog posts, articles, and resources on the topic, which you can find here.
Launching a successful Kickstarter campaign requires significant time, money, and effort. It’s a rewarding endeavor, but it demands careful planning and consideration. Remember, dreams are free, but achieving success requires dedication and perseverance. If you need assistance in marketing your Kickstarter campaign, we have an incredibly detailed guide here.
Conclusion
Getting your game published can be challenging, and the process may vary depending on the publisher. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have a solid foundation for pursuing your goal. Remember, persistence and professionalism are key. Good luck on your journey to bring your game to the world!
