📊 The Publisher's Break-Even & Pitch Checklist

Your Complete Framework for Publishing Success

By Luigi Pascal Rondanini | Rondanini Publishing

How to use this checklist: Work through each section honestly. The goal isn't to have perfect answers everywhere—it's to identify where you're strong and where you need to improve before approaching publishers.

1. Break-Even Calculator

Publishers need to know: How many copies must we sell to make this profitable?

📊 Your Book's Break-Even Point

Retail Price (£ or $):

Printing Cost per Copy (£ or $):

Author Royalty Rate (%):

Advance Payment (£ or $):

Marketing Budget (£ or $):

Reality Check:

Is your break-even number realistic for your genre and platform?

Do you have a clear plan to reach that many readers?

Have you researched typical first-year sales for debut authors in your genre?

3. Author Platform Audit

Quantify your current reach and engagement. Be specific with numbers.

Email List Size:

Email Open Rate (%):

Social Media Following (Total across all platforms):

Average Engagement Rate (%):

Website/Blog Monthly Traffic:

Professional Credentials/Media Mentions:

Platform Strengths:

Email list of engaged subscribers (500+)

Active social media presence (1000+ engaged followers)

Professional website/blog with regular content

Media coverage or speaking experience

Network in target market (beta readers, reviewers, influencers)

4. Pitch Strategy Worksheet

Prepare your winning pitch by answering these key questions clearly and concisely.

Book Title & Subtitle:

One-Sentence Hook (25 words or less):

Genre & Category:

Target Audience (Be Specific):

Comp Titles (3-5 recent books similar to yours):

Unique Selling Proposition (Why YOUR book?):

Synopsis (150-250 words):

Author Bio (Marketing Angle):

Marketing Plan (Your Concrete Actions):

Pitch Readiness Checklist:

Query letter polished and personalized for each publisher

Sample chapters (usually first 3) professionally edited

Full manuscript complete and revised

Researched publishers who fit your genre and style

Prepared for "elevator pitch" (30 seconds or less)

Professional author website with contact form

📊 The Publisher's Break-Even & Pitch Checklist

1. Break-Even Calculator

📊 Your Book's Break-Even Point

Break-Even Analysis:

Reality Check:

2. Publisher Evaluation Criteria

Quality of Writing

Market Demand

Author Platform

Uniqueness/Differentiation

3. Author Platform Audit

Platform Strengths:

4. Pitch Strategy Worksheet

Pitch Readiness Checklist:

Your Overall Publisher-Readiness Score