If you’ve created a board game and you dream of seeing it on store shelves, there’s a path to getting it published without going through the hassle of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. The key is finding a publisher who can help bring your game to life. Although it’s more of an art than a science, this article will guide you through the ins and outs of the publishing process.
Start Here
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of publishing, it’s essential to understand the steps involved. Here are a few resources to get you started:
- 7 Steps to Successfully Publish Your Game
- A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Game Published
- Reasons Why a Promising Game Might Get Rejected
- Insights into What Publishers Look for in New Game Designs
- What Makes a Game Marketable
- A Peek into How Publishers Choose the Games They Want to Publish (Audio)
- Lessons Learned from Presenting Your Design to Potential Publishers (Audio)
- Proven Strategies for Finding a Publisher (Audio)
- Master the Art of Demoing Your Game to Publishers (Audio)
- Playing Games with Strangers: The Key to Getting Published
- Designers and Creative Control
- Collaborating with a Publisher
- The Remarkable Journey of Whistle Stop
- Lessons from Tabletop RPGs for Board Game Designers
- Key Considerations When Pitching Your Game to Publishers
- Self-Publishing vs. Partnering with a Publisher
- Valuable Insights from an Elevator Pitch Contest
Talking to a Publisher
Once you’re equipped with the necessary knowledge, it’s time to engage with publishers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Courting a Game Publisher: DOs and DON’Ts
- Publisher Pitching Etiquette: What Works and What Doesn’t
- Approaching Publishers via Email
- Highlighting Your Unique Selling Points
- The Anxious Waiting Game: How to Make the Most of It
- Staying Productive While Waiting for Publisher Responses (Audio)
- Prototype Question: Should You Include Money with Your Board Game Prototype?
- Exploring Alternative Publishing Routes
- Mastering the Art of Game Pitching via Video
- The Winning Letter that Landed My First Game Deal
- Quick Tips for a Successful Game Pitch
Sell Sheets
To grab a publisher’s attention, you’ll need a compelling sell sheet. Here’s how to create one:
- Sell Sheets for Game Designers 101
- Crafting Effective Sales Sheets
- Building a Sell Sheet That Truly Sells
- Avoiding Common Sell Sheet Mistakes: A Sell Sheet Makeover (Part 1)
- Avoiding Common Sell Sheet Mistakes: A Sell Sheet Makeover (Part 2)
- Designing an Awesome Sell Sheet
Contracts
Negotiating and signing contracts is a crucial step in the publishing process. Familiarize yourself with these contract-related resources:
- General Considerations When Pursuing a Contract
- Board Game Contract Negotiation (Part 1 of 3): The Offer
- Board Game Contract Negotiation (Part 2 of 3): Financial Matters
- Board Game Contract Negotiation (Part 3 of 3): Rights
- Insights into Publishing Contracts (Video)
- Avoiding Pitfalls When Signing a Game Contract
- The Secrets to a Successful Board Game Licensing Deal
- The Value of Experience in Game Signings
- Navigating Game Signings in the Age of Crowdfunding
- Board Game Licensing Contracts (Part 1): Pre-Publication Terms
- Board Game Licensing Contracts (Part 2): Post-Publication Terms
- Essential Advice on Board Game Contracts
At Conventions
Conventions provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your game to publishers. Make the most of your convention experience with these tips:
- Preparing for a Convention: Getting Your Game Noticed by Publishers
- Showcasing Your Game to Publishers at Conventions
- Approaching Publishers at Conventions
- Making the Most of Your Convention Experience
- Leaving Your Game with a Publisher at Conventions
- Learning from Publisher Feedback at Conventions
- Pitching Your Game to Publishers at Conventions (Video)
- Pitching Games to Publishers: Insights from the Essen Convention
- GAMA: Your Gateway to Success
- Mastering the Art of Speed Pitching Your Game
Remember, getting your board game published is a journey. By following these steps and staying persistent, you increase your chances of turning your dream into a reality.