GETTING PUBLISHED
Your manuscript id completed and is ready for publication. There aren't many publishers that'll accept your manuscript if it's half done. There may be a deadline to have it completed. Submit the work when it's done. It doesn't mean you won't have changes with grammar or punctuation. Their editors can help on that. Don't send a manuscript to anyone without a request for one. If you do, get prepared for it to go right into the basket.
Go to the bookstores or libraries and read books that are similar to yours; mysteries, romance, memoirs, fantasy, etc. You'll learn how other authors communicate their subject. You have to show why your book is better than the ones out there. In a proposal, you have to "name" the books and authors that you are competing with. At the same time, write down the publishers of these books so you can contact them. Read about the publishing industry.
Don't mention sending a proposal, synopsis or photos in a query letter. Sit back and wait for them to request what is needed. Don't sound anxious...sound professional. If you don't hear back in six weeks, it's all right to contact the person you sent the material to.
You can purchase The Writer's Market published by Writer's Digest; www.writersdigest.com or go to www.barnesandnoble.com and buy a used book. Don't get one that's over a year old. The editors come and go at publishing companies and you may not have the right person's name to contact. The library will also carry them if you don't want to buy one. I think it's worth buying your own. You refer to the book too often.
Look for the publishers or agents that are in the same genre as your book. Don't send a query letter to someone looking for mysteries when your book is about the military, romance or gardening. Read their requirements carefully. The instructions are very easy to follow. You'll be wasting your paper and postage sending unnecessary information. If it's not what they handle, it will automatically be thrown out.
Send a query letter to as many publishers or agents that you feel like. Some may refuse submissions at certain times, but do it anyway. You're legally safe to send anyone a letter, especially if they are well known. You may catch their eye and interest with your introduction and get a request for a proposal or manuscript. Again, send "only" the query letter. As mentioned before, keep all receipts for mail going out, even with letters. You'll be surprised how expensive it can become.
Send your query letters first class. Don't try to be different and send it over-night or Priority. Stay away from colored paper. You have to be very professional so use clear, sharp photocopy grade paper. Make sure it is 8 1/2 x 11 inch 20 lb. paper. If your typing smudges then you have cheap paper. Their first impression has to be positive or they'll add it to the dead pile.
If the synopsis or sample chapters are requested along with the query letter, send it. You have to follow their submission guidelines. They have their own reasons for requesting certain material so send what they want and no more, no less.
Query letters are normally one page. Some may allow two but never go over that. They will not read them.
It's best to kept a synopsis to two pages. Keep the main story twists in three to four paragraphs. Condense your writing and get to the important points. Don't go into depth, explaining every detail.
Always send a SASE (a self-addressed stamped envelope) with every query letter or any package being mailed to them. I can't stress this enough. If you don't, you'll "never" get a reply back.
Have your text double-spaced, with one inch margins. Fonts can be 12 point, New Times Roman, Arial, Courier or similar. Read their requirements on this. Nothing fancy. Never send your original to anyone; make it your copy. Don't clip, staple or bind your manuscript in anyway. It has to be loose and in proper page order with no cover.
Send a title page with a proposal so you have your name and contact information for them. Pages have to be numbered and write your contact information on the last page. They usually request that every page has your name and book title on the upper right or left corner (whichever they request).
If they have requested the manuscript, write in large bold print "REQUESTED MANUSCRIPT" on the outside envelope. Workers in a mail room may throw it out if they think it was sent with no approval. They may request that it sent by an attachment in an email.
Save your manuscript on a computer disk. Some publishers request your manuscript this way. You need a backup in case your computer crashes. It's happened more than you realize.
Get your manuscript professionally edited. That's number one! It needs to be polished. No publisher or agent wants to read it until that's done. It's the best investment you can make. Remember to save all copies of any fees for work done to your manuscript. Everything can be claimed at the end of the year.
Don't send your manuscript if you think you want to add more. Have it completed. If the publisher decides to print your book after seeing the manuscript, they may want to jump into the final stages. If you're confused on what a proposal or synopsis is, go to the library and take sample copies from the pages of their books. They charge about ten cents a copy.
Follow these guidelines and you'll have a professional submission and a good chance of getting your book published. If it's done right, you won't need an agent. Publishers have their own editors who can give your manuscript another once over with no charge.
Most of all build thick skin and don't take rejection after rejection too seriously. Keep sending with your letters and have confidence in your book. It's normal to get hundreds of rejection letters. Sounds depressing but it's the publishing business. That's why it's important that you have a catchy title and a super query letter. The book shelves are stacked with books so yours has to stand.
Publishing classes:
Steven Manchester offers a class on How To Get Published at the South Coast Learning Center in New Bedford. It's only $45 for a one night course and is well worth the money. Steven is a Published Author, Poet, Screenwriter, Motivational Speaker, and a Literary Consultant. He also offers editing. His website is www.stevenmanchester.com or email him at info@stevenmanchester.com
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