FORUM TOPIC--SUBMISSION TIPS: HERE ARE SOME VALUABLE TIPS ON HOW TO
SUBMIT A MANUSCRIPT TO AN AGENT OR PUBLISHERS.
1. Your manuscript must be "completed" to the best of your ability. Edit, edit and re-edit to make sure you have
eliminated typos, useless words, and spelling mistakes. Don't rely on "spell check" only. To many words are simular
(similar), get the example? Be sure the pages are unbound sheets and have the proper spacing all around the text (1 1/2 inch).
2. Investigate how books are published. Read some
publishing contracts. This will help you to be fimilar with their terms. But remember, if you're unsure,
contact a lawyer for advise.
3. Unless you're a published or known writer DON'T USE THE WORD
"PROPOSAL or PROPOSE" in your query letter. This could lead the publisher to believe your actually submitting a proposal.
Because, you are unknown it can lead to a rejection.
4. Don't waste your or an agent/publishers time by not checking
to target the proper agent/publisher for your genre. Find out which agents/publishers handle your type of material.
A big help is to look at the publisher in books that fall into your genre class. Call them and ask for the author's
agent name.
5. Send your queries to agents/publishers even if they are not
open to submissions. You never know what will happen. Let's face it, they're all looking for that "bestseller".
Ok, sure you might get a rejection letter, but what the hell it's worth the shot.
6. Always try to follow the agent/publisher guidelines.
It ruffles their feathers when they don't get their way.
7. Keep your stationary simple, don't get fancy. Be sure
to enclose a SASE. Don't send an Email unless told asked. They are afraid of attachments due to the
many viruses.
8. Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. Your
synopsis should be one or two pages. They don't have a lot of time to read page after page explaining your work.
A good rule is "KISS"---- keep it simple stupid.
9. Cardinal Rule: never send a manuscript unless requested.
And don't send it, when requested, using FedEx Air, Airborne or UPS. Just forward it US POSTAL SERVICE FIRST CLASS. Use
a cardboard box and it's a good idea to include a SASE post card, if you want to know if they received your manuscript.
10. Use a computor to write and store your work. Set up
files for your material, agents/publishers queries. A spread sheet for mailings to agents/publishers is a big help
to keep track of what you have send out . Using your computer will
also enable you to forward a disk if asked.
11. Again, let me remine you manuscripts should be doubled spaced,
have 1 1/2 inches all around the text, fronts should be 12 point New Times Roman, Arial or Courier. Don't send original
copies, don't bind the pages, the page header should have your name and book title and a brief cover letter.
12. If you don't know the difference between a cover letter, query,
synopsis, outline or a proposal, please, go to the library and find out how to construct them.
13. Getting back to forwarding a manuscript, there are some "do's"
and "don'ts'; don't ask for a signed receipt, don't staple the pages, don't pack your manuscript with any small packing
objects, and don't send your picture. Do include a return SASE box if you want your material returned, and another SASE
envelope.
14. Remember time is money to a publisher. So be as professional
as possible in your query letter and submission. You may have written a blockbuster novel, but being un-professional
could very easily get you a rejection letter.
15. You don't need an agent to get published. However, they
can open doors to certain publishers. Sometimes it feels like a dog that's trying to catch his tail, when it comes
to getting an agent. Take a few shots at small independent presses with book catalogs. But, be sure to check
if they publish your genre.
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, don't give up. Keep trying. Perseverance and the belief
in your (well edited )work will be your guiding light into sucess.
Comments welcome. Now, go softly into the night. mgf
