Submitting to Publishers

When submitting to the big house publishers, there are strict guidelines one must follow if they want to avoid the trash bin. Presentation is everything in the world of publication and sending as little with your submissions as possible is always preferred. Your goal is to hook an editor with your cover and query letters within the first thirty seconds of them opening your submission. This will force them to read on, devouring the first page or so to see if it's a good fit for their needs.

All throughout your editing process, it's your job to impress editorsand to hold them captive until they turn the very last page. Do this, and there's a good chance you could be getting a contract in the mail. However, plot, scene and structure aren't the only things representing you as a good match. Each house has their own set of rules, though most use the rules listed below.

The biggest (realistic) dream a writer might have involves getting that call from a publishing house -- big or small. Of course, writers also fantasize about six figure advances, fame and movie rights, but those come after the book's picked up. One thing at a time, right?

Before you can get picked up by a house of any kind, you must present yourself professionally. Editors much like agents don't take kindly to bribes or other flashy displays. You'll want to follow guidelines to the letter if you want any hopes of getting picked up.

It's difficult, I know. However, turning tricks won't do you any good

• Read over each publisher's guidelines. While most stick to the same formula, they may change a small variable here or there. This includes things such as font size, type, double or single spaced.
• Print your manuscript on plain white computer paper. It may sound silly, but there are folks who print their work out on colored paper and card stock. Your job is to make reading your manuscript as easy as possible.
• Black ink only! There should be no color in your manuscript whatsoever (except for comics and of the like).
• The header at the top of your pages should include things such as your name, the title of your manuscript, total word count, address, email address and phone number. However, double check each publisher's website for complete instructions as they may require more or less information.
• Always print your manuscript at 8.5 X 11. Don't play tricks such as widening the margins or shrinking the layout to make your story look longer than it really is. Stick to basics.
• Depending on the publisher, manuscripts should be printed in 12 point font (usually times new roman) double-spaced on one side.
• Leave one inch margins for editors to make notes. As always, check with publisher guidelines to see specifics.
• Include a self addressed envelope so the publisher may contact you. Most publishers recycle the manuscript, but may tell you to send additional envelopes and postage should you want it returned.

• Don't bind or staple your pages together. You can use a large rubber band to keep your pages sorted, but avoid all types of permanent binding. Editors read over manuscripts one page at a time, but would rather not have to fight with crooked staples or thick binding. Remember, they want to use the margins for notes. If the pages of your book are bound, they won't have enough room to do so.
• Don't include things such as glitter or stickers. They may look cute to you, but they can become a rather large distraction. Not to mention the mess it'll make around the office.
• Don't use colored paper. There's a reasons publishers ask for white paper and black ink. It's gentle on the eyes and easy to read. The more difficult you make it for an editor to read over your work, they less likely they'll waste their time trying to do so.
• Please, no perfume, cologne, incense or candles. Some folks have very sensitive noses and may be allergic to the scent you use on your manuscript. With this in mind, try sending your manuscripts from a smoke-free home as well. Foul odors are a complete turn off.
• Don't claim your story is the next Harry Potter. Editors and agents hate this. Giving comparisons in a proposal for non-fiction is one thing, but claiming your book as the next best thing isn't a good way to hook any kind of reader. Let your book stand on its own.
• Don't send a publisher a genre they don't publish. You'll only waste your time in doing so. Always, always make sure a publisher accepts work in the genre your manuscript is.
• If a publisher says the title should be between 80,000 and 100,000 words, don't send them something above or below that amount. You read the publisher guidelines and they sound like a perfect match. You get excited and even though your book is only 70,000 words, you send it anyway. Not a good idea. Either edit your book to fit their guidelines or find a better fit.