Writers often stumble at the submission process after finishing their stories and it doesn’t matter how good the standard of writing is; if the presentation looks shoddy, it won’t even be read. Keep out of the slush pile by sending out all work looking polished and professional.
Do Your Research
As always, it is important to know exactly who to submit to and why they are appropriate. Authors must ensure that they are sending the correct style and genre of material to the correct publisher or agent. They also must read the submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. It sounds obvious, but editors and agents have often complained that a majority of writers don’t even bother to read the guidelines.
The standard submission guidelines are simple. Writing should be double spaced, Times New Roman font, left justified, with a header of the author’s name and contact details along with the title of the work. Page numbers must be on all pages and a title page with the word count, genre, target audience and the author’s contact details (yes, again) are also expected.
However, sometimes a publisher or agent has a specific request. They might ask the page numbers to be on the upper right hand corner, or they might wish to have submissions e-mailed in the text body of the letter and not attached. Every publisher and agent has submission guidelines. Don’t skimp, make sure that each manuscript sent looks perfect.
First Contact
Before sending in the manuscript, phone or e-mail with a polite query first. Some agents will want to be exclusive and the initial first contact is the time to find out. Multiple submissions are acceptable for most agents and publishers, but if sending to an exclusive agent, expect the give them a month to review the work before sending it to others.
Try to get the agent’s or editor’s personal e-mail to avoid being ignored, passed on, or lost. It will also allow for a better author-editor rapport as more communication develops in the future.
Be persistent and phone to get the names of the appropriate editors for the submission. Even if they don’t ask to see a copy of the work, write ‘as requested’ on the envelope or in the subject line of the e-mail submission as it is more likely to be read first.
After a submission, phone to see if they received it a few days later. If they have not, or say they’re not sure, submit it again and phone a second time. Make sure the phone conversations remain professional at all times and not shy, nervous, or aggressive as this will put the agent or publisher off immediately.
Agent or Publisher
It is a generally known fact that most agents are actively looking for new authors. Although the recession hit the publishing industry hard, agents and publishers are still keen to sniff out new talent. They might not be able to offer contracts right away (although this does still happen), but making contacts now is the best way to ensure a contract for the future.
Some publishers avoid agents to get the better profit for them, so although this is a positive path to publication, it may not be the most beneficial. Agents will ensure the best deal possible and deal with tax and paperwork.
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