Submitting Your Novel to Publishers
How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Professional Editors
Following a few simple rules such as using proper page layout, sending a novel synopsis and including a SASE will make the editor's job easier. Anything you can do to help them out will definitely work to your advantage. Here are some tips to help get your novel manuscript noticed.
Introduce yourself
Your manuscript should be prefaced with a professional cover letter. Briefly introduce yourself, your writing background, and your novel.
Follow the Publisher's Guidelines
Look at the publisher's website and follow their specific requests regarding submissions. If they don't specify, follow general protocol as outlined below.
Do Not Submit the Whole Novel
Unless specifically stated, most fiction publishers prefer to receive a one page synopsis of the novel along with several sample chapters. Most writers choose to send the first few chapters of the novel.
Make sure the whole novel is written before you start sending out sample chapters. You need to know the whole plot for your synopsis, and if the publisher asks to see the rest of the novel you should have it ready.
Page and Text Layout
Editors are not expecting a manuscript to look like a novel. Print your manuscript on regular 8 ½ by 11 paper. Double-space your work. On the first page, start with your title about three-quarters of the way down the page. Leave a space and begin the text.
Make sure that a chapter doesn't end at the very bottom of a page. This can cause confusion for the reader, as space at the bottom of the page is an indicator that the chapter is finished. Either readjust your spacing so the text runs onto the next page. Alternately, put -END- after the last line of text for clarity.
Text is easier to read if there's a lot of white space on the page. Set margins to at least an inch on all four sides. But don't put an extra space between paragraphs.
Choose an easily readable font. Something standard like Times New Roman, in at least a 12pt font. If an editor has to strain to read your work, chances are she won't.
Spell check
Nothing will irritate an editor more than spelling and grammar mistakes. Show that you take your writing seriously. Use your computer's spell check, and have a friend read over your manuscript before you send it in.
Clearly Identify Your Work
Number your pages, and make sure your last name and the name of the work is on every page of the manuscript. Imagine the editor with a towering stack of manuscripts that get knocked off the edge of a desk. The editor should be able to pick through the mess on the floor and put the manuscripts back together with no problem.
Do Not Bind The Pages
Editors like to be able to turn the pages easily. Use paper clips, not staples. Resist the urge for fancy folders. Plain white paper in a clean, crisp envelope or box is best.
Provide Postage
Some publishers will return unaccepted manuscripts, others won't. Check their writers' guidelines carefully. If you do want your manuscript returned, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).
Make sure you use postage for the country it will be mailed from. For example, an American submitting to a Canadian journal must put Canadian stamps on the SASE. Alternately, include an International Reply Coupon.
Don't Be Deterred by Rejection
Submitting an unsolicited manuscript is a huge gamble. Most editors have large slush piles and only moments to glance over new submissions. Don't let rejection deter you. See it as part of the game, and move on quickly. Remember that every famous writer has had manuscripts rejected.
Get Out of the Slush Pile
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