People often ask me, "Do you know a publisher who might want to publish my book?" This question is not easy to answer. The PMA Newsletter says that there are more than 86,000 publishers in the world. At any given time, it would be impossible to know what each person is looking for. But you do know that you won't send your book proposal or manuscript to 86,000 publishers. It wouldn't be worth your money or time. Doing your homework will help your chances in the submission process. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your research:
Find out the facts, publishing houses
Can you send your manuscript somewhere else at the same time? It depends on where you want to send it. Unfortunately, each publishing house has its own rules about how to look at a manuscript that has been sent to them more than once. You need to find out what those rules are. Writer's Digest put out the 2006 Writer's Market, which you can look at. It's a great place to find advice for publishers. The site Literary Marketplace is too.
While looking at these resources, you should also take note of what the company publishes and what kinds of manuscripts and proposals they want to see. You can also go to your local bookstore and look at books that are similar to yours to learn more about this subject. Remember to write down the name of the publisher, as well as the agent and editor who worked on the book. A publisher might turn down your manuscript if they feel like they've "been there, done that." On the other hand, if the company has had success with the topic, they might be looking for more of the same!
seeking a representative
Your research may show that the publishers who seem like a good fit for you don't accept manuscripts that are sent to them without being asked. That means you'll need an agent, so start by sending your work to literary agencies. If so, the 2006 Guide to Literary Agents is a good place to start looking. Writer's Digest puts out this big book with a list of more than 600 agents who don't charge a fee.
All of the agents on the list follow the rules of conduct set by the Association of Author's Representatives (AAR). Members of AAR are not allowed to ask for money. So, in one book, you can be sure that the agent you're working with is honest and learn everything you need to know about the material the agent represents. That means you won't waste your time and money sending out your manuscript.
Mechanics of the Manuscript
Don't worry too much about exactly how your manuscript should look. Your research will tell you if the agent or publisher wants your manuscript a certain way, but for the most part, as long as it's double-spaced and printed with a clear, easy-to-read 12-point font like Courier or Arial, you should be fine. On each page, write your name, the title of the book, and the page number. Also, and this is important, don't staple anything. If the pages are loose, it's easy for the person who gets the book to make copies. This is important because your work will likely be read by more than one person.
One thing to note is that agencies and publishing houses are getting more and more used to getting submissions electronically. Check to see if this is true for your goals. You'll save money and time by not having to go to the post office.
The mindset of a business owner
Get rid of all fear. I know that's easier to say than to do, but look at it this way. If you really want to be a writer, submitting manuscripts will become a regular part of your life. You don't want to be in a constant state of submission angst day and night! Just thinking about what that would be like makes me tired.
Instead, think of yourself as a writer and a business person. Your writing is what you sell. You will make the best thing you can. Know that most rejections won't be because of the quality of your product, so don't take it personally. You move on to the next prospect with the same positive attitude that the next one might be the right one. Know that part of your job is to write. Being afraid isn't.
