Just the Basics...

Writing a book, novel, even numerous poems, are each a challenge in their own way. Once accomplished, one should feel relief. Yet, the next phase looms in the background, causing more anxiety than before. The task of getting the work published. Putting the piece of oneself out into the world, in hope that others will enjoy it. But before this dream can become a reality, there are many steps to take and questions to answer.

After the writing is finished, there are smaller tasks of writing ahead. A synopsis of the book should be put together, in case it is requested. A cover letter and query letter are also good to have done, as they will be easy to send out when needed. Putting together a short paragraph of information about the author can also be useful, as it allows a writer to list other accomplishments in the publishing world. Make sure the work is in proper manuscript format also. If you’re unsure what this is, a good website to visit is http://www.shunn.net/format/. It gives examples of the proper format for short stories, novels and poems.

Another question to answer is that of getting an agent. Some individuals find them to be useful, as they have numerous contacts in the publishing world, which could help a piece of work get published. However, if one decides to take this route, then there is the task of finding agents to contact, and hoping one loves your work. If an agent isn’t something you feel is necessary, then it’s time to do some more research.

If working on your own to send out a manuscript, I recommend starting a list to help organize the process. Make sure you list the company, contact person, address, if they accept simultaneous submissions and most important, how they want to receive your manuscript. If they ask for a query letter first, DO NOT send them your entire manuscript. You want your first impression to be positive, and that means following directions. Always try to keep the publisher happy when thinking about your work, because that can help you go a long way.

After compiling the list of publishers, look over it again. If you have a preference between a big or small publisher, note that, and reorganize the list. Also look at how many places allow simultaneous submissions. This will determine if you can send out several manuscripts at once, or only one at a time.

Once the manuscript(s) are mailed, the waiting begins. Remember that it can take between 3 and 6 months for a publisher to acknowledge that they have received your work. This doesn’t mean they have read it yet, but that it is in their hands. If you haven’t heard anything after 6 months, then it is acceptable to call or send an e-mail inquiry. However, keep it short and professional. Simply ask if they have received your manuscript, as you want to make sure it wasn’t lost in the mail. Do not call and yell at the publisher for their inability to run an efficient company. No one likes that, and it will deter them from wanting to work with you, ever.

The work of sending out a manuscript is a lot, and often one receives a rejection letter. This is for many reasons that may have nothing to do with your work. For instance, it may not be the right genre for that company, or an editor may not be able to sell it to the department. However, there are many publishers out there, and it’s just a matter of finding the right one for you. Good luck.

Here are some other good websites to visit that will help you along the way...

http://www.writersdigest.com/
http://www.writersmarket.com/


Andrea Hall
Editorial Assistant