Getting Published!

Congratulations! You’ve completed the long, arduous task of writing a novel. You have an error-free manuscript, and Scribendi has helped you put together a query package.

“Now what?” you ask.

It’s time to send your baby out to seek its fame and fortune.

There are a few things you should know before approaching a publisher and/or agent. The guidelines below are similar across the board, but each agent/publisher’s requirements might differ, so ALWAYS check their submission guidelines. The number one complaint from editors is that writers don’t read the submission guidelines.

Researching and choosing a publisher and/or agent

It’s a good idea to research markets before you send out a query. First, let’s define a few of the terms you’ll come across during your research:

Simultaneous Submission: Sending the same piece of writing to more than one agent or publisher for consideration. Check the submission guidelines to make sure the market accepts simultaneous submissions. As a courtesy, if you’re submitting the query to several houses, you should mention that in the cover letter.
Multiple Submission: Sending more than one submission to the same agent or publisher.
Unsolicited Manuscript: This refers to any type of submission that a publisher/agent did not specifically request to see. If a publisher/agent states “no unsolicited manuscripts,” check to see if they do accept queries or proposals.

Next, some ideas on where to search:

Printed directories, like Writers’ Market, are excellent resources and include contact information for the company and the genres published (do double-check the publisher’s Web site; sometimes that information can change!).
Online searches. Some of these directories also offer up-to-date online versions that enable you to search their databases for publishers that match keywords.
Think about the writers your book most resembles - who published those writers? If the house has been successful with that type of book, they may be interested in more.
Take a look at your bookshelves - who published the books you love? With which authors do you have an affinity?

The same goes for choosing agents. Who do they represent? Are you targeting your science fiction novel at an agent who only represents romance authors? That’s just a waste of your time and theirs, not to mention the money you spend on postage!

Regarding whether to go with an agent or not: you can get published without an agent—plenty of authors do—but it’s easier if you can find an agent to take you on. A good agent usually has great contacts, will fight for your interests, protect you when drawing up contracts, and, with any luck, get you the maximum advance when you sell your book’s rights to a publisher! This page has some good links and guidelines for an agent search: http://www.writers.net/agents.php.

Important note: Never send your manuscript to an agent who charges a reading fee for reviewing it. In the literary world, this is considered an indicator of a disreputable agent.

What to put in the envelope (and what to leave out)

The submission guidelines for your chosen publisher/agent request a query letter, an overview/synopsis, a chapter outline (i.e. a summary of the entire story, start to finish) and the first three chapters of your book, so you’ve gathered everything together.

It’s a good idea to format your manuscript so it’s as clear and readable as possible, because editors have tired eyes!

Set decent-sized margins (for example, 1 inch at the top and bottom; 1.25 inches left and right)
Use a font size of at least 11, preferably 12, in a clear, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid special or unusual fonts.
Use double line spacing
Use white paper of good quality, never colored or perfumed paper
Print single-sided
Don’t slip any gifts into the envelope, especially perishable ones!

On each page of the three chapters of your novel, insert a header that includes your name, the title (or a couple of keywords, if your title is long) and the page number. This ensures that the pages will be put together in the right order if someone drops them!

Never, ever send original material—send copies of your first three chapters. Imagine the heartbreak all round if the only copy of your Booker-Prize-worthy novel were lost!

Mention in your cover letter whether you want the manuscript returned. If so, be sure to include a large self-addressed, stamped envelope (and the right stamps or international reply coupons!)

What do I do next?

Wait. Getting an answer—any kind of answer!—does take a long time. Most publishers and/or agents have to go through hundreds of submissions a week. Be patient, and in the meantime… write more! You could try the small publishing houses, as well as big ones: you might get a quicker response.

Good luck! Let us know if you’re successful!