Submitting a Manuscript for Publication
Meeting Submission Guidelines and Submitting to Publishers
Aug 18, 2009
There is no set standard for manuscript submissions, different publishers expect different things from their potential writers. So, be sure to adapt submissions accordingly. Many publishers expressly state that if the writer does not submit properly, their manuscript will not even be considered. It would be a shame to have writing turned away not because of the quality or content, but because it failed to adhere to submission guidelines.
Submission Guidelines and Procedures
While there are no set standards in the publishing world, it is often expected that the manuscript be saved and submitted in a universal format. For web submissions, the most common requirements are to e-mail or submit in a .doc or .rtf format. For paper submissions, be sure to print a clean legible copy in black ink on plain white paper as fancy scripts are hard to read and fancy papers can be distracting.
The publisher will lay out clear strict guidelines on their website or in their call for submissions. Read these through and be sure to adhere to them. While .doc and .rtf submissions are widely popular, there are some publishers who only accept submissions in the body of an e-mail. These small details are important.
Also, take care when addressing submissions. Publishers often have different editors or departments for different types of writing. To ensure full consideration, always address the submission to the correct person. If it's an e-mail submission, check to see if the subject line should read a certain way. Publishers will ask that the subject line include the name of the author and the name of the piece or the genre. So, be sure to pay attention to these details as well.
The Manuscript Submission Process
The process differs for the different types of publications. For smaller literary magazines, it is often okay to send in the full manuscript right away. Sometimes publishers will ask for a short bio or a letter of introduction as well.
When submitting a larger manuscript to a publisher, the process is often much more complicated. Some publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. So, the writer must first send a query letter to the publisher. If the publisher likes the letter, they will invite the author to further submit.
Even after the query letter, writers will often be require to send a short 1-3 page synopsis of their novel and a short sample. The sample length will be noted in the submission guidelines. Some publishers want the first chapter or the first ten pages while others want the first three chapters and so fourth.
Some publishers may also require writers to draft a marketing plan for their proposed novel. Be sure to check into the details and to format responses accordingly.
If writers like the synopsis and sample chapters, they will ask for the full manuscript. Then and only then is it okay to send off the entire piece, again not without making sure it is properly formatted. Font, font size, margins and page numbers are among the aspects that may need to be tailored to the specific publisher.
Be sure to follow guidelines completely to ensure a manuscripts best possible chances at success. Many wonderful works are discarded every day because writers fail to adhere to the guidelines publishers present. They are clear and prominently displayed and publishers expect their writers to follow instructions.
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