1. Do your research. Find out which publishers produce books in your
genre. Visit bookstores and look online. Most publishers only work
within specific genres, so there is no point in sending your self-help
manuscript to a publisher that only publishes fiction or children’s books.
Start by making a list of publishers that you would like to approach.
Make sure each of your target publishers is reputable. Many countries
have searchable databases to support your research process (e.g., the
Australian Society of Authors, the Literary Marketplace).
2. Review the publishers’ websites. Publishers often publish their
submission guidelines on their website. Make sure you pay attention
to these, as they will explain the exact process you need to follow.
For example, some publishers want to see just a few chapters of your
manuscript; others want a cover letter that outlines your project and/
or a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. Some accept unsolicited manuscripts;
others only accept books from agents. If you need more information,
write or call the publisher to request writer’s guidelines. Don’t fall into
the trap of thinking you need to write your entire book before submitting
it to a publisher, though. In my experience, most publishers will only
require a few chapters of your book at most, together with a heap of
supporting information.
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3. Present yourself professionally. These days, editors won’t even look
at a manuscript that isn’t presented professionally. The same applies to
you. Publishers are people too. Somebody has to decide that you’ll be
good to work with and he or she will have to persuade others of that.
Do you come across as self-important and pompous, or interesting and
interested? What are you able to do to promote the book, and can you
demonstrate that you will follow through on your commitment? Many
publishers would prefer a good manuscript by a great author who will
help sell it, to a brilliant manuscript by someone who is not going to be
any good on radio or TV.
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4. Make writing fun. For me, part of the fun in getting a book published
is to enjoy the journey. Check in with yourself regarding your reasons for
writing the book in the first place. If it is merely to make extra cash, you
might find yourself struggling if you don’t enjoy the process itself. I highly
recommend focusing on your passion and writing about what makes you
feel good!
Staples
5. Be prepared to wait. It may take two to six months or even longer to
hear back from a publisher, but don’t give up. If possible, don’t submit
your manuscript to more than one publisher at a time.
Many people give up after they receive their fi '7B&V