Submitting Work to Book Publishers - the Basic Rules

You've written what you think is a fantastic novel, if not the next great American novel, certainly something that you're certain will appeal to readers. You've had it critiqued, you've edited it, re-written it and worked the story until it shines and now what do you do?

Many a would be published author stumbles at the first hurdle when it comes to finding a publisher, and surprisingly enough they don't do it through poor quality writing. No, the mistakes they make, tend to occur at the submissions stage.

There are basic guidelines for submitting work to professional book publishers and these do not change.

First, do your research. Not all publishing houses take the same types of stories. Regardless of if you are targeting a big, New York house, or a small press, or perhaps one of the growing e-book publishers out there, they all have their own market's they focus on. Find out which publishers cater to the market you're trying to target.

Second, read several of their published novels. This is vital. If you don't how can you be certain that they do have an interest in your genre? Or that type of storyline.

Third. Read and follow their submission guidelines. These are often easy to find on the publishers website. If they are not listed there then email, or write to, a contact listed there. If the guidelines state they do not take un-agented submissions that really does mean 'we don't do it, this means you'.

Make sure the format is to their guidelines, that the word count is within their rules, and that you send it in the manner their rules state. Why? Because even small publishing houses deal with hundreds of submissions every month, large ones number in the thousands, so why would they waste their time reading through a submission from an author who has proven that they cannot even read?

If it says query first, then do so.

If it says query with synopsis and first three chapters, then do so.

If it states use Times New Roman, font size 12, then stick to that instead of a fancier font. You won't be impressing anyone by sending a file, or a printed manuscript, in an archaic font. Yes, it looks pretty, but all you're proving to the editor is that you don't think the rules apply to you.

Make a note of the return time that is often listed on submission guidelines. Do not follow up on manuscripts that have been submitted before that time is up. When you do follow up then remember to be polite.
If you're rejected and many authors have their work rejected time and again before they finally see that letter or email of acceptance, then take the rejection without sending back a scathing reply. They've read it, rejected it, and you have to move on. That manuscript might well be your baby, but to an editor it's another story they've read through that day/week, and this is a business to them. One they enjoy and are often passionate about, but still it is their business.

Remember, if you're hoping to one day be a professional, published author, then it should be a business to you as well.