and tomorrow's bestsellers
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Discovering today's talent and tomorrow's bestsellers |
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Approaching a Publisher or Agent When you have completed your manuscript (which includes thorough editing) you are ready to approach a publisher or agent. They are approached in much the same way. Start by purchasing a copy of Writer's Market, which can be purchased in its generic form or for specialty markets, or subscribe to their on-line service. Select publishers or agents specific to your genre. Sending your fantasy to the publisher of cookbooks is a waste of your time and theirs. Publishers have their own niche; even within the big NY publishing houses, editors have their specialty genres. Choose the editor or agent carefully. Begin by sending a query letter. You can get excellent examples of how query letters are crafted through books such as Attention Grabbing Query and Cover Letters (published by Writer's Digest). Pay attention to the guidelines for the editors and agents you've selected; some prefer to receive queries by email, while others prefer snail mail. When sending email queries, do not be tempted to enter a catchy slogan or phrase in the subject line. Your email could end up in a spam filter and never make it to the editor. Be professional. The First Contact When sending a query letter by snail mail, make it as easy as possible for the editor/ agent to respond. Always include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Many authors also include a postcard or typed response letter, where the editor/ agent can simply check off whether they'd like to see more of your manuscript. Most editors/ agent do not prefer for you to contact them by phone. They receive so many submissions that they could remain on the phone all day and never do anything else. Never send your entire manuscript to an editor or agent without their request. The Synopsis or Sample Included with the query letter could be a short synopsis (one to two pages) or a sample of your work, such as the Prologue (no more than three pages). Do not attempt to "string along" the editor or agent with a vague description of your book. Be short and concise, but appropriately descriptive of the plot and the main character or conflict. Submitting the Entire Manuscript When an editor or agent responds that they'd like to see your manuscript, it had better be in its best form and ready to go. Don't package it with so much tape that it looks like you're mailing a crystal figurine. Remember, someone on the other end will have to open the package. Make it easy for them. Buy an appropriate box in which to safely package your manuscript (which will keep pages in order), and place that box inside a jiffy bag or similar mailer. Always include a SASE with enough postage for them to return your work to you. How long does it take for an editor or agent to review your work? Some will take weeks, others will take months, and some will even take years. The average is about six months. It is okay to call the editor's or agent's office to confirm they received your manuscript, but do not continue to call them to find out what they think. They will let you know. Simultaneous Submissions Because editors and agents receive so many submissions and they take so long to respond, unless you are very young and intend to live to be very old (and don't mind starting your career as a published author in your elderly years), you should not send out inquiries to one publisher or agent at a time. However, if you are sending inquiries to more than one at a time, indicate that you are sending out "simultaneous submissions".
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