Recommendations for Authors Publishing their 1st Book

My advice to authors ready to send their material to publishers is that they need to prepare. There are a ton of submissions everyday and in order for you to stand out in the group you need to eliminate the factors that might get you thrown out before you are actually considered. · Finishing the manuscript is the first step. · Second step edit it. Pay for this. You want a professional to do it. They are unbiased and will get your manuscript in the right shape to keep you out of the “circular file”. · Determine what type of book you’ve written. Historical, contemporary, time travel, etc. · Decide which publishing house you want to submit to and follow their guidelines. This is all available on their websites. If you don’t understand terms in their submission form, don’t just guess. Research what that term is and follow it. They have guidelines for a reason and they do not hesitate to throw you in the “circular file”. To them, they have 20 to replace you. · Once you’ve prepared your submittal package, as per the guidelines, you will then want to address this package to a person. Not the company or ‘The Editor’, an actual person. If you are a member of the RWA you can usually find the list of editors there. Do not send the package generic. It will go in the “circular file” for sure. · Include a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope). This way you will get a return letter and your manuscript back. If you don’t do this - “circular file”. · Use a Tyvek type envelope (keeps the water out) and priority mail. · If the material was requested by a certain editor, make sure you mark it “requested material” on the front. That way it is sure to by-pass the first station and go straight to the person that requested the material. DO NOT LIE AND PUT THIS ON THERE ANYWAY. That editor will be angry and will throw your material out for lying. Basically, try and keep your manuscript afloat by following the rules and being the best one in the stack. Don’t skimp. This is your foot in the door. Ask yourself, are you using a muddy boot or a high class shoe!!!