Tips for Submitting Your Manuscript

Tip One: 

Do not bind your manuscript in any way this includes staples and paperclips. An editor has a huge pile of manuscripts to wade through so the last thing they want is a binding which slows the reading process down.

Tip Two:

Don’t print on bright coloured paper so your manuscript stands out, this screams “I’m an amateur.” Stick to good quality white paper.   

Tip Three:

If you want your work returned include a stamped addressed envelope then ensure you include the right postage. If you do not include the correct postage it tells them you don’t care about your work and if you don’t why should they?   

Tip Four:

Always include a cover letter with your manuscript giving:

• Your contact details
• An outline of your background, if you have had any work published etc but remember to keep it short
• A brief synopsis of the storyline

If you are not including a synopsis then you may also include information on:   

• Who will buy your book?
• What other similar books are already on the market?
• What makes your book different?
• Are there alternate markets in addition to the traditional book shop?

Tip Five:

Always set your manuscript out using at least one and a half line spacing (some publishers require two so check their submission guidelines) using an easy to read font for example Ariel size 10. If an editor has to strain their eyes to read your manuscript it will go straight on the slush pile.  

Tip Six:

Do not send your manuscript recorded delivery. Publishers are busy and you will not endear yourself to them if they have to leave the office to sign for a manuscript they did not request.

Tip Seven:

In the header of every page include the title followed by your name for example:  tipsforsubmittingmss/lynnegarner and in the footer always number each page. In this way if your manuscript should become detached from the covering letter or even a few pages become detached from the rest of the manuscript they can be reunited.

Tip Eight:

Do your research before you send off your manuscript. Publishers of non-fiction will not print your fiction title and likewise a publisher of picture books will not publish you’re your adult novel. Check a publishers website carefully and use such reference books as The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook.

Tip Nine:

Once you have read the submission guidelines ensure you supply exactly what is asked for. If they want three chapters with a synopsis then send just three chapters and a synopsis. There is little point in spending the extra on postage and sending in the complete manuscript if this is not what is wanted.

Top Ten:

You’ll be surprised how many publishers still do not accept manuscripts via e-mail. So double check if they only deal with submissions by snail mail then send using this method. 

Bonus Tip: Double Check

Check, check and check your work again. This includes the synopsis, your covering letter, basically anything you send in. Any errors will not reflect well and remember your book will not be the only one sitting on a publisher’s desk. Who would you take someone who crosses all the T’s and dots every I or someone who shows a slap-dash approach?

So armed with these tips hopefully your manuscript will at least get read and you never know may even get published. It has worked for me!