The world of publishing is always changing.
Editors change houses. Publishers change what they publish and much more. These changes are confusing to a new or unpublished author. In fact, often the advice is contradictory. For example, some professionals advise you never to send your material as attachment in an email because they will be deleted. Yet others (like Morgan James) ask for the submission as an attachment. How do you successfully navigate the conflicting advice?
There is a simple and yet critical principle to use in this process: either find out how they want the submission on their submission guidelines or ask them with a short email. When you find out how they want the submission, then use this method. Every editor and agent has hundreds (even thousands) of submissions. Each literary agency or publisher has guidelines posted on their website. These guidelines provide their specific needs. The nonfiction specifics will often be different from the fiction guidelines. At Morgan James, we are looking for novels but want complete manuscripts less than 100,000 words and these submissions have to be “clean” or without sex and profanity.
I know several literary agencies which have created a “template” for their submissions. Their authors submit the sections of a proposal like overview, marketing plan, biography, competition, and chapter by chapter outline or synopsis. After receiving the material, the agent pours the author’s material into their template before submitting it to the publishers. Why make such an effort? It is part of the agency’s brand and consistency in the marketplace. Also, the template makes a uniform appearance to build trust and confidence with the publishers.
If you follow the publisher or agency guidelines and give them what you want, you will gain consideration and possible acceptance. With the high rate of submissions, editors and agents are looking for reasons to say, “no thank you.” The other alternative response is silence (a rejection). If the editor or agent is interested, they will respond and get back to you. Good and clear communication is foundational in this business. Writers are looking for a publishing champion and want them to reject others and keep your submission. With one action step, you will be way ahead of others.
W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. Get Terry’s recent book, 10 Publishing Myths for only $10, free shipping and bonuses worth over $200. Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief at Midwest Book Review wrote, “If you only have time to read one ‘how to’ guide to getting published, whether it be traditional publishing or self-publishing, “Book Proposals That Sell” is that one DIY instructional book.” At the book website, get a free book proposal checklist. Get his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: Terry Whalin Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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