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Getting started
To help authors get started with writing we offer some guidelines to consider before submitting material to a publisher.
There is more competition to get published than ever before. Hundreds of manuscripts (also referred to as typescripts) of would-be books land on the desks of publishers and literary agents every day. Both publishers and literary agents acknowledge that potential authors have to be really dedicated (or perhaps very lucky) in order to get their work published. So how can you give yourself the best chance of success? The following seven pointers will give you a head start to get your material noticed by a publisher.
- Agent or publisher?
First decide whether to approach an agent or to go it alone and submit your material direct to a publisher. Many publishers, particularly of fiction, will only consider material submitted through a literary agent. See How to get an agent
Whether you choose to approach an agent or a publisher, your work will be subjected to rigorous commercial assessment.
- Choose the right publisher or agent
Study the entries in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, examine publishers’ lists and their websites, and look in the relevant sections in libraries and bookshops for the names of publishers which might be interested in seeing your material.
A list of literary agents and publishers can be accessed on www.writersandartists.co.uk.
The electronic book market is in its infancy and has no set standards or provision but holds potential for some authors.
Authors are strongly advised not to pay for the publication of their work. A reputable publishing house will undertake publication at its own expense, except possibly for works of an academic nature.
- Prepare your material well
Presentation is important. For example, no editor will read a handwritten manuscript. If your material is submitted in the most appropriate format a publisher will be more inclined to give attention to it. See Dos and don’ts of approaching a publisher.
Many publishers’ websites give guidance for new writers.
It is understandable that writers, in their eagerness to show their work to others in the hope of getting it published as soon as possible, will send their manuscript in a raw state. Do not send your manuscript to a publisher until it is ready to be seen as it could ruin your chances. Be confident that your work is as good as it can be.
- Approach the publisher or literary agent in the way they prefer
Submit your work to the right person within the publishing company or literary agency.
Ring or email first to find out who is the best person to receive your work. If the listing in this Yearbook does not specify, also ask whether they want a synopsis and sample chapters or the complete manuscript. Many publishers’ and literary agents’ and websites give guidance on how to submit material.
Never send your only copy of the manuscript. Whilst every reasonable care will be taken of material in a publisher’s possession, responsibility cannot be accepted if material is lost or damaged.
Always include an sae with enough postage for the return of your material. (Send International Reply Coupons if you are writing from outside the country or if you are submitting material from the UK to the Republic of Ireland; for further information tel (08457 223344.)
- Write a convincing letter
Compose your preliminary letter with care. Writers have been known to send out such letters in duplicated form, an approach unlikely to stimulate a publisher’s interest. See Dos and don’ts on approaching a publisher.
When submitting a manuscript to a publisher, it is a good idea to let them know that you know (and admire!) what they already publish. You can then make your case about where your submission will fit in their list. Let them know that you mean business and
have researched the marketplace.
What is the unique selling point of the material you are submitting for publication? You may have an original authorial ‘voice’, or you may have come up with an amazingly brilliant idea for a series. If, after checking out the marketplace, you think you have something truly original to offer, then believe in yourself and be convincing when you offer it around.
- Get out and network
Writing can be a lonely business – don’t work in a vacuum. Talk to others of your discipline at literature festivals, conferences and book groups; find out if there are any writer groups in your area. Consider doing a course.
Go to a festival and be inspired! There are many literature festivals held throughout the year which new and well-known authors appear at. You may be able to hear an author you admire speak, and even meet them afterwards.
- Don’t give up!
Editors receive hundreds of manuscripts every day. For a publisher, there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration when evaluating these submissions, the most important of which is ‘Will it sell?’
Be prepared to wait for a decision on your work. Editors and agents are both very busy people so be patient when waiting for a response. Don’t pester them too soon.
Publishing is a big business and it is ever more competitive. Even after an editor has read your work, there are many other people involved before a manuscript is acquired for publication. People from the sales, marketing, publicity, rights and other departments all have to be convinced that the book is right for their list and will sell.
The harsh reality of submitting a manuscript to a publisher or literary agent is that you have to be prepared for rejection. But all successful authors have received such rejections from a publisher at some time so you are in good company.
Have patience, persevere. Good luck!
Following a publishing company’s firm interest in a MS, a publisher’s contract is drawn up between the author and the publisher. If the author is not entirely happy with the contract presented to them or wishes to take advice, he/she could ask their literary agent, the Society of Authors or the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain to check the contract on their behalf – providing the author has an agent and/or is a member of those organisations. Otherwise, the author can either check it for himself, or seek advice from a solicitor. Before consulting a solicitor, make sure that they are familiar with publishing agreements and can give informed advice. Many local firms have little or no experience of such work and their opinion can often be of limited value and the cost may outweigh any possible gains.
This article is from the Writer' & Artists' Yearbook, © A&C Black.