How to Find and Use Manuscript Submission Tracking Software

Once you’ve written your article, short story, novel or screenplay it becomes time to send them out into the world in search of publication. You’ve researched markets for your story and are now ready to send them in. Keeping track of where you send them no longer has to be done in your head or with paper and pencil. There are a number of software packages that will help you stay organized and on the tract to being a published author.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet access

1. Do an Internet search for manuscript tracking software. You will find you have a number of choices at a variety of prices.
2. Download the demos of the programs that look interesting to you. Also be sure to look at the free programs that are available. They may be all you need.
3. Install the demos and see if the software will suit your style of keeping track. Some programs are simple and intuitive; others are quite involved and complicated.
4. Order or pay the fee for the tracking software of your choice if it is needed.
5. Begin using the program with manuscripts that are already out to publishers. Add market guidelines and other info you have available.

Tips & Warnings

• Manuscript tracking software can keep you from sending the same story to the same publisher twice. Two rejections from the same editor is embarrassing.
• Several of the free tracking programs work as well as their expensive competition.