How to Submit a Manuscript

The publishing industry isn't what it used to be. You can't just send 1,000 copies of your unsolicited manuscript to every publishing company you've ever heard of. Research, finding an agent and marketing yourself well are keys to your publishing success.

Things You'll Need

• Completed manuscript
• <br>Letter of inquiry
• <br>Manuscript saved on a CD and a hard copy
• <br>Agent
• <br>Sales strategy

Instructions

1. Complete your manuscript. Do not submit even a chapter if you do not have the entire manuscript finished, especially if this is your first time submitting.

2. Research agents. There are thousands of agents so find agents that specialize in fiction or fantasy or historical novels. Keep a running list of agents and agencies. Also, read specific directions on how they want a manuscript submitted: electronically, hard copy, or on a disk. Also, note if the agent or agency is accepting manuscripts. If they're not, do not submit your manuscript until they are open for submissions once again.

3. Go ahead and submit your manuscript to agents you have researched. Make sure you have your letter of inquiry which should contain a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining relevant information about yourself, your qualifications, your writing background and publishing credits (if any), an estimate of the number of words in your manuscript and a two to four page outline of your book.

4. Along with the letter of inquiry, you should submit two sample chapters of the book (approximately 30 to 50 pages, depending on the type of book and length).

5. Publishing companies want to know how your book is going to sell, in which market. So, if contacted, be ready to sell yourself. Let your personality shine. Your personality and how you sell your book will make an impact on the submission and acceptance of your manuscript.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out where favorite books were published. Try to find the agents for those authors.

• <br>Complete your research before sending your manuscript.