Everything you need to know about the submissions processThe world of publishing can seem confusing and exclusive to emerging authors. It’s filled with bewildering terminology and an overwhelming set of rules that you’re just expected to know, on pain of instant rejection. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Over the past few months, I’ve been going through some of the key steps involved in navigating the publishing process and discussing tips and know-how to help you give yourself the best chance of success. The whole series is collected and summarised below, if you need a quick reference guide, with links to the full article under each header. Step 1: Understanding the Publishing LandscapeGetting to Grips with Publishing TerminologyBefore delving into the publishing process, here are a few key publishing terms to know:
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-PublishingBefore embarking on your publishing journey, you'll need to decide between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Each approach has its pros and cons, and understanding them is crucial before making a decision. Pros and Cons of Self-PublishingSelf-publishing has evolved into a respectable option, offering authors greater control over their work. However, it comes with its set of challenges: Pros
Cons
Pros and Cons of Traditional PublishingTraditional publishing, while offering professional support, also has its drawbacks: Pros
Cons
The Role of Literary AgentsWhile having an agent can be beneficial, it's not a requirement for getting published. Understanding the pros and cons of literary representation is essential. Pros
Cons
Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, it's important to be well-informed about the process and the resources available. If traditional publishing is your goal, the next step is to identify potential agents or publishers for your submission. Step 2: Polishing your draft for submissionA first draft is only the beginning. Even professional writers with decades of experience don’t create a publishable draft on their first go. The polish comes in the drafts that follow. Disrupting the Author/Text RelationshipGaining distance from your manuscript is essential for effective editing. Methods to achieve this include setting it aside for a few months, printing and retyping the manuscript, or using text-to-voice technology. The Macro EditThe macro edit focuses on big-picture story elements such as plot, narrative structure, pacing, and character development. It's important to ensure that the narrative engages the reader and maintains coherence and believability. The Micro EditFine-tuning your writing involves checking word count, spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and eliminating autocorrect or find-and-replace errors. Adhering to specified word counts is crucial, as submissions exceeding the limits are often rejected. Final ChecksBefore submitting, it's crucial to double-check your manuscript for any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Attention to these details can make the difference in standing out to agents and publishers. Step 3: Researching Agents & PublishersThe process of finding literary agents and publishers is pivotal for authors pursuing traditional publishing. It's important to approach this step with strategic planning and thorough research. Remember that the general rule is that money flows from a publisher/agent to the author still applies, and it's possible to build your submissions list armed with just a spreadsheet and a well-crafted Google search term. However, there are curated options available for a small fee that can organise potential markets into a more manageable list. Tools such as The Writers' And Artists’ Yearbook, The Association of Authors' Agents, and Publisher’s Marketplace offer valuable resources for identifying potential literary agents and publishers. Researching Literary Agents and PublishersResearching literary agents and publishers requires a systematic approach to increase your chances of finding the right match for your manuscript. Start by narrowing your search by genre, as this is essential for identifying agents and publishers interested in your specific genre. This step is particularly crucial for authors of genres such as SFF or horror, as it eliminates agents and publishers who may not be suitable for your manuscript. There’s no need to limit yourself to your geographical location when researching literary agents and publishers. The internet has made it possible to form partnerships with agents and publishers from different regions. Conduct thorough research on the agents and publishers you're considering. Look for recognisable titles they have represented, published titles that would appeal to your target audience, and their ethos. This information will help you identify organisations that align with your writing goals and values. Building Your ListOnce you've conducted initial research, create a comprehensive list of potential agents and publishers. Personalise your submissions and aim for quality matches rather than quantity. Tips for Finding the Right Match
Step 4: Crafting a Winning Query LetterThe query letter serves as the initial point of contact between the author and the literary agent or publisher. It’s not just a formality; rather, it’s a sales pitch for your novel, showcasing your writing skills, story idea, and professionalism. A well-crafted query letter presents your novel as a unique and marketable product, demonstrating your ability to craft a compelling story. Essential Components of a Query LetterA well-crafted query letter comprises several key elements, each playing a crucial role in effectively pitching your novel. These essential components include: 1. IntroductionThe introduction should be concise and engaging, addressing the agent directly and briefly introducing yourself and your novel. This is an opportunity to capture the reader's attention from the beginning. Personalising the opening can show the agent that you have targeted them for a reason and that your book aligns with their interests. 2. Comparable TitlesIncluding comp titles helps agents understand where your novel fits in the market. It's essential to choose comp titles thoughtfully, demonstrating your market awareness and showing how your book is unique. 3. SynopsisThe synopsis should be a brief, attention-grabbing description of your story, focusing on the main story arc and key characters. It serves as a teaser to pique the agent's interest and prompt them to request more. 4. Author BioThe author bio introduces you as an author, highlighting any writing credentials, publishing credits, or relevant experiences. This is not a CV and you’re not going to be penalised for lack of prior publications. 5. ClosingThe closing paragraph should express gratitude for the agent's time and consideration, maintaining a positive and professional tone. It's crucial to conclude on a high note, leaving a memorable impression. Personalising Your Query LetterPersonalising your query letter for each agent is a critical step in making your submission stand out. Agents receive numerous generic query letters, and a thoughtful personal touch will significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
While personalising your query letter requires time and effort, it significantly increases your chances of getting noticed. It shows agents that you are serious about your writing career and have taken the time to find the right match for your novel. Step 5: Writing a Compelling One-Page Novel SynopsisThe one-page novel synopsis is a pain in the neck but incredibly important. Agents and publishers are inundated with submissions and rely on synopses to gauge a manuscript's appeal and marketability. It serves as a snapshot of the story, showcasing the writer's style and the unique elements that set the novel apart, so you want it to be compelling and polished. Understanding the Target AudienceWhen crafting the one-page synopsis, it's crucial to write to the needs of the agents and publishers who will make a business decision about representing the novel. This entails highlighting the key elements that make the story compelling, focusing on characters, conflicts, and major plot points. Tips for Writing a Concise and Compelling Synopsis
Structuring Your One-Page Synopsis EffectivelyWhile there's no one-size-fits-all structure for a synopsis, giving due consideration to its organisation enhances readability and effectiveness. If you’re struggling with structure, try: opening paragraph, character introduction, conflict and stakes, plot summary, and resolution and conclusion. Avoiding Common MistakesWhen composing the synopsis, it's important to avoid unnecessary details, blurbing, and neglecting the proofread. Keeping the synopsis concise, focused, and error-free is essential for making a professional impression. Final Top Tips for Writing a Compelling One-Page Novel Synopsis
Step 6: Submit, submit and submit againThis step doesn’t have its own article, but it’s the most important one of all. Until you send your novel out into the world, it’s never going to pick up an agent or a publisher. So, it’s time to give your book baby wings. Rejections sting, no two ways about it. They do get easier with time, but you’re just going to have to trust me that they’re part of the process, and they’re absolutely NOT your cue to give up. Nor are they a sign that you need to be endlessly tinkering with your sample chapters: maybe check back in after every 10 submissions or so, with fresh eyes each time, but don’t assume that each rejection means that there’s something fundamentally wrong with your MS. Chances are, the rejection has nothing to do with your MS (I don’t know if that’s better or worse, to be honest — sorry) and everything to do with an overworked agent or publisher needing to make a quick decision in order to avoid being buried by subs. Until you send your novel out into the world, it’s never going to pick up an agent or a publisher. The submissions trenches, by the way, are a great time to be working on your next novel. You’ll have learned so much about writing from finishing your first and the second, third, fourth and beyond will benefit enormously from that growth. Finally: don’t give up. There will be days when it feels impossible to believe in yourself. There will be days when you rage against the publishing world. There will be days when you wonder why on earth any sane person would do this to themselves. And then you’ll get a request for a full, and the clouds will part, the sun will break through, and you’ll know. You’ll know. Keep going. You’ve got this.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Tips, tricks & advice to help your writing shineCategories
All
Blog updates on the first of every month.
|