Entirely Novel

I'm often asked about the publishing process.  So I thought I’d clue you in dear writer on what you need to know before you send your work out.

   

1. Do your homework. Know who you are submitting your work to.  Request guidelines, sample copies, editorial calendars and/or catalogs. 

2. Don't send a short story to a magazine that accepts only nonfiction. Don't send a historical novel to an agent who handles everything but historical novels. 

3.Do submit neatly typed, error-free letters and manuscripts.
4. Don't call in a few days to ask the editor or agent if he or she received your manuscript. 

5. Do learn the jargon. For example, know the difference between a multiple submission and a simultaneous submission.    
6. Don't assume an agent or editor will make allowances for your grammar mistakes, typos or smudgy printer.  They won't. 

7. Do send your work to reputable publishing houses and literary agencies. Know the scams and what to avoid. 
8. Don't make costly mistakes, such as calling your work a fictional novel. All novels are fiction.  Redundancy shows your amateur status. 

9. Don't pay reading fees or jump for your credit card if you are asked for money.  There are sharks out there.

10.Don't plaster the copyright symbol all over your manuscript. Your work is already automatically copyrighted. Agents and editors know that; your copyright sign will  again notify them of your amateur status.

11.Do show from your correspondence or phone conversations that you are an agreeable, flexible person. Agents take personality into account when deciding whom to represent. An agent/client relationship can last a long time. No one wants to work with someone who is unpleasant. 

12. Don't burn any bridges. No matter how frustrated or angry you are, it will not do you any good to vent or write nasty emails or publish remarks on a blog. The publishing world is smaller than you think. You don't want to brand yourself as “difficult."