How To Submit A Book For Publishing

Are you an aspiring author, ready to unleash your literary masterpiece upon the world? 

Ready to take the leap from the realm of imagination to the realm of printed pages? 

Well, get ready to learn the art of captivating publishers, crafting the perfect submission package, and setting your book on an upwards journey.

Researching Potential Publishers

Researching potential publishers is a critical first step in the book publishing process.

Before submitting your manuscript to a publisher, you need to understand what kind of books they publish, their submission guidelines, and their target audience.

To research potential publishers, start by looking at their websites and reading their submission guidelines. This will give you an idea of what kind of books they are interested in and what format they prefer. You can also look at their recent book releases to see if your book fits within their current catalog, brand, & overall market.

Another helpful way to research potential publishers is to attend local writing conferences and workshops. Many publishers and literary agents attend these events and it’s a great way to make connections while getting real, first-person knowledge that you may not be able to find online.

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Preparing Your Manuscript

Before submitting your manuscript, make sure it’s polished, revised, and ready for publication.

Don’t rush this process just because you’re near the end – take the time to revise and edit your work while getting feedback from beta readers or a professional editor.

One important aspect of preparing your manuscript is ensuring that it is properly formatted. This includes using a consistent font and spacing, and following industry-standard formatting guidelines.

You should also make sure that your manuscript is free of errors and typos. This can be achieved through careful proofreading and editing.

I Want To Get Published

Formatting Your Manuscript

Just as a well-tailored suit enhances a person’s appearance, proper formatting enhances the readability and professionalism of your manuscript.

From setting up the right document structure to perfecting the finer details, lets navigate through the maze of formatting so that your manuscript will be ready to captivate publishers and readers alike.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to format a manuscript:

1. Set the Document Basics:
   • Start with a standard letter-sized page (8.5″ x 11″) or follow any specific publisher guidelines.
   • Use a common font like Times New Roman or Arial, with a 12-point font size.
   • Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
2. Structure Your Manuscript:
   • Begin with a title page that includes the book title, your name, and contact information.
   • Follow with a copyright page, dedication (if desired), and table of contents.
   • Start each new chapter on a new page, centered and with an appropriate chapter heading.
3. Formatting Paragraphs:
   • Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch using the “Tab” key.
   • Use double-spacing throughout the manuscript.
   • Align text to the left, rather than justifying it.
4. Dialogue and Quotations:
   • Indicate dialogue using quotation marks (” “) and begin a new paragraph for each speaker.
   • For longer quotations, use block quotes by indenting the entire passage by half an inch.
5. Page Numbers and Headers:
   • Insert page numbers in the header or footer, usually at the top or bottom right corner.
   • Include your last name, the book title, and/or chapter title in the header for easy identification.
6. Scene Breaks and Transitions:
   • To signify a scene change or transition, insert a centered symbol or use three asterisks (***) in the center of the page.
7. Handling Special Elements:
   • Italicize titles of books, films, or other published works.
   • Use bold or italics sparingly for emphasis, avoiding excessive formatting.
   • Maintain consistency in formatting elements like headings, subheadings, and font styles.
8. Proofreading and Editing:
   • Thoroughly review your manuscript for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
   • Pay attention to consistency in capitalization, hyphenation, and abbreviations.
   • Consider using a professional editing service or seeking feedback from beta readers.

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Writing a Query Letter

You’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting a remarkable book.

Now comes the exhilarating moment to introduce it to the world through a well-crafted query letter. 

But how do you make sure your letter grabs the attention of publishers and literary agents, sparking their curiosity and leaving them hungry for more? 

A query letter is like a magic spell, a carefully constructed one-page masterpiece that holds the power to captivate its reader. 

Within its concise boundaries, you must weave a tapestry of words that showcases your book’s essence, entices the recipient, and showcases your writing prowess. This is your opportunity to shine & leave an impression on the reader.

But, before you put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard), immerse yourself in the world of the publisher or agent you’re targeting. Dive into their preferences, passions, and submission guidelines. Become an expert on their literary desires, and let that knowledge fuel the fire within your query letter.

Craft a brief summary that unveils the heart and soul of your book. Share your writing credentials (if any), and your unique qualifications that set you apart from the crowd.  

Pro Tip: Show the publisher that you’re marketable and willing to do whatever it takes to make your book (and your authorship) a success.

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Assembling Your Submission Package

Your submission package includes your:

• Manuscript
• Query letter
• Any other materials requested by the publisher or agent, such as a synopsis or author bio. 

Make sure that your submission package is well-organized and professional, and that it follows the submission guidelines provided by the publisher.

In addition to your submission package, you may also want to consider including a brief cover letter that introduces yourself and your work. This can help you make a personal connection with the publisher and increase your chances of getting published.

Submitting Your Manuscript

Submitting your manuscript for publishing is a significant undertaking, and it’s crucial to follow the submission guidelines provided by the publisher or agent. 

These guidelines may specify whether you should submit your manuscript electronically or via mail, and they might require specific subject lines or cover pages.

Keeping track of your submissions and maintain a record of the publishers or agents you’ve approached, the dates you submitted your manuscript, and any responses you’ve received. If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe, consider politely following up to inquire about the status of your submission.

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