Submitting a proper manuscript to a publisher can be challenging, but it can also increase your chances of getting published. Here are five tips to help you prepare your manuscript:
- Do your research on agents and publishers. Find out which ones are looking for books in your genre, category, and style, and follow their submission guidelines.
- Develop a plan to track manuscript submissions. Keep a record of when and where you send your manuscript, and what feedback you receive. This can help you avoid sending your manuscript to the same place twice or missing a deadline1.
- Create a shortlist to submit your manuscript. Don’t send your manuscript to every agent or publisher you can find. Instead, focus on a few that are most suitable for your book, and tailor your query letter and synopsis to each one.
- Proofread and format your manuscript. Make sure your manuscript is free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and follows the standard manuscript format2. You can also ask a professional editor or a trusted friend to review your manuscript before you submit it3.
- Be patient and professional. Publishing is a slow and competitive process, and you may face many rejections before you find the right agent or publisher. Don’t give up, and don’t take rejection personally. Instead, be polite, respectful, and open to feedback2.
These are some tips to submit a proper manuscript to a publisher, but there are many more details and nuances to consider. If you want to learn more, you can check out these resources:
- How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher In 5 Simple Steps
- 10 Tips For Preparing Your Manuscript for Publication
- Manuscript submission checklist
I hope this helps you with your manuscript submission. Good luck! 😊