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SylvereApLeanan -> RE: anyone ever written a piece of fiction that was published (3/30/2009 2:35:26 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: stella41b
You will get much further with a publisher if you not only send them a sample manuscript (in format) with synopsis and covering letter, but also a date in a letter when the entire book will be finished.
I'm going to disagree with this. It's better to finish your manuscript before submitting. Most of the major publishers in the U.S. won't bother with a manuscript from an unpublished and unagented author unless it's done. For that matter, most agents won't take on a new client unless they can read the full manuscript. Get it done before you send out query letters.
Also, don't send your entire manuscript to a publisher unless their submission guidelines state they want it. Most publishing houses want a cover letter, synopsis (usually around two pages), and sample pages (usually the first couple of chapters). Then, if they're interested, they'll request the fully manuscript. Sending anything other than what their guidelines state they want is the fastest way to get a rejection slip.
This brings up another point: RESEARCH YOUR MARKET. You can pay for a current copy of The Writer's Market, but you can often find back issues at the library. Some publishers only accept certain types of manuscripts. There's no point in submitting a fantasy or mystery novel to a publisher that only accepts romances, for example. Find publishers that take the type of fiction you want to write and then copy down the addresses of their websites. Staff changes happen regularly and submission guidelines change. Even the most current copy of The Writer's Market is a year old by the time it hits bookstore shelves. You don't want to send your manuscript to the wrong person or send the first 50 pages when they only want 30. Visit the house's website to make sure you have the most current information available.
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