5-Point Checklist for Manuscript Submission

Line up those ducks!

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Something happens to authors when they're about to submit their "baby" "masterpiece" or "heart and soul" to a publisher, whether that publisher is of the traditional fare or not. 

As a subsidy publisher myself - a publisher who receives money upfront to publish a book and then works at getting the book ready for publishing - I've seen it all.

Hand-written changes in the margins.

Single-spaced submissions.

Submissions that try and add pictures instead of sending the pictures as an attachment.

Manuscripts that HAVE NOT gone through at least one initial edit other than by the writer. 

Manuscripts that use a strange font [perhaps a font that is practically unreadable] or strange manuscript set-up. This can be intending the first paragraph by pushing the space bar 5 to 10 times instead of indenting paragraphs by .5 inches. Learn more here.

A good rule of thumb:

Professional is best. 

1. Make sure your manuscript is as clean and free of as many errors as possible. I use Grammarly myself, and then share my manuscript with at least one [more is better] reader, editor, or a combination of both.

2. Check your manuscript setup. I was going to mention the rules here but this article, "How to Format a Book: 10 Tips Your Editor Wants You to Know" is excellent.

3. Include a cover letter - or introduction. Your cover letter will differ depending on the reason why you are submitting your manuscript. Is it because the publisher asked for it? [You met them at a writer's conference]. Are you sending the manuscript because you think the traditional publisher would be interested in your book? [You found the business located in Writer's Market]. Are you sending your manuscript to a subsidy or vanity publisher? In all cases, find out what the publisher wants you to send them. [For us, Idea Creations Press, the first chapter, synopsis, vision for your book, and how you plan to market your book is more important than a standard cover letter]. 

4. Include a SASE [Stamped, Self-Addressed Envelope] for the return of your manuscript or a business-sized envelope for a return letter from the publisher. If you're doing things electronically, discard the envelope idea but make sure the publisher has your name, address, email, and phone number. 

5. Make sure your manuscript is weighed at the post office before sending it. Do not guess how many stamps you think you'll need and mail it from your house. Once you know the weight of your package, you can add the correct amount of postage to the SASE before sealing the entire package up and mailing it. No worries if you're simply mailing a business envelope. One stamp is sufficient. For online submissions: Make sure you've attached the manuscript!!

While there are still authors who are expected to send their manuscript [even if the publisher asks for only the first few pages] by snail mail, many publishers are now asking for the authors' work through email, and this simplifies the submission process substantially. It also allows the author to submit without the added expense of postage and wait time - which is often 6 months to a year for standard submissions.

Stand out from the slush pile by referring back to this checklist every time you submit.

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

So You're Ready to Submit Your Manuscript? 11 Things to Remember

I used to submit my manuscript to publishers, and through the years I've learned a few things about what they'd like to see. Bottom line, it's what I'd also like to see now that I am reading manuscripts submitted to me by others.

The writing process can be complicated enough without even looking at how it needs to be presented. But hopefully, these ideas are simple enough not to hang you up even before you've gotten started.

1. Double space the document. It is harder to read a manuscript that is single spaced, no matter how much you like what you read.

2. Center your book title and your name. Start "Name of Book" almost mid-way down the first page. (All succeeding chapter headings should be about mid-way down the page). When you're finished it should look like this:

Name of Book

By

Your Name

Tab down three spaces before you start the first paragraph.

3. Make sure you have 1" margins. Don't take the text too close to either edge of the paper, and make sure you have 1'' at the bottom.

4. Don't staple anything. Use a paperclip if necessary.



5. Number your pages. Upper right had corner, with your last name or the name of your book directly underneath the page numbers on all pages.

6. Keep the type simple. I usually use Times New Roman. I don't mix the type, trying to make things fancy.

7. Use white paper. No colored, no specially textured. Make it as easy on the eyes for the publisher as possible.

8. Include a cover letter. Make it short and to the point. Don't include pictures, yes, even if your manuscript is a picture book, although it is alright to share your ideas for illustration in the cover letter with the publisher.

9. Make sure you've read all of the guidelines for the publisher. If the publisher wants a synopsis, and you HATE writing them, send it off with the manuscript. If the publisher wants only the first three chapters with a cover letter, send that. If they want the entire manuscript, send that. Don't under-estimate how professional you'll look by just following the directions.

10. Send the publisher sufficient postage if you want the manuscript returned. Many authors send a stamped post card that publishers can send back instead of the manuscript. On the postcard are boxes to check, such as: "I'm interested in this manuscript send____________________," "We're not interested, but thank you," etc. Consider the postage and time you'll save by submitting your manuscript online. Some publishers will not take your manuscript via online so make sure that you've read the guidelines before you send something.



11. Above all, check, check, check for typos and grammar issues. Have someone read what you'll be submitting. Often, all it takes to remove honest errors is another set of eyes.