Have you completed your book and are ready to submit it for publication? Then, you must have to know that there are several things you should take care of.
Writing and submitting the book as it is might cause rejection for several reasons. And that is why, here we bring tips from the experts to prepare your manuscript before submitting it to the book publishing services.
So, without any delay, let’s head to them.
Do Proper Research on Agents and Publishers
What most agents complain about the authors is that they don’t do their research before submitting. You have to check the trade publications to get the knowledge of names and trends in traditional publishing.
You must have to research potential publishers to find the ones that are the best fit for your work. Always look for publishers that specialize in your genre or subject matter and familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines and editorial preferences.
Keep The Submission Guidelines in Mind
It is essential that you take some time and carefully read and understand the submission guidelines provided by the publisher that you are choosing. You must know that every publisher has its own specific needs for formatting, length, and content.
If you fail to follow the guidelines provided by them then it might result in being rejected without being read. That is why, you should know the guidelines to fulfill them properly.
Your Manuscript Must Be Formatted Properly
The next step is to take care of the formatting of your book. It has to look professional and must be easy to read. Most publishers prefer the manuscript to be formatted in a standard style such as Times New Roman or Arial font with 12-point font and double spacing.
You must have to be sure to include the page numbers, a title page with your contact information and headers with your last name, and the title of your manuscript on every page. Critically analyze the formatting elements such as margins, indentations, and spacing. Always make necessary adjustments to make sure that your manuscript is good professionally.
Edit It to Make Sense
Editing is a compulsory, non-negotiable step. You have to thoroughly edit your manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes can make your work appear sloppy and unprofessional.
That is why you must take the time to carefully proofread every word. Also, consider enlisting the help of beta readers or hiring a professional editor to offer feedback and suggestions to improve your manuscript.
Polish Your Writing
When you check the errors, you must also take some time out to polish your writing to make sure that it is clear, concise, and engaging. You can trim any unnecessary word, sentence, or phrase. Tighten up the sentences, and pay fine attention to the flow and structure of your writing.
Also, don’t forget that less is often more when it comes to writing – so you must aim for clarity and simplicity in your prose.
Create a Cover Letter
It is a good idea to submit a cover letter along with your manuscript to introduce yourself and your work to the publishers. Keep the cover letter up to the point and briefly summarize the manuscript. Also, explain why you believe it would be a good fit for their publication.
Make sure to personalize each cover letter for the specific publisher you are targeting at the moment and always follow any instructions that are provided in the submission guidelines by them.
Don’t Fear Rejection
Finally, it is important for you to prepare yourself for the possibility of rejection. The publishing industry is highly competitive and even some of the most talented writers often face rejection before finding success. A good example of it is J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter series which got rejected a number of times before getting published.
And if your manuscript is rejected, then you should not have to be discouraged. Rather than this, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your writing. Consider seeking feedback from editors or other writers – revise your manuscript and continue to submit it to other publishers until you find the right fit.
