A Crash Course in Submitting a Manuscript

by Laura Backes, Write4Kids.com

While the submission process may feel like second nature to
experienced writers, it's easy to forget that newcomers aren't
aware of the specific procedures. And since everyone can benefit
from a refresher course now and then, here's a rundown of the
steps:

Step 1

First, collect addresses of appropriate publishers by perusing
market guides like Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market ,
industry newsletters such as Children's Book Insider, and looking through similar
books at the store or library. Then send a self- addressed,
stamped envelope to the publisher asking for writer's guidelines
(you can start this process while you're still writing your book
as it may take a few weeks to receive a response). Review the
guidelines carefully to make sure your manuscript fits with what
the publisher is looking for.

Step 2

Most publishers want to see the entire manuscript for picture
books. Type your manuscript on white paper, double spaced,
indenting at the beginning of each paragraph. Use at least one
inch margins on each side, and justify the left margin only. Put
your name and the title of the book at the top of each page, and
number the pages consecutively. Your name, address, phone number
and email should appear in the upper left-hand corner of the
first page. Center the title of the manuscript about a third of
the way down on page 1, skip a line, and then start the text.

Don't break the text up into pages as it would appear in the
finished book, and don't include illustrations unless you're a
professional artist (in which case, send a black and white dummy
with a sketch of each illustration and 2-3 copies of finished
color illustrations along with the typed manuscript). Send with a
brief cover letter stating the title, intended age group, and
word count of the story. Add any previous publishing experience
and memberships to writing organizations (if you don't have such
experience, leave this section out). Mention if this is a
simultaneous submission (sending the manuscript to several
publishers at once), and include a self-addressed, stamped
envelope (SASE) with enough postage to return the manuscript if
necessary.

Step 3

For longer fiction, publishers often want a query letter and
sample chapters. The query starts out with the same basic
information as the cover letter above, but also includes a brief
synopsis of the plot. Try to write the query in the same style as
the manuscript, and include information on the main characters,
the conflict and the resolution of the plot. Add your publishing
experience, and tell the editor you can send the entire
manuscript if she's interested. Ideally, the entire query letter
will fit on one page. Send with the first two chapters of the
manuscript and a SASE.

For longer nonfiction, a book proposal is generally requested.
This gives a brief overview of the book (one or two paragraphs
describing the tone and slant of the information), and a chapter-
by-chapter outline (with a sentence or two listing the
information covered in each chapter). Attach the first two
chapters if it's requested in the writer's guidelines, and also a
bibliography of your resources. In your cover letter, list the
target audience, the estimated length of the finished manuscript,
why your book is different from others on the market on the same
subject, and your expertise on the topic. Send with a SASE.

Nonfiction picture book publishers may require a query (in which
case you'd outline the book in one or two paragraphs and also
include the information from the nonfiction cover letter above),
or the entire manuscript. If sending the whole manuscript, attach
a brief cover letter as with fiction picture books, but also
mention how your book fits into the current market and your
credentials on the topic.

Following the proper submission procedures gets easier with
practice, and ensures that your manuscript will get a serious
look. Take the time to give each editor exactly what she wants,
and she'll give your work closer consideration.

Note: For much more information on writing cover letters, query
letters and book proposals, see Author to Editor: Query Letter
Secrets of the Pros, edited by Linda Arms White. It includes over
30 actual queries used by authors to sell everything from picture
books to young adult nonfiction. Go to
http://write4kids.com/a2e.html for all the details.

                       

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider, the
Newsletter for Children's Writers. For more information about
writing children's books, including free articles, market tips,
insider secrets and much more, visit Children's Book Insider's
home on the web at http://write4kids.com

Copyright 2003, Children's Book Insider, LLC

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