Today, we’re talking about how you can successfully submit your manuscript. Whether you’re writing scholarly articles, crime fiction, or exploring other genres, I guide you through the process of finding the right publisher or agent.
I emphasize the importance of research and adhering to specific submission guidelines, delve into how industry associations can be valuable resources, and talk about how acknowledgments in published books can lead you to the right agents.
Hello, Jane Cleland here.
How do I know where to submit my manuscript? There are a couple of suggestions, depending on what it is you’ve written.
If you are a scholar, you’re going to be looking at academic presses. If you are writing crime fiction, go to the Mystery Writers of America Approved Publishers List, and you will have confidence that you can submit to those publishers.
Now, many publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts—they only want agent-submitted manuscripts. But there are many small, reputable presses that do accept author-submitted manuscripts, and you will find a list of them there.
If you are not writing crime fiction, there may well be other industry associations that provide similar guidance. For example, the Romance Writers of America, Horror Writers, and so on.
I have only worked with an agent myself—that is the route that I’m comfortable taking. So let me address: how do you find an agent?
Agents are looking for you. So the first tip is: look for an agent who’s looking for you. In other words, look for an agent who represents the kind of writing you do. Some agents only work in middle grade and young adult. I write adult—that wouldn’t be a good fit. Some don’t want romance. Well, if you’re writing a romance, that would not be a good fit.
How do you find out? Go to Jeff Herman’s book The Insider’s Guide to Publishing and look for an agent who’s looking for you. Then do exactly what they say in the submission process. Not all agents are open to submissions—some get inundated and they’re now closed.
My second comment is: look for exemplars within your genre and see who that author is acknowledging on the acknowledgment page. If they’re thanking them, well, that means that agent helped sell that book and that they represent authors in that genre. You already have a good leg up.
Also, many conferences, like the Writer’s Digest Conference each summer in New York, have pitch sessions. There’s The Pitch Conference. Smaller regional conferences also often offer pitch sessions. It’s a good way to meet agents in person.
I know you can do it—I’m very confident!
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