A Few Basic Answers to a Few (Often Asked) Questions

We often receive comments and requests from writers for general information on getting published. So the easiest way to provide the info needed was to gather it all into one short post and offer up to the masses.

Looking to write a novel, but need a bit of a push?
Check out the classes at your local community college? Does your public library system offer any creative writing workshops? Have you thought about joining a creative writing group in your area? Check out all the fantastic forums available online. The Yahoo groups are our favorite...and make sure to join one specific to your likes/the genre you will be writing about.

Have a novel or book and want to approach the right agent/publisher?
This is more difficult than many imagine. Our suggestion is to get your hands on the current Writer's Market book. Take advantage of their online tools. Keep track of your progress as you work way through the book choosing publishers and/or agents that work with books similar to the one in your hands.

How do you approach an agent/publisher?
Follow their RULES. There are no rules that blanket every agent or every publisher in the industry. The most magical and most frustrating thing about the book publishing world is that the "norm" isn't always acceptable at every publishing house. When you decide who you will be approaching read their listing in Writer's Market carefully and then double check it and get some more information online. Get a feel for their online presence and you'll have a pretty good of what their current philosophy and direction might be. Some houses/presses also suggest that you read some of their current titles prior to submitting any new work.

What are the basic requirements for manuscript submission?
As we mentioned previously there are exceptions to every rule, but most of the time you start your contact with a query letter. There are suggestions on just how to propose your idea in the first contact all over the Internet, but here's one option if you're looking for detailed guidance: Guide To Getting Published.

If you have someone show interest in your query, give them EXACTLY what they ask for immediately upon receiving the request! If they're looking for something like the manuscript you submitted they're most likely looking for it NOW and won't mess around if they're told to wait or aren't told anything at all.

How soon can I check in on the status of my submission?

This depends on the publishing house. Many will say they respond within a certain number of months and they really would probably rather not field phone calls about the status of a submission until after this date. Others are very open about suggesting that authors are welcome to call and discuss the status of their submission. Again...just know the standards of the house you're approaching so you don't leave a negative impression that could hurt your manuscript's chances of getting accepted!

Enjoy and good luck!