Publishing Advice

I was recently contacted by someone asking the following:

I am working on a fantasy novel manuscript and was just wondering how do I get in contact with publishers? I’ve been looking at some websites but I am still not sure where to send the actual manuscript to be read. I also can’t afford an agent or anything like that so I know I’m probably at a disadvantage.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I’ve responded directly, but thought it may be useful for others, so am also publishing it here on the blog.

There are two main ways to get a novel published (aside from self-publishing which is also worth a look but something I haven’t done myself so can’t comment on in detail). Some publishers have ‘open submissions’ or ‘submissions windows’ that allow un-agented authors to send in their stories direct to the editors. These are becoming more commonplace. The best way to find out is to have a look at the publishers’ websites and look for their submissions guidelines. It’s also useful to follow them on Twitter or Facebook as open submissions windows will be advertised on social media.

For the best chance, make sure you read the submissions guidelines carefully, and look at the other types of books they publish to see if yours is a natural fit for their line.

The other traditional route is to secure yourself an agent. This is much the same process – do some research to find out who represents fantasy authors, and have a look to see who they currently represent to see if they are looking for the sort of thing you are writing. As with the open submissions, be sure to check the agent’s guidelines for format, length etc and follow them to the letter.

Money should not be an issue. An agent will typically take 15% of any advance and earnings secured by a deal with a publisher. This is important – DO NOT PAY MONEY TO A PUBLISHER OR AGENT UP FRONT. There are unscrupulous organisations that are nothing more than vanity presses who will charge writers to use their services, promising royalties later but never delivering. All monetary transaction should flow from the publisher TO the writer. Never pay for marketing, editing or any other part of the process that should be included in the publishing deal. This is where agents can be worth their 15% – getting you the best contract possible.

Some combination of the two is possible – always make sure you let an agent or publisher know if you have a submission elsewhere. If you secure interest from an open submission you may want to contact agents to help negotiate the contract – overseas rights, digital and marketing are all areas they can squeeze out a last few concessions above and beyond the base advance and royalty rates.

These days agents accept the necessity of simultaneous submissions, but do them the courtesy of letting them know, and don’t do it in such a way that it looks like you’re trying to use it to leverage their interest. Similarly, if you do get accepted by someone, let other agents and editors know so that they can remove it from their pile of manuscripts awaiting consideration.

As with the submissions, check the details on how long until you can expect a response. If you do not hear back follow-up when directed.

A good cover letter is essential – have a look at these posts for some advice on synopsis and pitches.

It is unlikely you will be accepted first time, or even for this book. Persistence is required in the selling of work as well as the writing. You must also steel yourself to the distinct possibility that you may not know why your work is being rejected – some editors and agents will include a bit of explanation, but quite often you will receive a form reply thanking you for your interest and nothing more. Specific feedback is unlikely. Pay attention to the detail though – they may like your writing but not the idea, or think the manuscript lacks polish, and so on. From this you will be able to tell if it is worth resubmitting a different story later, or to cross them off your list of potential contacts.

I’m always happy to answer questions about the world of writing, so if there’s something you think I can help with, you can get in touch via the Contact page.

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