How It Works-Being an Author-How an Editor Buys a Manuscript

Some of you probably have never thought of this. But exactly how does an author sell a manuscript or idea for a book to an editor at a publishing house? If the writer is unpublished, the manuscript of the book must be complete. Starting a book and finishing a book are two very different goals. Many start; fewer finish.

If the writer has already sold a book for publication, then the writer sells "on proposal." A proposal provides the prospective editor with the information that she/he will need...