Submitting Fiction and Nonfiction

When it comes to submitting fiction and non-fiction to potential publishers--the process isn't the same. This is very important because publishers have something they call a slush pile. A slush pile is a backlog of all submissions they receive. Many publishers get hundreds of submissions a day--that's why it often takes so long for them to get back to writers.

Though many don't like to admit it, the truth is that if your submission doesn't follow their guidelines (which vary from publisher to publisher and are usually available on their websites if they take unsolicited submissions) it gives them a good excuse to toss out your hard work without so much as a glance. So follow their guidelines to a 'T'. If they say email submission only, that's what they want. If they insist on snail mail only, give it to them. You are in no position to bargain. Publishers hearing that writers have the next great American novel or best-seller is kind of like jail inmates swearing they're innocent. Publishers hear it several times a day.

Rarely does any publisher want your full manuscript period. So don't give it to them. They won't give you an extra gold star for 'going above and beyond'.

If you are submitting fiction, most publishers will want a cover letter and somewhere between 10-50 pages. Sometimes they ask for the first three chapters, sometimes they just want a compelling scene and leave it up to you to choose what that will be.

If you are submitting non-fiction, most publishers will want a cover letter and proposal. (I will write more about this is a later blog.) Basically, a proposal breaks down the market for a publisher and helps them understand where your book might fit in. As part of that proposal, they want an outline of the book and a sample chapter or two.

Again, each publisher is different, so be sure to look up their guidelines and follow them precisely. And if their site says they don't take unsolicited submissions, don't waste your time submitting. They really mean it--and you will be wasting your time and perhaps postage submitting. Let it go and don't worry about it. There are plenty of publishers in the sea!