The time has come. You take a deep breath, press the last period, and click save – and your manuscript is finally completed. Congratulations!

Before you celebrate, however, there is one more step that you need to take care of: submitting your hard work to a publisher.

Submitting your manuscript to a publisher is an exciting milestone in the career of any writer – but this can also be a daunting process. Where do you get started?

What is the first step? Who do you contact? If your head is spinning with questions like this, then you are in the perfect place – we have put together all you need to know to submit your manuscript and take the first step toward seeing your book on the shelf of your favorite bookstore.

1. Find The Perfect Publisher

It might sound obvious, but the first step to submitting your manuscript is finding the perfect publisher – if you already have a publisher in place, you can skip this step.

You want to make sure that you are submitting your work to a publisher who is interested in the type of book you have written, and who will be able to provide the best platform for your work. 

Do some research on different publishers, and read up on their submission guidelines. Make sure that you understand what they are looking for, and that your manuscript fits their criteria.

2. Prepare Your Manuscript

Once you have found the perfect publisher, it is time to prepare your manuscript for submission.

Make sure that you read through your work carefully and make any necessary edits or revisions before submitting it – you only get one chance to make a first impression, so do all you can to ensure that it is a good one. You should also format your manuscript according to the publisher’s guidelines – this includes font size, margins, page numbers, etc. 

Finally, make sure that you include a cover letter with your submission – this should include a brief summary of your book, as well as any other relevant information.

3. Submit Your Manuscript

Once you have prepared your manuscript and cover letter, it is time to submit them to the publisher.

Depending on the publisher, there may be different ways to submit your work – some publishers may accept submissions via email, while others may require you to submit your manuscript through their website – this information will be available on their website. 

Make sure that you follow the publisher’s instructions carefully, and double-check that all of your documents are included in the submission.

4. Wait For A Response

Once you have submitted your manuscript, it is time to wait for a response from the publisher.

This can be a nerve-wracking process, but it is important to remember that publishers receive a large number of submissions, and it can take some time for them to review your work.

Be patient, and don’t be afraid to follow up with the publisher if you haven’t heard back after a few weeks.

Once you have received a response from the publisher, they will either accept or reject your manuscript. If they accept it, congratulations – you are one step closer to seeing your book on the shelves!

If they reject it, don’t be discouraged – take their feedback and use it to make your manuscript even better.

Do I Need An Agent To Submit A Manuscript To Publishers?

One common question about submitting your manuscript is whether you need an agent, and the answer is not exactly clear-cut.

The simple response is that no, you do not need an agent to submit a manuscript to publishers. However, having an agent can be beneficial in many ways.

An agent can help you find the right publisher for your work, negotiate better terms and conditions for your book deal, and provide advice and support throughout the publishing process. 

If you decide to use an agent, then it is important to ensure that the agent you choose specializes in your genre, as they will have the most knowledge and experience in this area.

In addition, before signing with an agent, take the time to do your due diligence and research them thoroughly. Read reviews from other authors, look at their track record of successful book deals, and ask for references if possible.

How To Improve Your Chances Of Successful Submission

Now, we come to the big question: just what can you do to boost your chances of success when submitting to a publisher?

The first step is to make sure that your manuscript is as polished and professional as possible – this cannot be emphasized enough.

Take the time to read through it carefully, and make any necessary edits or revisions before submitting it. You should also format your manuscript according to the publisher’s guidelines – this includes font size, margins, page numbers, etc.

Next, you should research the publisher thoroughly and make sure that your book is a good fit for them.

Read through their submission guidelines, and make sure that your manuscript meets all of the criteria; submitting to a publisher who does not specialize, or who is not interested in your field is a waste of time for all involved, and can earn you a negative reputation as someone who fails to pay attention to details -the publishing world is a small one.

Another important element to include is a well-written cover letter alongside your submission – this is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you think your book would be a great addition to their catalog.

Think of this as an initial interview – it is the first contact that your would-be publisher will have with you, so you need to take care to pique their interest, and make a sparkling first impression.

Final Thoughts

Submitting to a publisher can be daunting – but this is a key step to bringing your book to market. By following these steps, you can give yourself the best chance of success when submitting your manuscript to a publisher.

Remember, the publishing process can be long and arduous, but it is worth it in the end – so don’t give up! Good luck!