Submitting a Manuscript

Writing a story is a BIG DEAL!

A very, very big deal!

And finishing it is even bigger.

So before we go any further, take a sec to pat yourself on the back. 

For reals, do it.

Now, what to do with that beautiful, glorious, amazing new story? 

I'd written a number of stories before I decided it was time to publish. When I finished Bake Believe, I could feel it in my soul, this was the one. 

So - trust your intuition. It's real.

I knew I wanted to try and publish with an actual publisher. I have nothing against self-publishing, in fact, I've self-published a number of short stories. For me, finding a publisher was part of my dream of being published. 

The first thing I did was a google search for publishers that will accept unsolicited manuscripts. 

Unsolicited means without an agent.

We'll talk more about agents later. 

I made a list of the publishing companies that were the best fit for my book, then I very very carefully went through their submission guidelines one by one. This is super important! 

My father-in-law has been an HR manager for years. He told me when he receives an application he immediately scans it for certain things. 

More than one page. 

Single spaced. 

Certain fonts.

A resume gets thrown in the trash before it's even read if it doesn't follow the company guidelines. 

A book submission is the same way. 

Some publishers are very specific, down the font type and margins. Make sure you follow their guidelines so you don't hit the slush pile before you're even read!

Next, I chose my top five and sent my manuscript to them. 

I already decided ahead of time what I would do when I got rejections. I prepared myself for it to happen and then what to do next. For every rejection, I would send the manuscript to the next three on my list.

That was key!

When rejections came, I didn't even feel sad. I just reminded myself my book wasn't for everyone - but it was for someone, then I sent it to the next three. 

Then Immortal Works Press picked it up. That was an amazing day!

I really believe that happened because I refused to get upset or give up and because I was prepared for rejections. The truth is, if you NEVER never never give up, you reach your goals eventually. The only way to fail is to quit.

So, when you are ready to submit that beautiful manuscript, make a plan. 

Be persistent. 

Have your own back and your story's back. 

Keep trying until you reach your goal, whatever that might be.

You can totally do this!