New to publishing.... - Writers Forum

SilentRain · 01-18-2006, 07:17 PM

Im going to be submitting query letters tomorrow- if and when they accept my query for them to view my full manuscript- what should I look for, what are things I should be aware of- what should I be careful of?

That sort of thing- hopefully some of the wonderful published writers on here can give me a hand in this- I will be greatful for whatever information you can give to me. Thanks in advance.

mammamaia · 01-18-2006, 07:46 PM

you should be first careful about who you send queries to... then you won't have to be so careful later, if asked to send the ms...

check out all agents/publishers you intend to query, before approaching them... check their website, to see if they ask for any money... if they do, they're not legit... see if there are any warnings on preditors & editors or sfwa's writer beware site... google for the name and see if anyone's posted negative info...

once you're fairly sure it's a legit agency/publishing house, check their submission guidelines... then write and send a good query that's aimed at each one individually... if it reads like a form letter, it'll be tossed... send only what each one's guidelines states is acceptable with the query... with most, it'll be nothing... a few may say it's ok to send a synopsis and/or sample chapters...

if you're good enough and lucky enough to have the full ms requested, all you do is send it, according to whatever their guidelines and request letter say...

at this point, the only thing to be careful of, is to be sure your ms is properly typed and formatted and has been looked over by someone knowledgeable first, to make sure it's ready to be seen... a messy, error-rife ms will most likely be tossed...

that said, if any money is asked for at any stage of the process, or if it's suggested that you pay to have the work assessed or improved, or whatever, cross them off your list, as it's nothing but a scam...

hope this helps... love and hugs, maia

SilentRain · 01-18-2006, 07:53 PM

thanks so much- doing a search on google- I never thought about doing- so Ill go do that now.... thanks so much.

Dresdor · 01-19-2006, 06:04 AM

Before sending your queries off I recommend reading a book I came accross:

78 reasons why your book may never be published and 14 reasons it just might by Pat Walsh.

I'm nowhere near ready to be published, but I still found the book helpful and insightful.

Here's a link to an amazon page with the book: clicky

SilentRain · 01-19-2006, 03:03 PM

thanks much for the advice......