Monday, January 30, 2012

Which publishing companies should I send my manuscript to?

Recomendations from successful authors would be greatly appreciated!Which publishing companies should I send my manuscript to?
We can't answer that question because we have NO knowledge of what your manuscript is about. Different publishers specialize in different things. If you try to sell a fantasy novel to a publisher that only works with romance, you are going to get a rejection no matter how good your writing is.



So do your own homework. Take a look at the most recent "Writer's Market"... or even better, try the "Guide to Literary Agents".



I absolutely suggest getting an agent instead of approaching publishers directly. I'm assuming you are not a contract attorney, so you will need someone to look over any offers and to guide you through the publishing world.



Also, you will not be seding your manuscript to agents unsolicited! Send them a query letter and see if they ask to see a partial, then a full. If you send the whole thing, it will just get you a form rejection letter. Research each agent's specific submission guidelines and follow their rules!



Here are three websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research!

http://misssnark.blogspot.com/

http://www.agentquery.com/

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/



Good luck!Which publishing companies should I send my manuscript to?
In most cases, genre fiction such as fantasy novels can be submitted directly to the publisher. Submit a cover letter, a synopsis and three sample chapters. If they are interested, they will request the complete manuscript to evaluate.



Because you are under 18 years of age, publishers cannot enter into a contract with you. In your case, I would suggest finding an agent and letting them negotiate a contract. A parent or guardian will have to be a party to the contract, but the agent will be able to make the arrangements for you.Which publishing companies should I send my manuscript to?
You need a Literary Agent to contact publishers for you, if the Literary Agents likes your manuscript.



Purchase a copy of The Writer's Market. It lists names and contact informatio for Literary Agents.
You would have to go get a copy of Writers Market and find publishers and agents who are accepting material in the genre you use. NO major publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts - they only deal with literary agents. If you want to go directly to a publisher, it will have to be a small one - one who probably prints trade paperbacks.



If you look in the listing for each publisher in "Writers Market" it will tell you what percentage of new writers they accept. Usually it's very low.



Before you send anything to anyone, go to Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks section and spend time looking for any other authors who have complaints about that agency or publisher. Believe me, you will be shocked at how many there are who are scams.



Lastly, you never send a manuscript to anyone unsolicted. You send a query letter. Each publisher and agent has a specific set of submission requirements - all different - send exactly what they ask for and nothing more - otherwise it's a guaranteed rejection.



Also read the Resolved Questions here. Your question gets asked about 100 times a day and there is a wealth of information archived in resolved answers. If you are serious about publishing, you have a lot to learn. Pax - C.

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