Over the next few weeks, we will cover the various items that you will need to include in your submission packet, but today I want you to think about two things:
- How do you select the publishers or agents you want to send your manuscript to. And
- How will you track what you’ve sent, to whom, and when to expect a response.
The answer to number one is to do your research. Look at books that are not dissimilar from your own and identify the agents or publishers for those authors. Go on any of the dozens of websites that list agents, especially those looking for new clients, or publishers who accept ‘over the transom’ (i.e., not represented by any agent) submissions. Once you have a list of names, I’d start with a dozen, then research each person or company. You want to know:
- Are they accepting new clients? Some agents try to keep their numbers fairly low so they can do their best for everyone. Some publishers, indeed, the majority, never accept manuscripts except via an agent. If they aren’t accepting clients, don’t waste your time. Move on.
- If you identify an agent who is open to new clients, read their submission guidelines closely. Note: not every agent or publisher wants the same thing. Some want an author’s bio, some don’t; some want a 10-page synopsis, for others, a single page will done. Some agents want the first fifty pages, some three sample chapters, and some the entire manuscript.
- Make yourself familiar with the agent’s website. Often, agents will write a blog or some articles about the publishing industry and what they, themselves, are looking for. Getting a feel for the personality of the agent is worth your time especially if you mean to work with them.
- Check the organisation’s reputation. There are any number of sites that provide this information. If there are reports that the company or agent take an age to respond, you might want to skip them. Of course, if you have a particular fondness for this individual, you may decide it’s worth it. The choice is yours.
- More worrying is what the agent charges for. Some, for instance, will charge the author for making hard copies of the complete manuscript — that can get pricy. Also, postage, phone calls, and so forth. Know what to expect before you sign a contract.
- Keep an eye out for agents who attend writers’ conferences or other public events. If possible, try to attend some. If you live in a big city like London or New York, you may find there are plenty of opportunities available. Also, places like Hawaii, because even agents and publishers enjoy a bit of sun.
- Be prepared. Have what’s known as an ‘elevator pitch’ memorised. This is essentially a teaser that you could deliver in the time it takes an elevator to travel a couple of floors. Make it enticing. Don’t waffle. We’ll discuss that in more detail next week.
- Don’t waste your time pitching to an agent who doesn’t handle your sort of work. If they say, ‘Poetry only,’ don’t send them your multi-volume sexy space romp. Or if they say ‘Mysteries and Urban Fantasy only’, don’t try to sell them on your literary masterpiece.
Once you’ve done your research, you need to keep a record of what you’ve sent to whom. By now, you’ve probably figured out that I love my spreadsheets. (I don’t know why I never see that embroidered on a sampler. Hmmph!), but there are other choices. Keep a notebook especially for agent / publisher information. I’d go with the loose-leaf type so it’s easier to move pages around and keep names in alphabetical order. Whatever approach you decide on, just make sure you keep it up to date. It’s frustrating for the author, and irksome for the agent or publisher when you submit a manuscript after you’ve already received a no. Here is the data you need to track:
Name of the company; name of the agent or editor — spelled perfectly, of course; email address; website; what they’re looking for; what their submission packet should contain; and notes, such as if you’ve met them, important quotes from their blog or something they said in a conference; anything else that stands out, such as awards they or their authors have won.
In addition, you need to include the name and type of manuscript you’ve sent; word count; date sent; and when to expect a reply. Yes, it’s a pain in the neck to write all this down — that’s one thing I like about the spreadsheet; I can copy and paste things like website addresses, or links to a blog, for instance.
Right now, you might be thinking this is an awful load of nonsense just to send an email, but in six months time when you’re still looking for an agent or publisher and can’t remember where you submitted your work, you’ll thank heaven — and me — that you had the good sense to keep a detailed record. Besides, even if you get lucky early on, you might need that info for subsequent manuscripts.
Next week we’ll look at the elevator pitch and the blurb in more detail.
Geri Schear 