Tips on submissions are crucial for both new and experienced writers as they navigate the often daunting process of getting their work noticed. Questions like “Do I need an agent?” and “How do I make a good first impression?” are common. This comprehensive guide will address these questions and more, providing you with actionable tips for successful submissions. Whether you’re looking to publish a novel, screenplay, or article, understanding the submission process is crucial for your writing career.
Introduction
Submitting your work to agents, publishers, or production companies is a critical step in a writer’s journey. Making a good first impression and understanding the intricacies of the submission process can significantly increase your chances of success. This guide will provide detailed insights into the submission process, helping you present your work professionally and effectively.
Do I Need an Agent?
Benefits of Having an Agent
Having a reputable agent can be a game-changer for your writing career. An agent serves as a mediator between you and potential publishers or production companies, helping you navigate the industry and negotiate contracts. Here are some key benefits of having an agent:
- Industry Connections: Agents have established relationships with editors, publishers, and producers, giving your work a better chance of being read and considered.
- Negotiation Skills: Agents are skilled negotiators who can secure better deals and protect your interests.
- Career Guidance: Agents provide valuable advice on career development, market trends, and strategic decisions.
- Credibility: Having an agent signals to publishers that your work has been vetted and is worth considering.
Finding the Right Agent
Finding the right agent requires research and persistence. Start by consulting resources like The Writer’s Handbook and the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook. These directories provide contact details and outline the types of material different agencies represent. Additionally, many agents are members of professional associations, which can also be a good starting point.
Agent Associations
Here are some prominent agent associations:
- The Association of Authors’ Agents (AAA): A UK body for literary agents.
- The Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR): Represents agents in the USA.
- Personal Managers’ Association (PMA): A UK body for agents representing creatives in theatre, film, and broadcast media.
- Writers Guild of America (WGA): Many agents in the USA are members of the WGA, which has West and East branches.
Reading and Following Submission Guidelines
Many companies provide submission guidelines that detail how to submit material. These guidelines are often available on the company’s website and should be followed meticulously. Ignoring submission guidelines can result in your work being disregarded without consideration.
Why Submission Guidelines Matter
- Professionalism: Following guidelines shows that you are professional and respectful of the recipient’s time.
- Clarity: Guidelines help ensure that your submission is clear and easy to process.
- Compatibility: Guidelines often include format specifications that ensure your submission is compatible with the recipient’s review process.
Composing Your Query Letter
Your query letter is your first introduction to an agent or publisher, and it needs to be compelling. A well-crafted query letter can make a significant difference in how your submission is received.
Structure of a Query Letter
A query letter typically consists of three paragraphs:
- First Paragraph: Introduce your work with a hook.
- Second Paragraph: Provide a brief summary of your plot.
- Third Paragraph: Include a short bio.
First Paragraph: Hook and Summary
The first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief summary of your work. Mention the title, genre, and a one-sentence hook that sets the scene and reveals the main conflict.
Example: “Dear [Agent’s Name], I am seeking representation for my 80,000-word mystery novel, The Silent Witness. Set in the atmospheric backdrop of 1920s New Orleans, the story follows Detective Jack Sullivan as he unravels the mystery behind a series of murders connected to a secret society.”
Second Paragraph: Plot Summary
Expand on the first paragraph by summarizing your entire plot in 100 to 150 words. Think of this as the back cover blurb of a novel—the description that entices readers to pick it up.
Example: “Detective Sullivan’s investigation leads him through the opulent mansions and seedy underbelly of New Orleans, where he discovers that the murders are part of a larger conspiracy. As the body count rises, Sullivan must confront his own demons and navigate a web of deceit to uncover the truth.”
Third Paragraph: Author Bio
Provide a brief bio that includes relevant writing experience, previous publications, and any awards. Keep it short and focused on information that will interest the recipient.
Example: “I am a freelance writer with a passion for historical fiction. My short stories have been published in Mystery Monthly and The New Orleans Review. I hold a degree in English Literature from Tulane University.”
Submitting to Multiple Agents or Publishers
Simultaneous Submissions
Under ideal circumstances, you would send a submission to a single agent or publisher, wait for a reply, and if it’s negative, move on to the next. However, this can be a slow process. Most organizations accept that you’ll be submitting to more than one person at a time. If you’re submitting simultaneously, mention this in your query letter.
Example: “Please note that this is a simultaneous submission.”
Prioritize Agents
If you’re determined to get an agent, approach them first before submitting your work elsewhere. Agents prefer to submit manuscripts to publishers themselves and may not want to represent work that has already been widely circulated.
First Impressions Count: Presentation Tips
Neatness and Professionalism
The presentation of your work is crucial. Before anyone reads a word, they will make judgments based on its appearance. Your submission should be well-formatted, error-free, and neatly presented.
Formatting Tips
- Typeface: Use a serif typeface like Times New Roman or Courier. These fonts are easier to read and are often preferred in the industry.
- Paper: Use plain white paper for postal submissions. Avoid colored or textured paper as it can be distracting.
- Margins and Spacing: Use standard margins and double-spacing for readability.
- Page Numbers: Include page numbers in the top right corner of each page.
- Contact Information: Ensure your name and contact details are on every page, either in the header or footer.
Writing a Synopsis, Premise, or Treatment
Synopsis
A synopsis is a detailed account of your plot, typically one or two pages long. It should include:
- Title and Setting: Briefly describe the setting and time period.
- Main Characters: Introduce the most important characters.
- Plot Points: Outline the key plot points and conflicts.
- Climax: Describe the climax of the story.
- Resolution: Summarize how the story ends.
Premise
For screenplays, a premise provides a brief overview of the plot, usually a few sentences to a paragraph.
Treatment
A treatment is a more detailed description of the screenplay, outlining the story, characters, and key scenes. It can range from a few pages to a comprehensive document.
Tips for Successful Submissions
Address Your Letter to a Specific Person
Avoid addressing your query letter to a job title. Instead, find out the name of the person who will be reading your submission. This shows that you have done your research and are serious about your submission.
Adopt the Right Tone
Your letter should be confident and professional. Avoid apologetic or overly self-effacing language, but also steer clear of arrogance. Aim for a tone that reflects the style of your work.
Indicate the Length of Your Work
Mention the word count for a novel or the page count for a screenplay. This helps the recipient understand the scope of your project.
Have Your Material Ready
Ensure you have a polished and complete manuscript ready before sending out query letters. Agents and publishers may request the full manuscript, and you don’t want to keep them waiting.
Use Plain White Paper for Postal Submissions
Plain white paper is preferred for postal submissions. Avoid using colored or textured paper as it can be distracting and unprofessional.
Include a Title Page
Your title page should include your name, contact details, and the title of your work. If you’re submitting a screenplay, also include a description (e.g., sitcom script, feature film).
Number Your Pages
Include page numbers in the top right corner of each page. This ensures that your manuscript is easy to navigate.
Include a Stamped, Self-Addressed Envelope
For postal submissions, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for replies. This often guarantees a response, even if it’s a rejection.
Secure Your Pages
Ensure your manuscript is securely fastened, either with staples or metal fasteners like brads for thick documents. Loose pages can easily get lost.
Consistency is Key
Maintain a consistent style throughout your manuscript. Use the same format for dates, numbers, and titles. Consistency enhances readability and professionalism.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Send Long, Rambling Cover Letters
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. No one wants to read your life story or why your friends and family think you’re the next J.K. Rowling. Stick to the essential details.
Don’t Spend Money on Fancy Bindings
Fancy bindings are unnecessary and won’t impress agents or publishers. Stick to simple, professional presentations.
Don’t Use a Mixture of Typefaces
Keep your layout simple and consistent. Using multiple typefaces can make your manuscript look unprofessional and hard to read.
Don’t Make Demands for Money
Your query letter is not the place to make demands for payment. Focus on getting your work read first.
Don’t Call Immediately for Feedback
After submitting your work, be patient. It can take months for a response. Avoid calling the next day to ask if anyone has read it.
Don’t Ask for a Critique
Agents and publishers do not have time to provide detailed critiques. If you receive constructive feedback, treat it as a bonus.
Who Should I Send My Work To?
Consult resources like the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook for contact details of publishers and agents in the UK and US. Wikipedia also has extensive lists of English-language publishers worldwide, including links to their websites. Researching the right contacts ensures your submission reaches the most suitable recipients.
Conclusion
Successfully navigating the submission process requires careful preparation, persistence, and professionalism. By understanding the role of agents, crafting compelling query letters, and presenting your work neatly, you can significantly improve your chances of getting published. Remember, every rejection is a step closer to success. Keep refining your craft, follow these tips, and stay determined. Your breakthrough might be just around the corner.
