By Kate Carroll
In today’s tight publishing market, submissions are serious business. It's vital to tailor your work for an exact fit. Kid lit professionals would love to uncover the next big hit, and with a little work, yours may be the story that gets their attention. Look at this list to give your manuscript the best chance at being seen.
1. Know your audience. Be sure you study what the agent or publisher is looking for, and submit only if your manuscript is a match.
2. Follow the submission instructions provided by the agent/publisher exactly. They streamline their requirements so that they can assess as many manuscripts as possible - which is to your benefit. If they are bogged down with material that isn’t formatted to their liking, it takes away precious time. Bottom line: If you don’t follow the rules, don’t expect to play.
3. Never use a question to begin your pitch. It is overdone and a guaranteed pass.
4. Manners always matter. Submitting is like interviewing for a job. Bring your very best attitude and demeanor to your cover letter.
5. If your manuscript is over the word count for your genre, think twice, no, three times about sending it out. The economy of words matters. Make each word work in your story or toss it!
6. Use a formal salutation in your letter to an agent/editor. Include his/her correct name! Research the right person for your book genre and interest. Sending a PB to a YA agent/editor only takes time away from the readers and doesn’t help you at all. In fact, it could have a negative impact for future submissions.
7. Do not query too soon after submitting a project. Give an agent/editor time to evaluate your work in and among the many tasks they do each day. Websites usually indicate how long it takes for an agent/editor to respond to a submission. After that time, and only after that time should you reach out again.
8. Never sit back after making a submission. Move on to your next project.
9. Be humble. Your best friend or your mom may have told you how wonderful your work is, but the industry professionals prefer to make their own decision!
10. Be open to rejection. It is a huge part of acceptance in the world of publishing.
