When you’ve finished writing your manuscript, the journey to getting published is just beginning. The next critical step is preparing your manuscript for submission to book publishers in the USA. A polished manuscript increases your chances of getting noticed by a publisher and ultimately, getting your book published. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly prepare your manuscript for submission.
1. Perfect Your Manuscript
Before you even think about submitting your manuscript to book publishers in the USA, make sure it is as polished as possible. This includes:
- Editing and Proofreading: The first thing a publisher will notice is the quality of your writing. Take the time to carefully proofread and edit your manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and style. Consider hiring a professional editor to provide feedback and catch mistakes you may have missed.
- Consistency: Ensure your plot, character arcs, and overall structure are consistent throughout the manuscript. This is particularly important for fiction authors, where continuity errors can distract readers and publishers alike.
2. Format Your Manuscript Correctly
Each publisher may have different submission guidelines, but following general formatting standards is essential. For most book publishers in the USA, your manuscript should be formatted as follows:
- Standard Font: Use a readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
- Double-Spaced: Most publishers prefer manuscripts to be double-spaced. This gives the editor room to mark changes and provides a cleaner layout for reading.
- 1-Inch Margins: Ensure your document has 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Title Page: Include a title page with your book’s title, your name, and contact information. If you’re submitting through an agent, include their contact details as well.
- Page Numbers: Number your pages, starting with the first page after the title page.
- Paragraphs: Use a standard indent for the beginning of each paragraph, without additional spaces between paragraphs.
3. Write a Compelling Query Letter
A query letter is your chance to pitch your manuscript to book publishers in the USA. It’s an essential part of the submission process. A good query letter should be concise and professionally written. Key elements to include are:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your book. Mention why you’re submitting to that particular publisher (e.g., because they specialize in your genre).
- Synopsis: Provide a short, engaging summary of your book, highlighting the main plot points and the themes that make your story unique.
- Author Bio: Share your relevant writing background, previous publications (if any), and qualifications that make you the ideal author for this manuscript.
- Target Audience: Briefly discuss the intended audience for your book and its potential market appeal.
4. Prepare a Synopsis
Along with your query letter, many publishers will require a synopsis of your manuscript. This is a condensed version of your story that should not exceed two pages. A synopsis should cover the following:
- Overview: Provide a concise overview of the plot, including the main conflict, the protagonist’s journey, and key themes.
- Character Development: Highlight the character arcs, including the protagonist’s growth and how they overcome obstacles.
- Conclusion: Don’t leave the publisher guessing. Ensure your synopsis provides the conclusion of the story, especially for novels.
5. Research Book Publishers in the USA
Not all publishers are suited to every type of book. Conduct thorough research to identify book publishers in the USA that align with the genre and style of your manuscript. For instance, if you’ve written a mystery novel, look for publishers known for publishing mysteries. Tailoring your submissions to publishers that fit your book’s niche will improve your chances of success.
You can find publishers that specialize in your genre by:
- Reading the Books: Review books similar to yours and note their publishers. This will give you insight into which publishers are open to books like yours.
- Publisher Directories: Check online directories of book publishers in the USA to find appropriate companies and their submission guidelines.
- Literary Agents: If you’re unsure where to send your manuscript, consider finding a literary agent who can help you target the right publishers.
6. Follow Submission Guidelines Carefully
Each publisher has their own set of submission guidelines, and failing to follow these instructions can result in an automatic rejection. Carefully read the publisher’s guidelines for:
- Submission Format: Whether they accept electronic or physical submissions.
- Word Count Limits: Ensure your manuscript falls within the required word count range.
- Specific Materials: Some publishers may require a sample chapter, while others may want the entire manuscript.
7. Consider Hiring a Literary Agent
While some publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts, many prefer to work with literary agents. A literary agent can act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that your manuscript is submitted to the right publisher in the proper format. They also have valuable industry connections and can help negotiate favorable terms for your contract.
8. Submit and Be Patient
Once you’ve prepared your manuscript and completed the necessary documentation, it’s time to submit. However, patience is key. Publishers often receive hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions each month, and it can take weeks or even months to receive a response.
- Keep Track of Submissions: Maintain a submission log, noting the date, the publisher, and the materials submitted.
- Rejection Is Part of the Process: If you receive a rejection, don’t be discouraged. Learn from any feedback, revise your manuscript if necessary, and continue submitting to other publishers.
9. Stay Professional
Throughout the process, maintain professionalism. Whether dealing with agents, editors, or publishers, always be courteous and respectful. Publishers are more likely to consider your manuscript if you present yourself as a serious and reliable author.
Conclusion
Getting your manuscript ready for book publishers in USA requires time, effort, and attention to detail. By following these steps—perfecting your manuscript, formatting it correctly, crafting an appealing query letter, researching appropriate publishers, and adhering to submission guidelines—you improve your chances of having your work noticed and published. Be patient, stay persistent, and keep honing your craft. The right publisher is out there waiting for your story.
