Manuscript Submission: How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher?

Submitting a manuscript to a publisher can be a daunting task, especially for first-time authors. The process is often filled with uncertainty, from ensuring your manuscript is in the right format to understanding the specific submission guidelines of each publisher. With so much to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, with the right preparation and knowledge of the process, you can increase your chances of success. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the manuscript submission process, offering tips on how to format your manuscript correctly, write an effective cover letter, and submit your work to publishers the right way. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to put your best foot forward and increase your chances of getting noticed.

How to Format a Manuscript for Submission

Proper formatting is one of the first steps to making your manuscript look professional and ready for submission. Publishers have specific formatting requirements, and adhering to them is essential to make a good impression. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about formatting your manuscript:

Why Does Formatting Matter? 

Proper manuscript formatting shows that you respect the publisher’s time and are serious about your work. A well-formatted manuscript is easier to read and review, making it more likely to be taken seriously. It also ensures that your work looks professional, and the publisher can focus on the content instead of being distracted by poor formatting.

Standard Formatting Guidelines

To ensure your manuscript meets industry standards, follow these basic formatting guidelines:

• Font: Use a standard, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, 12-point size. This is the industry standard and ensures readability.
  
• Line Spacing: Your manuscript should be double-spaced. This provides enough room for editors to make notes and keeps the text clear and uncluttered.
  
• Margins: Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. This is the standard setting for most publishers.
  
• Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch (use the automatic indent feature in your word processor).
  
• Page Numbers: Include page numbers in the top right corner of each page. The header should also include your last name and the manuscript title (or abbreviated title) on every page.
  
• Title Page: Your title page should include:
  • The full title of your manuscript.
  • Your name (or pen name).
  • Contact information (email, phone number, and mailing address).
  • Word count (rounded to the nearest hundred).

File Types

Most publishers prefer manuscripts in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or rich text format (.rtf), as these formats are easy to open and edit. Check the submission guidelines for the publisher you’re submitting to, as they may have specific file type requirements.

Additional Tips

• Avoid Fancy Formatting: Don’t use bold, italics, or underline for emphasis unless specified by the publisher. Keep the formatting simple and clean.
• Chapter Breaks: Each new chapter should start on a new page. Use the “Page Break” function in your word processor rather than hitting enter multiple times.
• No Extras: Don’t include unnecessary elements like a cover page, a table of contents, or an author’s bio unless explicitly requested by the publisher.

Proper formatting can make a big difference in how your submission is received, so it’s worth paying attention to these details before hitting “submit.”

Cover Letter for Manuscript Submission

A well-written cover letter is your first opportunity to make a positive impression on a publisher. It’s your chance to introduce yourself, provide context for your manuscript, and convey why you’re submitting to that specific publisher. A cover letter can set the tone for your submission and, when done right, can help you stand out from the pile. Here’s how to craft an effective cover letter:

What Is the Purpose of the Cover Letter? 

The cover letter serves as a brief introduction to both you and your manuscript. It should provide enough information to pique the publisher’s interest while maintaining professionalism. Think of it as your manuscript’s first impression, a chance to make your submission memorable without overloading the reader with details.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be concise, typically no longer than one page. Here’s what to include:

Introduction:

Start by introducing yourself and your manuscript. Mention the title of your book and the genre. If you have any relevant writing credentials or have previously been published, mention this briefly. Keep it professional but warm.

Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I am submitting my [genre] novel, [Book Title], for your consideration. I have previously been published in [relevant publications, if any], and I believe this manuscript would be a great fit for your publishing house.”

Synopsis:

Include a brief (1-2 sentence) summary of your book. Focus on the main plot and key themes. Avoid long summaries or spoilers—just enough to intrigue the publisher.

Example: “Set in [location/time period], [Book Title] follows the journey of [main character(s)], who must [key conflict/goal]. The novel explores themes of [themes] and appeals to readers who enjoy [comparable books/authors].”

Why This Publisher:

Publishers want to know why you’re submitting to them specifically. Research the publisher beforehand to ensure you’re targeting the right one for your manuscript. Mention why you think your book is a good fit for their list.

Example: “I believe [Book Title] aligns with the types of stories you publish, particularly your recent works in [genre]. I admire your commitment to [publisher’s focus, such as diverse voices, strong female protagonists, etc.], and I would be honored to work with you on this project.”

Closing:

End your letter with a polite thank you and a call to action. Mention that you’re looking forward to their feedback, and don’t forget to include your contact information.

Example: “Thank you for considering [Book Title]. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the manuscript and would be happy to provide further information or chapters upon request. I can be reached at .”

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Cover Letter

• Over-explaining: Keep the letter short and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail about your personal life or the entire plot of your book.
• Being Too Casual: While it’s important to be personable, remember this is a professional document. Avoid slang or overly casual language.
• Generic Letters: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalize each cover letter based on the publisher’s preferences, style, and submission guidelines.
• Overconfidence: Don’t come across as overly boastful, but also avoid underselling your work. Be confident, but humble.

How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher

Now that your manuscript is properly formatted and your cover letter is ready, the next step is submission. While it may seem like a simple task, submitting a manuscript to a publisher involves following specific steps to ensure your work is reviewed and considered seriously. Here’s how to navigate the submission process:

Research Publishers

Before submitting your manuscript, it’s crucial to research potential publishers. Not all publishers accept unsolicited submissions, and not all are a good fit for your work. Look for publishers who specialize in your genre, whether that’s fiction, non-fiction, or specific sub-genres like fantasy, historical fiction, or memoirs. This will increase the likelihood of your manuscript being considered.

• Publisher’s Website: Start by visiting the publisher’s website. Most publishers list their submission guidelines, which can include manuscript length, formatting requirements, preferred genres, and whether they accept digital or physical submissions.
• Submission Guidelines: Carefully read the submission guidelines for each publisher, as they vary greatly. Some publishers may request only a query letter, while others may ask for the entire manuscript upfront.
• Check for Open Calls: Some publishers periodically open submissions for specific genres or themes. Make sure you’re submitting at the right time if they have open calls.

Submit According to the Publisher’s Guidelines

Every publisher has its own submission guidelines, and failing to follow them can lead to your manuscript being rejected without review. Here’s what you need to know:

• Digital Submissions: Many publishers now prefer digital submissions, often via email or a submission portal on their website. If submitting digitally, ensure your manuscript is in the preferred file format (typically .doc, .docx, or PDF). If sending by email, include your manuscript as an attachment, not in the body of the email.
• Physical Submissions: Some traditional publishers still prefer receiving physical copies. If this is the case, follow their mailing instructions exactly. You may need to print your manuscript, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for their response, and send it through postal mail.
• Query First or Full Manuscript: Some publishers only require an initial query letter and will ask for the full manuscript later if they’re interested. Others might ask for a sample (usually the first three chapters) or the entire manuscript upfront. Always follow the publisher’s preferences and be prepared for both possibilities.

Double-Check Your Submission

Before you hit submit (whether digital or physical), double-check your work. Here are some things to verify:

• Cover Letter: Ensure your cover letter is attached or included according to the publisher’s guidelines.
• Correct Manuscript Format: Make sure your manuscript is properly formatted and matches the submission requirements (file format, spacing, font size).
• Publisher’s Specific Requirements: Some publishers might request specific information, such as a brief bio, the word count of your manuscript, or the genre. Ensure you’ve included all required materials.

Follow Up (But Don’t Rush)

After submitting your manuscript, it’s important to be patient. Publishers often receive hundreds of submissions, and it can take several weeks or even months for them to review your work. Most publishers will give you an estimated response time, but if that time has passed and you haven’t heard anything, it’s acceptable to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your submission.

• Be Professional: When following up, keep it professional and courteous. A simple “I just wanted to check in on the status of my submission” is enough.
• Be Patient: Understand that the review process takes time. Don’t rush the publisher, and be prepared for possible rejection or delays.

Handling Rejections

Rejection is a normal part of the submission process and shouldn’t discourage you. If your manuscript is rejected, review any feedback you may have received (some publishers provide feedback) and use it to improve your next submission. Remember that many successful authors faced numerous rejections before finding the right publisher for their work.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Submitting your manuscript is just the beginning of your publishing journey. Whether you’re waiting for a response or dealing with rejection, it’s important to stay positive and keep moving forward. Here’s what to do next:

1. Reflect and Improve

After each submission, take a moment to reflect. Was your manuscript formatted correctly? Did your cover letter hit the mark? Use feedback to improve and get ready for the next submission.

2. Build Your Author Platform

While waiting, work on building your author presence. A simple website, active social media, and an email list can help attract readers and make you more appealing to publishers.

3. Keep Submitting

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Submit to multiple publishers and consider agents, self-publishing, or smaller presses. The more you submit, the better your chances.

4. Stay Persistent

The path to publication can take time. Celebrate small wins, keep writing, and don’t let rejection stop you. Persistence is key to success.

FAQ: Manuscript Submission