2006-11-26 05:12:04 · 12 answers · asked by Gringoman 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
If they didnt ask for it, they are not accepting it.
2006-11-26 05:13:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means they won't accept any manuscripts that they haven't asked to see. The routine is that you send a brief outline (no longer than two pages, ideally one page) along with your writing credentials (what you have had published so far), and a stamped, self addressed envelope (SSAE) for them to respond. If they are interested in your outline, they will write back and ask to see a few sample chapters. That's so they can get some idea of your writing style and whether you can complete a manuscript in readable style. If they like those chapters, they will then ask you to send the complete manuscript.
One of the advantages to having an agent is that it bypasses all this process, but unless you are a published author it is sometimes very hard to get an agent to take you on. And of course, they do get a cut of the profits if the book is sold.
2006-11-26 05:22:29 · answer #2 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means two things. They might allow you to submit a query letter. If they like your query they might allow to to submit a synopsis and if they like that they might allow you to submit the first fifty pages. Maybe. You might have to call the office to find out if they take queries and how they prefer them. (A lot of places take e-submissions only.)
Or, it might mean that you need an agent. Generally only small presses look at manuscripts without an agent. As was previously mentioned, it is very difficult to find an agent to take you on. They may have a hundred manuscripts coming across their desk everyday - they will toss yours without even looking at it if they don't like the paper it is written on.
Your best bet is to go to a writers' conference, where you can make an appointment to pitch your book to an agent or editor in person. Denver has an excellent conference called the Colorado Gold conference. It is held each year in October. I know there is little chance you are in Colorado, but it is worth traveling to. Their website is rmfw.org. You can also search for conferences in your area. It really is a lot about connections, so if you can find a local conference, join the group that is putting it on and volunteer to work the conference. Chat up EVERYONE when you go and if there is a workshop on presenting your manuscript be sure and attend it.
Best of luck - it is a very difficult business
2006-11-26 08:01:43 · answer #3 · answered by jane7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means they won't be responsible for you sending it. Years later if a book is published and you think it's similar to yours, they'll say they don't accept unsolicited material so it couldn't have been copied from yours. It also means that they will not read the material.
2006-11-26 05:14:54 · answer #4 · answered by rcb26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they didn't ask you for it they don't want it.
You could try sending them a BRIEF (ie 2 pages of A4 or less) letter telling them a little about you, what (if anything) you've already had published and what you have been working on... Include a stamped self addressed envelop for them to reply to you in. If they like your outline they may ask you to send them some more. . . . but if you just send them a manuscript they will most likely bin it.
2006-11-26 07:02:36 · answer #5 · answered by Colin A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you can't send your work directly to the publisher or editor at that publishing house. You need an agent (very hard to get one to take you on) or have to be "solicited." That means they come to you personally as ask you for a book because they saw your work published, perhaps in a literary journal, and are interested in exploring the possibility of publishing you.
2006-11-26 05:16:15 · answer #6 · answered by joanmazza 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It means that unless they contact you about a manuscript, don't send one, they aren't interested. The publisher will get a referral from another source and solicit you if they are interested in what you have to offer.
2006-11-26 05:15:40 · answer #7 · answered by nanawnuts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uninvited
2006-11-26 06:06:06 · answer #8 · answered by venkram_99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Solicited' means 'asked for' (roughly) so it simply means that they don't want anything they haven't invited you to send. So always tell them first what you have for them (a very brief description of the bones of the plot) and wait for them to say, 'Send it'. Lucky you!
2006-11-26 07:12:43 · answer #9 · answered by Paul Wag 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Means they don't want you sending things in without asking their permission 1st.
2006-11-26 05:20:22 · answer #10 · answered by yorkshireterrier38 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋