How do I shop a manuscript to publishers?

Question

I have written a book, I classify it as romance. I've spoken with one of my favorite author's of similar books, but her answers to my questions were somewhat generalized as she said her agent and attorney's required them to be.
What I need to know is do I send a full copy of the manuscript to each publisher I'm interested in? Or would I send a selection? Do I need to have the work copywritten before shopping it to make sure it's not given to another author to claim as their own?
Mainly I want to know the best way to get the book out there, into the hands of possibly interested publishers.

Answer 1

I have posted this for other writers who have asked similar questions:

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Traditional route, large publishing house: You will need an agent. An agent is someone who knows how to work with the big publishers. An agent will read your manuscript and suggest changes to increase it's chances of publication. Most large publishers will only accepted agented submissions.

An agent can even start representing you before your book is finished. A good agent can get you a deal before the book is complete. So you don't even need a final manuscript to work this way.

An agent is paid on commission, and is only paid if they place your book. Generally they will get a 10-20% cut of the royalties. An agent that asks for money up front, or tries to sell add-on services, is a scam.

Traditional publishing, small press: Most small press publishers will review non-agented submissions. However, you must query first. If they are interested, they will ask to see the completed manuscript.

Non-traditional publishing, Subsidy: Subsidy publishing in any form is a scam. In these scenarios, the alleged publisher asks the writer to "invest" in the project. They may ask you to pay for special services. Or nickel and dime you by charging you for proofreading, editing, etc. This is not how a traditional publisher works. Subsidy publishing should be avoided.

Self-Publishing: With self-publishing, you act as your own publisher. This is a good option if:

1. You have a "niche" book that would only be of interest to a small market (i.e. A book on the history of your hometown, a book on shovel collecting, etc)
2. You have a strong understanding of how to market. You will need to write your own ad copy, press releases, etc. If you don't know how to market, you won't sell books.
3. Have a strong understanding of the process. Publishing involves more than typing up the story. There is proofreading, editing, book layout, cover art, even silly things like font choices, blurbs, etc. If you don't know how to do something, you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. Which brings me to...
4. Have a budget. Self-publishing costs money. Even if you use Lulu, which has no upfront costs, you will still have to spend money. You will have to buy copies of the book to send to reviewers. You will need to send comp copies to bookstores to encourage them to stock the book. You will have to buy advertising. If you need professionals, you will have to pay for them.

Answer 2

There is something called a 'poor man's copyright; that you can use. It involves sealing a copy of your full manuscript and mailling to to yourself, by registered mail. Then you don't open it. Put it away in a safe place and in case of plagerism, you can then prove that you wrote it prior to the date of the mail registration. But if there is a dispute, DO NOT OPEN IT UNTIL YOU ARE IN COURT.
Or you could copyright it.
When you contact a publisher, send an outline of the manuscript, and the first chapter. Include a stamped, self addressed envelope. If they are interested, they will ask for more.
It's easier with an agent, because the agent will do the leg work for you, but many agents won't take on unpublished authors, which makes it a bit of a Catch22 situation, whether it's easier to get an agent or a publisher!
Good luck with it.

Answer 3

Do not send the full manuscript!! Send the first three chapters along with a one page letter which includes a summary of the book and personal info concerning you. Send postage paid return envelope for responses. Also there are several books on getting published. I believe there is even a getting published for dummies book out there. It would be good, as someone else suggested, for you to do a little research on the subject.

Answer 4

no count number if it is your first manuscript, i'd in my opinion end it earlier sending a synopsis and a couple of chapters to an agent. What would you do in the event that they asked some greater or maybe something of the e book? i'd study up on the a number of brokers and notice who're lively on your form. this protects sending your manuscript to somebody who's purely no longer fascinated. in case you discover an agent/s which you have an activity in, locate out how they might assume to study your artwork, synopsis, question letter, 10,000 words or 4 chapters etc. this would be stated interior the brokers itemizing. additionally, that's no longer marvelous yet undesirable practice to deliver your manuscript off to better than one agent or writer at a time. of path, they choose exclusivity.

Answer 5

Here are a couple of books that will help you out:

The newest "Writer's Digest"
"Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript"

"Writer's Digest" lists publishers, what they publish and what you should send when contacting them. It also lists agents. If you find one that sounds right and it says what to send, then you can turn to "Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript" to find out how to put it all together.

You might find both books at your library. If you do, check out the books around them on the shelf, too.