how do you send a book to a publisher?

Question

You send them an electronic or hard copy? do you state copyright? or can you trust them? can you sent extracts?

Answer 1

You don't send your book to a publisher. Consult the current Writer's Market guide found in your local library or book store, find an appropriate literary agent that will accept your genre, read and follow carefully their submission guidelines, and then craft the best query letter you've ever written.

Never state or show the manuscript is copyrighted; that clearly shows "amateur at work." Literary agents know that the submitter owns the manuscript and will not plagiarize it.

Your manuscript must follow precise formatting; everything double-spaced with the title in all capitals with the words "by" and "your name" under the title.

Page identification, known as "slug lines," will have your name/TITLE on the upper left corner and the page number inserted in the far upper-right corner. Don't number the first page.

Some agents and publishing houses will accept electronic submissions, but if they specify otherwise, follow their guidelines exactly. Otherwise, your manuscript will be trashed.

Edit your manuscript for proper capitalization (evidenced by your formatted question and narrative), spelling, and punctuation before submitting.

Good luck.

Answer 2

It's in your best interests to find an agent who will represent your work. Most of the larger publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts (those not represented by an agent).

Make sure you do your homework, and research agents thoroughly before you approach them. If any of them ask you for money up-front, they're not reputable. Reputable agents only make money if you make money.

Of course, there are also many smaller publishers who you can approach directly. The same rule about cash up-front applies.

In either case, your work is copyrighted from the moment you write it, but if you're concerned about theft, you can register it with the copyright office for a $45 fee.

Whether you're sending to an agent or a publisher, you can generally approach them with a one-page query letter that describes your work and a little about you as a writer. Many agents and publishers have their own submission requirements, so be sure to research those as well before you send.

I hope this helps.

Chris Hawkins
http://www.litmatch.net

Answer 3

The best suggestion I can give is to buy/borrow an up-to-date copy of the Writer's Handbook. They bring a new one out each year, as publishing houses and agencies continually change their requirements. It informs you of precisely what they want to see in a submission, and how to go about it. Most publishers prefer a writer to send a preliminary letter, and maybe a couple of chapters as an example. These really should be the opening chapters, so that they know you haven't simply cherry-picked the best of your writing. And don't forget to consider the benefits of using a literary agent - they will look out for your best interests, as they don't get paid unless you do!

Answer 4

Publishers... I propose you look at your very own community section and come across a printing save. Then ask for publishers around and deliver them your e book. often, publishers might examine it and (regularly) throw away the e book after a pair of pages (no longer scaring you or something yet thats what new writers regularly pass with the aid of)

Answer 5

Your best bet is to purchase a copy of the 'Writers and Artists Yearbook.' It is the writers' bible. It gives all sorts of information, hints by known authors, hints on preparing the book, finding a market, finding an agent to handle the deal for you, income tax, in fact just about anything you might need to know. It is now in its 100th year and is published by A & C Black. It is also recommended by the Writers' Guild. It cost 14.99 and is available on the internet.

Answer 6

each publisher has different requirements