4. An Author’s Job: Part 2: Follow the…Submission Process Rules
This may seem like an incredibly dumb, naïve, could I even say stupid point on the list, but have you ever visited the submissions and FAQs pages of an electronic publisher?
Of course you have.
And while those pages spell out and answer questions about the submission guidelines, what I always find intriguing are the notations about what not to do.
While some of these points serve to clarify the parameters of a submission, sadly, sometimes an item is listed because, yes, a prospective author did not read and follow the instructions.
Print out the Submission Guidelines and use it as a checklist:
Read over the general requirements for submission and make sure that the book you are submitting matches the length and genre specifications that publisher is currently looking for.
Double-check the particular format requirements for your manuscript. Not all publishers ask for the same format.
Study the book blurbs for the books already published in your genre and duplicate the style to create a promotional blurb to include in your cover letter.
Hate writing a synopsis? Make it your job to develop a synopsis writing formula that works for you and your story.
Bottom line: I don’t care that you’re sitting at home in your bathrobe (okay, I admit, sometimes I do come to my office in my bathrobe!) in front of the computer— treat the submission process the same way you would a job interview.
Speaking of which…Contests are another good way for authors to bring their book to the attention of an editor or agent. So don’t sabotage your chances by ignoring the Contest Rules.
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