I’m not a book publisher. However I have spoken to and worked with book publishers. I’ve also spent lot of time analysing what’s required to get a manuscript published. So if I were a publisher, this is what I’d want to see in your manuscript …
Has the writer provided the information we need to make an assessment? Most publishing houses provide information on their websites about how they want unsolicited manuscripts to be presented. They will also specify what they want to see: a synopsis, full manuscript or a proposal. Follow these specifications and I’m more likely to read your manuscript when it arrives on my desk.
Does the manuscript fit in with our current list? If we only publish non-fiction, I won’t consider your fictional story. And if we specialise in crime, I don’t want to read your cookbook for teens. If you’re sending your manuscript to a large publishing house, identify the imprint it may suit and address the package to the appropriate editor. One way to find out the editor’s name is to look at the acknowledgements page of a book they’ve already published.
Does the author show an awareness of their own style and genre? In your cover letter, it’s a good idea to name an author who writes in a similar style and genre to you. I’ve heard several fiction publishers suggest this. As a publisher, it helps me categorise your manuscript in relation to other books and authors. Remember that I want to appreciate your writing but am completely unfamiliar with your work. So make it easier for the publisher.
Is the story well-written and engaging? I’d expect that the writer has a reasonable degree of mastery over their craft. No typos, spelling mistakes, grammar issues and tics that distract the reader. With fiction I’ll be asking, is the story interesting? Does it have a spark that intrigues me? A story that is polished but unengaging will be less of interest than a story that requires some editing but is immediately appealing. (Or as I heard one editor say, ‘Does it give me a tingle up the spine?’) This is why it’s crucial that your first page is really good.
Is the subject matter appropriate for the genre and category? A children’s chapter book about a gruesome crime would be difficult to sell to parents and teachers. The editorial department may not spell out their ‘no-nos’. Use your common sense. If in doubt, read their books and talk to their readers. You should be able to work out what’s acceptable and what’s not. If you feel strongly that society is ready for the confronting theme of your book, you will need a sympathetic publisher and editor. Evidence of trends in society would also help your case.
Does the story have an identifiable audience? Who would read this book? As a publisher, if I can identifiable a niche market I can then assess the sales potential. As a writer, you should have a type of reader in mind for your manuscript. Try to be specific. It is not enough to say ‘teens’. Are they into computer games? Do they love horses? If your manuscript is aimed at children or young adults, it may need to appeal to librarians, teachers, parents and grandparents as well. Generally, these are the people who buy kids’ books. You should also try to identify trends in society that relate to the themes of your manuscript. Readers are more likely to want to read a book that is tied in with current trends.
As a publisher, I will also want to make an assessment about the author’s professionalism. Will they answer my emails promptly and respond to phone calls? Will they have the time for rewrites if needed? Are they prepared to promote the book? Do they have a fan base or contacts who will help with promotion? Some of these questions can’t be answered at this stage. However they may determine whether or not the project gets off the ground.
Is this a book (and author) that I’d stake my own money on? It’s been said that a publisher is better off investing their money in a term deposit than in books. So if my company is going to spend all that cash designing, editing, typesetting, printing, marketing and distributing your book, I’d like to think that I’ll be making my money back, and hopefully a profit. Publishing companies are businesses and they tend to be conservative.
However there will be exceptions to all of the above. Publishers have been known to take a punt and release a book that breaks all the rules. So use these suggestions as a guide only. Do your research, keep an open mind and you should find success.
Cathryn Isakson runs Novel Expectations, a business which helps writers get published and promote themselves. She also writes for children and young adults. Cathryn’s blog for emerging writers is at http://novelexpectations.wordpress.com/
There’s also a link to her site with my links.
