As an author, I stopped keeping track of my rejections when I hit around a hundred. Do you get used to it? Sure. Is it disappointing? Of course. But if you are lucky enough to get feedback in a rejection, fantastic. At least then there is indication as to what did not work in the manuscript. More often than not, authors receive form letter rejections and are left wondering why the editors disliked the work.
Here are my personal top 5 reasons as to why manuscripts are rejected:
- Know the publisher. The best thing you can do before submitting your manuscript is to obtain a sample from the publisher. And then analyze that publication. Does your writing fit with what they're publishing? Is it a similar length? Is it first person or third person? There are many details to keep in mind, all of which could contribute to a rejection.
- Don't submit a rough draft. Not only does this indicate author immaturity, it looks bad. Ensure that you've read over your manuscript a few times before sending it off. Sure, that's the editor's job, to clean your work up for publication. But honestly, submitting a manuscript filled with typos will not convince an editor that you're a professional writer.
- Query first. Ask the editor if he/she would be interested in reading your manuscript. Provide a synopsis and especially your writing credits. Be sure to make a point of what publication of theirs is similar in nature to your work. This tells the editors that you have done your research and enjoy their products as well.
- Present a marketing plan. It never hurts to include in a marketing plan in a query. For example, what radio shows you will be guesting, upcoming book signings, online interview features, etc. Publishers want an author that is great at marketing his/herself. It's a team effort and everyone is in the business to make money.
- Understand your reputation. From personal experience, I have received submissions to Skullvines Press from certain authors that have a tarnished reputation in the industry. "Tarnished" meaning that their behavior primarily on the Internet is disappointing. Keep in mind, whatever genre you publish in, the community is smaller than you think. Reputation in the industry goes a long way.
These are just five personal suggestions in regards to manuscript submissions. Keep in mind, maintaining a professional relationship is of the utmost importance. If you receive a rejection, accept it, reply to it with "Thanks for your time", and submit to another publisher.
Don't miss future articles from S.D. Hintz! Subscribe at the top! Here are some past articles that are relevant in topic:
http://www.examiner.com/x-41722-Publishing-Examiner~y2010m3d17-Your-Novels-Published-Now-Promote-It
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