Fiction Writing Tips From the Editor

The Right--and Wrong--Times to Submit a Manuscript

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A writer-client, who just finished her book manuscript, asked: "What are your personal thoughts about submitting a ms anywhere at the present time? I was going to wait until life might be more settled. What would you do if you had a book to submit?"

ANSWER: The fact is that there are some lousey times to submit anything to a publisher. But in certain circumstance, those rules just don't apply.

For instance, I would NOT submit towards the end of the year, meaning from mid-November on. I'd wait until after January 1st. Traditionally the publishing world comes to a screeching halt twice a year: in August (publishers flee for vacations from the too-hot NY publishing world) and year end. They are only half staffed Thanksgiving through Jan. 1 for the Holiday season.

What this means is that the staff members with the least senority (meaning less experienced in reviewing manuscritps) will more than likely be both manning the manuscripts PLUS be overtaxed with more than they can handle. So the chances of anything looking "good" to them under these trying circumstances is not so great.

However, if I had ALREADY had connections within the industry (any correspondence either you made directly with a publisher previously or an introduction through your networking), I would NOT put it off. I'd proceed with any contacts in a business-as-usual fashion. Holidays slow-downs and financial woes aside, they are still in business, even if a bit slower paced, so they will respect any contacts already started. And, at the least, you will be firmly in their minds once the world starts to turn smoothly again.

If I had NOT yet made contact within the industry, I would still go ahead and market it, just not at the Holiday times mentioned above. Lately, with the financial world seemingly coming to a crashing halt, nearly every industry is in the "hold" mode. In the publishing world, they already have committments for many months in advance already. Yet they will--and must--continue to function. So although they will be more cautious and more selective than ever, publishers will still be seeking and publishing manuscripts. I would just be aware that this is a difficult financial time overall and not be surprised if responses are slower (and less positive) than I'd like.

So don't be discouraged. Just keep in mind that it will take a while before all industries in any sector snap back ... and keep on honing your writing skills in the meantime.

Any questions? Write me, Sandra Haven, at Bristol Services Intl. by clicking services@bristolservicesintl.com

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