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How to Submit a Manuscript to Publishing Companies

You've written a book manuscript. You've rewritten, polished and tweaked it until it is the best it can be. Now it is ready to submit for consideration for publication. While it may seem like a daunting task, the act of submitting the manuscript could be the easiest part of getting it published.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Laser or high quality ink jet printer
  • 8 1/2-by-11 quality bond stationary
  • A professional directory to publishing houses
  • Manuscript box or large padded mailing envelope
  • Tape
  • A letter-sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Find a publishing house that will accept full manuscripts without an agent's representation. Do this by checking the guidelines of publishing houses. You can find these online on the websites of publishing houses, or in a standard professional guide, such as Writer's Market, which is updated and published annually by Writer's Digest Books. Look for publishing houses that publish the type of manuscript you have written. Find the name of the editor to whom you will submit the manuscript.

    • 2

      Create a title page. Put your name, address, phone number and email address in the upper left corner of the page. Place the word count of the manuscript in the upper right corner. Most word processing programs will be able to provide a word count. Center your title and byline halfway down the page.

    • 3

      Format the manuscript by double spacing it and leaving a 1-inch margin. Center the chapter numbers and titles one third of the way down the page at the beginning of each chapter. Include your last name and the title of the manuscript in the upper left corner of each page. Number each page in the upper right corner.

    • 4

      Print or type your manuscript on white 8 1/2-by-11 inch bond paper. The paper should be heavy enough so that you cannot see the print through the pages, preferably 16 or 20 lb. weight. Use a laser or high quality ink jet printer to print the pages.

    • 5

      Proofread your manuscript. Look for typos, misspellings and improper word usage (such as "parched" when it is supposed to be "parse"). Correct the errors and reprint the corrected pages. Check to make sure each corrected page begins and ends with the same words as the page you are replacing to ensure the manuscript reads smoothly and without interruption.

    • 6

      Write a cover letter. Address the letter to the editor followed by his or her title (such as "Editor-In-Chief"). Your salutation should be Mr. or Ms. followed by the last name of the editor. Write a very concise description of the manuscript you are submitting. Add a brief description of any experience you may have with the subject matter, as well as your credentials and a list of any of your previously published work, such as magazine or journal articles.

    • 7

      Mail your manuscript. Manuscripts over 11 oz. (which are generally all manuscripts over 65 pages in length) automatically become Priority Mail. The postal service will provide tape, boxes and envelopes to hold up to two pounds of manuscript. Include a letter-sized, self-addressed, stamped envelope so that the editor can send a response.

Book Publishing

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