Write to the specific editor who is likely to handle your kind of book. For example, if you have a book on parenting, submit it to the "parenting editor" (see source 2). The address is:
"______" Editor
Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
387 Park Avenue South
11th floor
New York, NY.
10016-8810
They are not accepting electronic manuscripts. Double space the manuscript.
Include your name, your address, your phone number and your email address. You will be contacted by phone or letter.
Pitch your book in the letter, and include a sample chapter and illustrations, and an outline. If you are writing a children's book (non-fiction), include the whole manuscript. You can expect to wait several months for a reply, because they receive many submissions.
Include details about yourself, your career, your skills and experience with the subject matter that you have submitted. If you have a publication history, include it. With whom did you publish and is anything still in print?
Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you want your materials returned to you. Otherwise, your materials will not be returned. Do not send original drawings, because while the publisher will take as much care as possible, they cannot guarantee that everything will make it back to you.
Send a query to Lark Books at www.larkbooks.com/submissions, if your title involves "crafting, decorating, outdoor living, and photography." The query should explain your project and your qualifications. Do not send a manuscript. If they are interested, they will ask for a proposal.
Send your proposal. It should include the contents, the introduction, one chapter, tear sheets, and a study of the books already published on this topic and how your book will distinguish itself from them. Think about that before you start writing. Other details for Lark are the same as the ones for Sterling, above.
Send your inquiries and proposals to:
Lark Books
67 Broadway
Asheville
NC, 28801
They also receive many submissions, so be prepared to wait up to six months.