Locate a publisher who specializes in your genre. You can find this information by searching publishing house websites or by contacting the publishing house directly. Publishing house editors change frequently, so while some databases are helpful, the information may not be up to date.
Write down the publisher's address and the name of the editor.
Contact the editor to obtain his manuscript submission guidelines.
Manuscript guidelines are often similar to the MLA style format. For these guidelines purchase a book such as, "The Everyday Writer," for guidance.
Indent before starting a new paragraph, double space your lines and use a simple font such as Courier New with a 12 point font size. Type out numbers and words such as dollars.
Set up the page so that the margins are at one inch. Include a header at the top of each page that displays part of the title, your last name, and the page number. Start a new page when you begin a new chapter. List the title of the chapter or the number one quarter or one third of the way down the page. Press return on your keyboard two times and indent to start typing the new chapter. Use only white paper. Black ink on white paper is the only acceptable option.
Create a title page. Type the title of the story halfway down the page, hit return on your keyboard twice, and enter your name and your contact information on separate lines, single spaced. Follow the title page with a table of contents, if required by your publisher.
Proofread your work carefully. You will want to turn in your manuscript with a minimal amount of errors. Ask a knowledgeable friend or family member to proofread your work and provide constructive feedback.
Begin your cover letter by typing dear followed by the publishers complete name. Spend a paragraph citing your qualifications and experience. If you have little experience or none at all, mention a favorite author or two and some of those works that have helped to shape your style. This is your sales pitch: your chance to sell yourself.
Include a paragraph or two which talks about your story. Tell the editor how the book ends, but don't be too wordy as you don't want to give away too much information. This paragraph is for getting the editor to read your story and is not for you to offer a detailed summary.
Give details about your story such as page count and word count. Ask the editor to consider your story. Mention the self-addressed, stamped envelope that you have enclosed, if you are submitting a hard copy. Hit return on your keyboard four times, then type your name. Sign your name above your typed name.