Resources: Tips

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Step-By-Step: Submission to Publication

By Randi Rivers, Assistant Editor, Charlesbridge Publishing

Get to Know the Market

• Where to go to find books: Libraries, bookstores, schools

• Competition: Are there books similar to yours on the market?

• Holes in the market: What's missing in the market?

Research Prospective Publishers

• A source for publisher information: The Writer's Digest Guide

• Where to find current guidelines: Publisher websites

• Publishing journals: For information about the industry

Writing the Cover Letter

• Paragraph one: If you know someone on staff at a house, remind them in the first paragraph. The title of your manuscript goes here

• Paragraph two: Tell the publisher why your story is a good fit with their program, and what makes it unique from other stories on the market

• Paragraph three: Indicate previous publishing experience

Revision Letter

This is a chance to get to know the editor and for the editor to get to know how you work. Write a note thanking the editor for the chance to revise, and let him or her know if you are willing to do so.

Revision

Be open-minded about constructive criticism and revision suggestions, but also know what you're not willing to change. When you return your revision, include a letter explaining what changes you made or didn't make and why.

Rejection

Try to look on the bright side-a personal rejection means you've started a relationship with an editor. Perhaps the two of you will find a project to work on down the road. Send a note of thanks. Then give another publisher a try.

Acceptance and Contract Terms

An editor will call to let you know he or she wishes to acquire your story. You will be offered terms. An advance and royalties are discussed.

The Editing Process

• More revising

• Line edit

• Copyediting: Copyeditors correct grammar and punctuation, adjust voice and tone, fix parallels, and check for logic

• Fact checking: Fact checkers verify all the facts in a story

• Expert reader: Expert readers verify material that may be controversial or still under investigation

• Manuscript is approved and sent to the design/art department

Art Process

• Illustrator is hired

• Text galleys are sent to the illustrator

• Illustrator submits sketches

• Illustrator submits art

• Designer places art and text into a layout.

• Layout is proofread: Proofreaders check grammar, punctuation, and house style.

• Layout is approved

• Proofs are approved

• Documents are sent to printer