You did it. You finished your manuscript. Maybe it’s a gripping thriller, a heartfelt memoir, or the next big fantasy epic. Either way, you’ve poured countless hours—and maybe a few too many cups of coffee—into bringing your story to life. Now comes the next big step: getting it published.
But here’s the truth: knowing how to submit a manuscript to a publisher can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without the picture on the box. Should you go the traditional publishing route or take control by self-publishing? Do you need a literary agent? And what on earth is a query letter supposed to say?
Don’t worry. You’re in the right place.
This guide will break down the entire publishing process—from researching the right publishers to polishing your manuscript and making a lasting first impression. Understanding the dynamics of the publishing industry is crucial, as it often requires patience and resilience. Thoroughly researching publishers that align with your genre and style can significantly increase your chances of success. Whether you’re dreaming of landing a deal with a major publishing house or thinking about self-publishing for full creative control, these essential tips will help you navigate the path to seeing your book in readers’ hands.
So, let’s get started. Your story deserves to be told—and I’m here to help you make sure it is.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing: Choosing the Right Path
Before you start polishing your query letter or stalking literary agents on social media (not recommended), it’s important to decide which publishing path suits you best: traditional publishing or self-publishing.
Traditional Publishing
This is the “classic” route. You submit your manuscript to a publisher or through a literary agent, and if accepted, the publishing house handles proofreading, editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Publishing houses play a crucial role in the acquisition process, where marketing teams collaborate with editorial departments to evaluate book proposals based on audience feedback, potential market trends, and the overall writing quality. In return, they take a portion of the profits. Sounds glamorous, right? Well, it can be, but the competition is fierce, and the process can be slow.
Self-Publishing
Enter the age of empowerment. Self-publishing gives you complete control over your book—from the cover design to marketing strategies. You keep more of the profits, but you’re also responsible for, well… everything. The good news? Companies like Spines make self-publishing easier and more professional than ever.
Start Your Publishing Journey FOR FREEWhich Path is Right for You?
If you’re looking for creative control and a faster route to market, self-publishing might be your best bet. If you prefer the traditional route with editorial guidance and built-in distribution, traditional publishing could be worth the wait. Or, you might even consider hybrid publishing—a mix of both worlds.
Researching Suitable Publishers: Finding the Right Fit
Imagine pitching your gritty crime novel to a children’s book publisher. Awkward. That’s why you need to research suitable publishers who match your genre and writing style.
Where to Start
- Writer’s Digest and trade publications are great resources for identifying publishers accepting submissions.
- Look at publishers of books similar to yours. Who published the books on your shelf?
- Pay attention to market trends—what genres are selling and who’s publishing them?
Major vs. Independent Publishers
- Major publishers (think Penguin Random House) often require submissions through a literary agent.
- Independent publishers or small presses may accept unsolicited manuscripts directly.
Remember, the goal isn’t to submit to every publisher but to find the right one for your work.
Understanding Submission Guidelines: Follow Them or Face the Slush Pile
Publishers have submission guidelines for a reason, and breaking them is a fast track to the dreaded slush pile.
Common Submission Requirements
- Manuscript Format: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, with page numbers. Boring but necessary.
- Submission Method: Some prefer electronic submissions, others want physical copies.
- Supporting Documents: A query letter, synopsis, or even sample chapters.
Think of submission guidelines as a publisher’s first test. If you can’t follow directions now, why would they trust you with a book contract?
Crafting a Compelling Query Letter: Your First Impression
Query letters are like dating profiles for your book—short, intriguing, and absolutely typo-free.
Key Elements of a Great Query Letter
- Hook: Start with a compelling opening that grabs attention.
- Brief Summary: A snapshot of your story without giving away the ending.
- Author Bio: Relevant details about your writing experience.
- Closing: A polite sign-off with contact information.
Avoid clichés, be professional, and remember—this is a business letter, not a love letter.
Personalizing Your Query Letter
Personalizing your query letter is crucial to grabbing the attention of a literary agent or publisher. Research the agent or publisher’s preferences and tailor your query letter to their specific needs. Address the letter to a specific person, and make sure to mention why you’re submitting your work to them. Highlight your unique writing style and how it aligns with their publishing house.
When personalizing your query letter, consider the following tips:
- Use the agent’s or publisher’s name in the salutation: A personalized greeting shows that you’ve done your homework.
- Mention a specific book or author they’ve worked with that resonates with your work: This demonstrates that you understand their portfolio and see a fit for your manuscript.
- Highlight your unique writing style and how it fits with their publishing house: Make it clear why your book belongs with them.
- Show that you’ve done your research on their submission guidelines and publishing process: This indicates professionalism and respect for their time.
By personalizing your query letter, you’ll increase your chances of standing out in a crowded market and getting noticed by a literary agent or publisher. Read more on how to write a query letter here.
Do You Need a Literary Agent? The Publishing Gatekeepers
A literary agent can open doors to major publishers that don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts. But do you need one?
Pros of Having an Agent
- Access to big-name publishers
- Contract negotiation expertise
- Industry insights
How to Find an Agent
- Research agents who represent your genre
- Personalize your query letter for each agent
- Be patient—agents are busy, and response times can vary
If traditional publishing is your goal, having an agent can be a game-changer.
Perfecting Your Manuscript: Polish Until It Shines
Would you wear pajamas to a job interview? No? Then don’t submit a rough draft to a publisher.
How to Polish Your Manuscript
- Beta Readers: Fresh eyes catch hidden flaws.
- Professional Editing: Worth every penny.
- Self-Editing: Read your work aloud; awkward sentences will reveal themselves.
An error-free, well-polished manuscript makes a strong first impression.
Formatting Your Manuscript
Formatting your manuscript is essential to making a good impression on a literary agent or publisher. Most publishers have specific submission guidelines, so make sure to research and follow their requirements. Here are some general tips for formatting your manuscript:
- Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial: These fonts are easy to read and preferred by most publishers.
- Use a font size between 10 and 12 points: This ensures readability without straining the eyes.
- Double-space your manuscript and leave a one-inch margin on all sides: This provides ample space for notes and corrections.
- Use a clear and concise title page with your name, title, and contact information: This makes it easy for the publisher to identify your work.
- Use a table of contents and chapter headings to make your manuscript easy to navigate: This helps the reader find specific sections quickly.
By formatting your manuscript correctly, you’ll show that you’re professional and serious about your writing. This will increase your chances of getting noticed by a literary agent or publisher.
Writing a Strong Book Proposal: Selling Your Idea (For Nonfiction)
If you’re writing nonfiction, you’ll need more than a manuscript—you’ll need a book proposal.
Key Components
- Overview: What’s the book about and why does it matter?
- Target Audience: Who will buy this book?
- Marketing Plan: Yes, even publishers want to know how you’ll help sell it.
- Author Platform: Your reach and influence in your niche.
A great proposal shows publishers why your book should exist—and why it will sell.
Submitting to Multiple Publishers: Proceed with Caution
Can you submit to multiple publishers at once? Yes, but tread carefully.
Simultaneous vs. Exclusive Submissions
- Simultaneous: Submit to multiple publishers, but be transparent.
- Exclusive: Some publishers demand exclusivity—read the fine print.
Keep a spreadsheet to track submissions and responses. Organization is key!
What Happens After Submission? The Waiting Game
You’ve submitted your manuscript. Now what?
What to Expect
- In the publishing industry, response times can range from weeks to months.
- Rejections are normal—don’t take them personally.
- Positive responses may lead to a request for the full manuscript or a contract discussion.
Keep writing while you wait. The next manuscript might be the one that lands a deal.
Creating a Submission Tracker
Creating a submission tracker is essential to keeping track of your manuscript submissions. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t submit your work to the same publisher or agent multiple times. Here are some tips for creating a submission tracker:
- Use a spreadsheet or database to keep track of your submissions: This allows you to easily update and sort your information.
- Include columns for the publisher or agent’s name, submission date, and response date: This helps you monitor the status of each submission.
- Use a separate sheet or table for each manuscript or project: This keeps your records organized and easy to navigate.
- Keep track of the submission guidelines and requirements for each publisher or agent: This ensures you meet their specific needs.
- Update your tracker regularly to reflect any changes or responses: Staying current helps you manage follow-ups and next steps.
By creating a submission tracker, you’ll be able to keep track of your manuscript submissions and make informed decisions about your writing career.
Handling Rejection and Feedback
Handling rejection and feedback is an essential part of the writing process. Not every publisher or agent will be interested in your work, and that’s okay. Here are some tips for handling rejection and feedback:
- Don’t take rejection personally – it’s not a reflection of your worth as a writer: Rejection is a normal part of the publishing journey.
- Use rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve your writing: Each rejection can provide valuable insights.
- Ask for feedback from publishers or agents who reject your work: Constructive criticism can help you refine your manuscript.
- Use feedback to revise and improve your manuscript: Take the suggestions seriously and make necessary changes.
- Keep submitting your work to multiple publishers and agents: Persistence is key to finding the right fit for your manuscript.
By handling rejection and feedback in a positive and professional way, you’ll increase your chances of getting published and achieving success as a writer.
Conclusion: Your Publishing Journey Starts Now
Submitting your manuscript might feel overwhelming, but every successful author once stood exactly where you are now. Whether you’re navigating submission guidelines, crafting the perfect query letter, or deciding between traditional and self-publishing, remember this: persistence, preparation, and passion are your greatest tools.
If you’re ready to take control of your publishing journey, why wait for permission? With self-publishing, you decide when your story reaches readers—and Spines is here to help make that happen. From professional editing and stunning cover design to marketing and distribution, Spines provides everything you need to turn your manuscript into a published book.
FAQ: Submitting a Manuscript to a Publisher
Q: Do I need to copyright my book before sending it to a publisher?
No, it’s not required. In most countries, including the U.S., your work is automatically copyrighted once it’s written. However, registering it with a copyright office provides legal proof of ownership and can be useful in case of disputes.
Q: Why do publishers reject manuscripts?
Common reasons include:
- The manuscript doesn’t fit their genre or target audience.
- Weak writing, structure, or lack of originality.
- Failure to follow submission guidelines.
- Market saturation (similar books already exist).
- Lack of a strong author platform or marketing potential.
Q: Can you approach a publisher without an agent?
Yes, but it depends on the publisher. Many large publishers only accept agented submissions, while smaller and independent publishers often accept direct submissions. Always check their submission guidelines.
Q: Should I send my entire manuscript to a publisher?
It depends on the publisher’s requirements. Many publishers ask for a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters first. Only send the full manuscript if explicitly requested.
Q: How do I contact a publisher about a book idea?
Research publishers that align with your genre, then check their submission guidelines. Usually, you need to send a query letter (a short pitch), a synopsis, and sample chapters. Some publishers prefer submissions through literary agents.
Q: How much of a book do you need to send to a publisher?
Most publishers request the first three chapters or 50 pages, along with a synopsis. Always follow the specific guidelines provided by the publisher.
Q: Can you self-publish and then get picked up by a publisher?
Yes, but it’s rare. A self-published book needs strong sales, reviews, and reader engagement to attract a traditional publisher. Some successful self-published authors have been later signed by major publishers.
Q: Is it cheaper to self-publish or get a publisher?
Self-publishing requires upfront costs for editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, but you keep all profits. Traditional publishing doesn’t require upfront costs, but the publisher takes a cut of the profits and royalties.
