I get lots of emails from writers who have submitted their manuscripts to traditional publishers and ask me how long they should wait for a response before giving up and submitting to other publishing houses. My answer… not long! Most publishers need two or more months to review your work and respond—some never do. Meanwhile, your work may become outdated (non-fiction), or you might miss a golden opportunity with another house.
Personally, I believe you should carefully choose the top five most likely to pick up your book and stop there. Send a complete and professional package to those five and wait at least 10 weeks for a response.
More tips to query a publisher:
*Research the publishers to learn which ones are “presently” looking for your genre.
*Follow up on-line at the publishers Website to confirm instructions for submissions (current addresses, requirements, complete packages?).
*Call the publisher and ask who the submission editor is—and the correct spelling of their name. Then address your correspondence to that person only.
*Send “only” what is requested (no pictures of you and your dog!).
It’s okay to follow up with a phone call to the editor, but do so only once you know they have received your package and before they have had time to throw it out!
Be prepared and have thick skin. More than 90% of manuscripts are tossed without consideration. Don’t take it personal. Rejection letters are often impersonal form letters addressed to “Dear Author.” This does not mean your writing is bad. Many famous authors have been rejected multiple times. Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull was rejected 140 times and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind 38 times.
A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story includes detailed information on how to query a publisher as well as other publishing methods you might be interested in.
I appreciate all comments and additional suggestions from published authors.
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