This week: Submission Etiquette Edited by: Vivian  
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The publishing world is rather small considering authors are found all around the world. One problem that is shared is the way authors act and react when it comes to publishers and editors. So I decided to give some etiquette tips for submitters for part two of the getting published series. This part deals with what to avoid.
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Submission Etiquette
Authors used to be half afraid of editors and publishers, but apparently most aren’t anymore. Some authors don’t seem even to have good manners when it comes to dealing with publishers and/or editors. In fact, some are rude and arrogant.
Let’s look at some submission etiquette.
1. Follow the guidelines for submissions for the publication exactly. Don’t assume that you know better or that you can “do your own thing,” and your submission will be accepted because you’re such a wonderful writer.
2. Be sure your submission is well-written with few mechanical, grammar, or spelling errors and shows rather than tells. Publishers are not interested doing major editing jobs on manuscripts. Have your manuscript edited by a professional who knows and understands what is wanted by publishers, not who just knows grammar.
3. Give the editor or publisher time to consider your submission. A good way to upset the person making the decision as to whether to accept your work or not is to become a nuisance.
4. Don’t assume that the publisher or editor will automatically remember your name or the title of your work. Many names and titles cross the desk or computer of an editor every day.
5. If your work is rejected, don’t continue to demand reasons from the editor rejecting it. It is not his/her job to give you an edit-job or to give reasons for the rejection. If a publisher is nice enough to give a few suggestions so you can improve your work, don’t keep asking for more.
6. If you are given the option of revising your manuscript and re-submitting, count your blessings and do it. Not every publisher gives another opportunity.
7. Nothing obligates a publisher to accept your work. With more submissions than open slots in a publisher’s schedule, the publisher has the right to accept the manuscripts that “fit,” and to reject those that are not acceptable.
8. Don’t continue to call or email an editor or publisher unless your work has been accepted and an editor is assigned to you.
9. Throwing a fit or calling editors or publishers names does not endear you to anyone and makes acceptance less likely – acceptance by other publishers, too. Word does spread.
10. If your manuscript is accepted, then work with your editor or editors. You become a team, and if you cooperate, your book will benefit. Be uncooperative, and you may be without a contract and not well liked. Again, word does spread.
11. You don’t have to become a “slave” to an editor or publisher, but you need to realize who controls whether your manuscript becomes a published work or not. Good manners are always a good decision. If you are respectful under all circumstances, you are more likely to be treated respectfully.
Those ideas are just a few tips for good etiquette concerning submissions, but they will help provide a better relationship and allow publishers and editors to have kind thoughts about writers. |
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Words from Our Readers
brom21 
Thank you so much for the article. It really ground some very important rules.But is the cover page format subjective a little? As long as you include the information can you set it up Differently?
You can write whatever you want in any order you want. However, organization is important.
glynisj
Would you send a similar letter to a magazine editor? I'm a little surprised you'd send a short story to an agent. I would think an agent wouldn't be interested unless you had a collection. Or am I way off base?
Yes, you would send a similar letter to any agent, editor, or publisher. This letter was an example to help authors understand how to write a cover letter. One important thing to remember: go to the magazine's, editor's, publisher's website and follow those directions/guidelines.
JMRobison
The cover letter is good for mailing, but emailing cover letters is the preferred method and it is formatted differently. I'd like to see a good example of an emailed cover letter.
You did. Any cover letter sent by email is usually an attachment. However, always follow the guidelines on the website of the company you are contacting.
Angus 
Great Newsletter, Vivian!
Like you said, that information about the cover letter is critical if you want a publisher to read your manuscript! It's very important to read their guidelines carefully and follow them to the T! That one tiny error could make a major difference in where your MS winds up!
You are so right.
Quick-Quill 
FINALLY! a newsletter with examples of "letters" either cover letters or query letters. I'm keeping this for my reference. I've seen these online, but they aren't as detailed. I'm hoping to submit my next book to an agent/publisher. I'll need all the help I can get.
hbk16
These are pertinent advice on how to deal and to correspond with an agent publisher. You emphasize that there is a writing ethic indeed.
I like this great issue.
Thank you.
Thank you for joining me this issue. I hope you're back again next month.
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