Writing a manuscript takes time, but the subsequent work involved in finding a publisher before submitting a manuscript, in order to secure a publishing contract, is often underestimated. How do you choose the best publisher for your work? Navigating the vast list of publishing houses can be daunting, especially if it’s your first novel. In this blog post, you’ll discover all our tips for finding the perfect publisher for your book.
Submit a polished text to publishing houses
A publishable manuscript is, above all, a polished manuscript . This does not simply mean that the writing of the book must be finished ; the author must also perfect the content and form of their work to present publishers – who receive a great many manuscripts, not all of which will become books – with a novel that they will want to publish.
Refining the core of the manuscript
As an author, it can sometimes be difficult to gain perspective on a work you’ve just written, which is why it’s crucial to have your book proofread and edited before sending it to your chosen publishing houses. You can select a few beta readers from among your friends and family, other authors in your network, or turn to publishing professionals . On Édith & Nous, entrusting your manuscript to the Proofreading Workshop will allow you to have it read, annotated, and analyzed from cover to cover by a professional editor. This service, which has become a benchmark for authors , aims to support you in the editing and rewriting process of your novel by providing a list of several areas for improvement, and it is particularly useful for publishing projects.
What if a publisher gave your manuscript the perspective you’re missing?
A publishable manuscript is first and foremost a polished manuscript, and it’s difficult to gain perspective on a text you’ve just written. In Extenso’s support program places a professional editor at your side while you revise: three rounds of your manuscript, generally spread over six months, each including a full reading, a reader’s note, and a one-hour interview. It’s designed for authors who have completed their manuscript.
Refining the form of the manuscript
It’s also important to carefully format your book before submitting it to publishers. Editors are accustomed to reading manuscripts in Times New Roman font, size 12, 1.5 line spacing, so this layout is recommended for their reading comfort . Of course, you should organize your manuscript into chapters, include a title page, number the pages, and break up the text into paragraphs, which should always begin with an indent. But above all, the typography , syntax , and spelling of your text must be impeccable to ensure a pleasant reading experience. You can use a spell checker like Antidote or Cordial (but be cautious about the suggested corrections), or hire a professional proofreader . At Edith & Nous, we also offer a proofreading service , composed of professional proofreaders who will correct spelling , typography , grammar , and syntax errors in your manuscript, freeing it from its cumbersome and repetitive nature .
Approach the right publishing houses
Find out about the publishing house’s editorial policy
Before sending your manuscript to every publishing house you know, take the time to consider whether your work aligns with their editorial focus. First, what genre does your book belong to? Is it a general fiction novel, a fantasy novel, a short story, or a young adult novel? Answering this question will help you target the publishing houses most likely to be interested in your project. Next, take the time to visit the websites of the publishers in question and look for two pieces of information: the publishing house’s editorial focus as stated by its editors (usually found in the “About Us” section), and a list of novels or other books recently published by the house. This will give you a clear idea of the types of books the publishing house is looking to publish , allowing you to determine if your manuscript is likely to interest them.
Research the publishing house
If the publishers you’re targeting aren’t established, it can be wise to find reviews , advice , and testimonials from authors whose books have been published by them online before submitting your manuscript. Indeed, some “publishing houses” don’t hesitate to take advantage of authors’ hopes by offering a publishing contract without providing the necessary support. This is why some authors then choose self-publishing by default, or refuse to transfer their copyright to a publisher.
Be patient
Publishers receive an enormous number of manuscripts every day, so it can be difficult for authors to stand out and land a publishing contract, or even get a response. Indeed, the manuscript departments of all publishing houses are overwhelmed, and publishers are finding it increasingly difficult to identify, among all these works, the novel that will distinguish itself from the others, that will find its place in readers’ hearts and generate sales in bookstores. Authors must therefore be patient and accept that reading and response times are often long after submitting a manuscript, sometimes up to a year or even more. The world of publishing and the challenges of literature are not easy to grasp, but the experience is worthwhile, so don’t get discouraged, especially if you believe in the project you’ve just written and want to publish it!
Create your Author account on Edith & Us
Edith & Nous offers you the opportunity to save time , avoid the printing and shipping costs of dozens of copies of your manuscript, and increase your chances of finding a publisher for your work. With Edith & Nous, your process is simple and secure, and your manuscripts are visible to over 150 verified publishers.
By creating your Author account, you can replace your manuscripts and adjust their presentation as many times as you like. You can track your manuscript’s progress in real time thanks to notifications, and increase your visibility by detailing your project, your experience, and your personal story related to writing—information that is very important to publishers. You can also specify the genesis of your writing and whether you have won a literary prize or self-published. Thus, all the key information about your writing journey is finally gathered in one place, simplifying the process for you and for publishers who, with a single click, have access to all the necessary information to know at a glance if your work could be their next publication.