Trying to break into the literary world can seem frustrating, even impossible. It is particularly difficult if you have already spent countless hours writing and rewriting. It may not be easy but it is worth it...after all an artist has no choice but to create. Here are a few tips you might find helpful before submitting work.
Query Letter
A query is about a page where you introduce yourself, your experience if you have any and most importantly your book. Keep it brief and to the point, remember the person reading it sees hundreds a week. Think of it as writing the back of a book...pique interest so the person will want to read more.
Do Not Call
It is very hard to wait for a response. However that is because the person reading your query is giving you the courtesy they have given everyone else...they are reading it. Calling or writing is definitely frowned upon and should only be done if it has passed the normal response time.
SASE
If you are writing for a living or as a hobby become very familiar with this term. It stands for Self Addressed Stamped Envelope. Anything you want a response to or want back should have one.
Learn From Your Rejections
You don’t want to hear this but you will be rejected, probably more than once, more than likely a lot. This does not mean you are a bad writer, it does not mean no one will publish you. It means that your work was not appropriate for that particular publisher. Your best chance is to follow all instructions on their submissions page, send your best work, and don’t be afraid to write and change your query or approach. KEEP TRYING!
Illustrators
Please send a resume with professional experience and credentials along with copies or tear-sheets of work. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS. We will contact you if we will be keeping your work on file or if it seems appropriate for a current project. If you do not send a SASE your materials will be destroyed if we do not have a place for them. Response time can take up to four weeks.
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