No matter what your native tongue is, some days communication just seems to fall flat.
As a journalist I’ve sent queries to possible sources; my instructions are simple – a few pointed questions, the date I need a response by (usually quickly due to short deadlines), that fact that there are NO phone calls and all info is collected from the initial responding emails. Needless to say, I get thoroughly frustrated when responses pour in with the starting line “I’m available for an interview, just call me at…” Most of the responses are from folks who would like the free publicity of being mentioned in a newspaper article – if they made it difficult for me (aka failed to follow instructions) I rarely use them as sources.
As a novelist I follow submission instructions as closely as possible, sending queries before sending the full manuscript, making sure that the electronic format, if that is how the publisher wants it, is in the right file format (.doc, .rtf, .txt, etc.). I know for a fact that most publishers will simply deep-six a submission from someone who blatantly ignored their specific instructions. In other words, ignore the details and sabotage your best efforts.
It really isn’t a power complex thing when a publisher asks for a specific process or format so it isn’t the time to flex your muscle to do it “your way”. Consider the countless submissions that come over the transom every day and the work it takes to evaluate what might prove to be a valid investment of time and money – if you can’t, or won’t, follow relatively simple instructions, how is the publisher to know that you can cooperate with them when it comes time to produce or market your work?
Almost every publisher, magazine or newspaper has detailed instructions available either online or in the publication itself. Some of the instructions you might find are: Query letters for specific features and departments should be one page in length and accompanied by recent writing samples; We do not accept unsolicited manuscript submissions; Summarize your query in one paragraph that will grab our attention; and All story ideas must be submitted via our online system.
Yet there are writer’s who persist in sending in unsolicited and complete manuscripts, using flowery and difficult to read stationary, submitting formats the publisher might have problems viewing, or not including an information page in an easy to read layout. Other writers will write cover letters telling the editor what a mistake it would be to pass up on this entry or that the work is a guaranteed best seller; editors prefer to make their own decisions. Still others think that using funny puns and cutesy gimmicks will make an unforgettable impression, unfortunately that impression is often one of UNprofessionalism.
Most writer’s put their best efforts into writing a terrific story, a great article or the next best novel - so why not take the extra time to make sure that your work gets the consideration that it deserves? One publisher explains why you should plan your submission carefully – “Take your time and put some effort into this query, because this is the first impression you will make with…”
Don’t throw out all of your hard work – be professional, be cooperative and be smart.
Writing exercise: Pretend that it is your job to introduce speakers to an audience. Write a one-sentence introduction for each of ten of your closest friends or relatives.
Writing prompt: 1) Quickly write one word answers to the following: What scares you? What makes you happy? What was the last thing you cried about? What food would you like to eat? Describe your first car? What is your favorite color? How old were you when you had your first job? What animal are you most like? 2) Take these eight words in ONE cohesive paragraph.
