Querying a publisher can be the vital step towards publication. No matter how fantastic your manuscript may be, if you can’t sell it in a few short sentences, it probably will never make it into consideration.
Before you even send out any queries, learn to write a tagline, a blurb, and a short synopsis of your story. Depending on the publisher (or agent) you query, you will need at least one of these “shorts”. Each needs to be catchy and hook the reader’s interest.
Visit the publisher’s website or ask for submission guidelines Follow the instructions as closely as possible. If the instructions say to query first, or to send the synopsis, first three chapters or entire manuscript – do it. If you are submitting the manuscript be sure to follow the formatting guidelines (page width, font size, line spacing, etc,). While some of these instructions may seem unnecessary to you, the recipient will use your willingness to follow directions to gauge your cooperation as a potential author. Some of the instructions are also designed to save the eyes of the reader; small or fancy fonts cause more eye strain than interest. It is also important to note if the publisher wants submissions from the author or an agent.
While there may be some room for negotiation, a publisher usually has a pretty set idea of advances and royalties particularly for first time authors – starting your cover letter with a list of demands including outrageously high advances will likely get your query dumped in the trash. You should include your qualifications and a hook for your book in your letter. Explain why the book would be of interest to your intended audience. By the way, make sure that the publisher you’ve chose to query does represent your type of book; for example, don’t expect a children’s book publisher to accept erotica.
While some of the larger publishing houses may offer the services of a publicist, this is rarer for newer and untried authors. Many publishers will be interested in seeing a marketing plan for your book especially if they will give you any funds towards your publicity. Publishers need to know that they are hiring an author and not just a book. It is not uncommon for a new author to basically be on his own when it comes to promotion. Be prepared to show you will take an active role in your publicity and marketing campaigns. Most publishers will not fund huge book tours for unknown authors although if you arrange your own smaller tour (keeping it local for instance) they will often try to help with press releases and, at the minimum, designs for promotional items.
The smaller the publishing house, using independents (not part of conglomerates) or self publishing puts more of the burden of marketing and promotion onto the author. Be prepared to work, really work, once your manuscript is complete.
