Manuscript Tips

Before sending your manuscript off to your chosen publisher, it is good to send an email or letter with a query. Ask if they will read your manuscript. If the answer is “yes,” then mark the envelope with the manuscript with “Requested Material.” This marking on the outside of the envelope separates you from the rest of the unsolicited manuscripts sitting on their desk. In any circumstance, always give the editor the name of the person who referred you. That is one way to work the conversation from a warm lead.

Manuscript Formatting

In the upper right corner, place the copyright notice and year the manuscript was written, genre, and approximate word count all single spaced.

(then 3 lines)

First American Serial Rights, or Print Rights, Electronic Rights
(then 2 lines)

By (your name)

(2 lines)

Chapter 1

(2 lines)

Start your story double spaced

Note: If you have written a picture book, start your manuscript on the “Chapter 1” line.