Standard Submission Guidelines

MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION PREPARATION

If is crucial to research the guidelines for each publisher -- some publishers have specific requirements. Most publishers have a website, so the guidelines are usually posted. If not, write to the publisher and request guidelines, along with SASE.

To give you an idea of what to expect for manuscript submission, I have listed the following standard requirements for certain items. For books and novels, I would recommend preparing the list of requirements before researching publishers and sending out submissions.

1. ARTICLE:

   a. Cover letter


2. BOOK (non-fiction):

   a. Query
   b. Book proposal
      - Cover letter
      - Cover page
      - Overview
      - Marketing info.
      - Competitve analysis
      - Author bio
      - Chapter outline
      - Sample chapter(s)
      - Attachments that support your book


3. CHILDREN:

   a. Picture Book
      - Cover letter or Query

   b. Mid-grade, Young Adult
      - Cover letter or Query

   c. Magazine
      - Cover letter or Query


4. NOVEL:

   a. Cover letter or Query
   b. Synopsis
   c. At least three sample chapters
   d. Chapter-by-chapter outline
   e. Author bio
   f. Endorsements


5. POETRY:

   a. Cover letter


6. SCREENPLAY:

   a. Query
   b. Outline

It is recommended to register your script with Writer's Guild, 7000 W. Third St.,
  Los Angeles, CA 90048-4329, 800-548-4532, http://www.wga.org

The registration process places preventative measures against plagiarism or unauthorized use of an author's material.

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