Don't Rush It - Tips for Authors

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I am a Type A (ESTJ) girl, and I like action. “Maybe” or “Wait” drive me crazy, but I had to learn not to rush my writing life. Many times, you only get one chance with an agent, editor, or publisher. Make sure you and your book are ready.

Your Work in Progress (WIP)

  • Make sure it is formatted like a standard manuscript (12 pt. Times New Roman, Paragraph Indents instead of Tabs, Double spaced, with One-inch Margins).

  • Proofread, proofread, proofread. Do a round of proofreading every time you make major edits.

  • Print out your manuscript to review. You will catch more errors on paper than you will on screen.

  • Make sure all character and place names are spelled the same. If you changed character names, make sure you’ve removed all old references. (And if you write multiple series, make sure the other books’ characters don’t appear by mistake.)

  • When you think you’re done, read it again.

  • Make sure to build in time for beta readers or critiquers to go through your manuscript. My critique group reads 50 pages a month, so it takes a while to get through a novel. They are not reading the book end to end in a few days like a reader would. I make sure I have a few beta readers who will read the entire manuscript as they would a book and provide feedback.

Querying

  • Be prepared. Each agent, editor, or publisher is going to have his/her own process.

  • Do your homework. Don’t do a shotgun approach and query 50 agents at once. Target ones who represent (and sell) books like yours.

  • Query in small batches and keep a list/chart/spreadsheet of who, when, and the result.

  • The agent or editor shouldn’t be the first person to read your book. You need a critique group, writing partner, or beta readers to give you feedback on your writing. Make sure your early readers read your genre.

  • Have all of your documents ready. You will need a synopsis, character list, and a list of comps (books comparable to yours). Take the time to prepare these. Make sure that all of your documents are polished and look professional.

  • Follow all instructions for the person you’re querying. Some have specific requirements for formatting and what documents they want to see.

  • If you’ve had contact with the person (e.g. at a conference or a personal reference), make sure to include that. Don’t exaggerate the connections though. People talk, and they check references.

  • Make sure your WIP fits the conventions of the genre. Don’t submit a 250,000 word manuscript for a cozy mystery.

  • Know how to describe your work. Agents/Editors will ask you where your book fits. Bookstores won’t know how to shelve a Western, romantic, paranormal suspense with vampires, space aliens, and clowns.

Take your time and make sure you and your manuscript are ready. You may only get one chance, and you need to make it the best it can be. Best wishes with your writing project!

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