📖Writing the Narrative Short Unit 11 – Publishing and Submission

Key Concepts in Publishing

• Publishing involves the process of making written works available to readers through various channels (print, digital, audio)
• Traditional publishing requires submitting work to publishers or agents who handle editing, production, distribution, and marketing
  • Publishers acquire rights to the work and pay authors advances and royalties
  • Agents represent authors and negotiate contracts with publishers on their behalf
• Self-publishing allows authors to independently produce and distribute their work without involving a traditional publisher
  • Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark enable authors to publish e-books and print-on-demand books
• Hybrid publishing combines elements of traditional and self-publishing, with authors bearing some costs but receiving support from the publisher
• Rights management is crucial in publishing, including copyright, subsidiary rights (translations, adaptations), and performance rights
• Building an author platform helps establish a writer's presence and connect with potential readers through social media, websites, and newsletters

Preparing Your Manuscript

• Ensure your manuscript is complete, well-structured, and free of errors before submitting to publishers or self-publishing
• Revise and edit your work thoroughly, considering feedback from beta readers, writing groups, or professional editors
• Format your manuscript according to industry standards (12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins) unless otherwise specified by the publisher
• Create a polished and engaging title and subtitle that accurately reflect your work's content and genre
• Write a compelling book description or blurb that hooks readers and summarizes your book's key themes and conflicts
• Prepare a short author bio highlighting your background, writing credentials, and relevant experiences
• Obtain necessary permissions for any copyrighted material (quotes, images) used in your manuscript
• Consider hiring a professional proofreader to catch any remaining errors and ensure a polished final product

Choosing the Right Markets

• Research potential markets that align with your work's genre, theme, and target audience
• Consider the reputation, distribution, and payment terms of publishers or literary magazines
• Review the submission guidelines and preferences of each market to ensure your work is a good fit
  • Some markets may have specific word count, formatting, or subject matter requirements
• Evaluate the level of competition and acceptance rates for each market to set realistic expectations
• Explore both print and online publications, as well as genre-specific anthologies or contests
• Consider the prestige and visibility of the market and how it aligns with your career goals
• Diversify your submissions by targeting a mix of well-established and emerging markets
• Keep track of your submissions using a spreadsheet or submission management tool (Submittable, Duotrope) to stay organized

Submission Guidelines and Etiquette

• Carefully review and follow each market's specific submission guidelines to demonstrate professionalism and attention to detail
• Adhere to the specified word count, formatting, and file type requirements (DOC, PDF, RTF)
• Submit only polished, proofread work that meets the market's genre and theme preferences
• Include all requested materials (cover letter, synopsis, author bio) in the specified format and order
• Use a professional email address and include a clear subject line when submitting via email
• Avoid simultaneous submissions (sending the same work to multiple markets at once) unless explicitly permitted by the guidelines
• Be patient and respectful of the market's stated response times, which can range from weeks to several months
• If submitting by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for the market's response

Cover Letters and Synopses

• A cover letter introduces you and your work to the editor or agent, demonstrating your professionalism and enthusiasm
• Address the cover letter to a specific person if possible, using their name and title
• Open with a strong hook or logline that captures the essence of your story and sparks interest
• Provide a brief synopsis of your work, focusing on the main characters, conflict, and stakes
  • Avoid revealing the ending or all plot twists to maintain a sense of intrigue
• Include relevant information about yourself, such as writing credentials, awards, or personal experiences that relate to the work
• Express your appreciation for the editor or agent's time and consideration
• Keep the cover letter concise, typically one page or less, unless otherwise specified
• A synopsis is a detailed summary of your story's plot, character arcs, and resolution, usually requested for novel submissions
  • Aim for 1-2 pages for a synopsis, focusing on the main narrative threads and emotional journey of the characters

Dealing with Rejection and Resubmission

• Rejection is a common experience for writers, and it's important to approach it as an opportunity for growth and improvement
• Read rejection letters carefully, as some may offer valuable feedback or encourage you to submit other work in the future
• Allow yourself to process any disappointment or frustration, but avoid dwelling on the rejection or taking it personally
• Evaluate your work objectively and consider any feedback or common themes in the rejections you receive
• Revise and polish your work as needed before resubmitting to other suitable markets
• Maintain a positive attitude and persistence in the face of rejection, recognizing that success often comes after multiple attempts
• Celebrate any personal rejections or feedback as signs of progress and validation of your writing skills
• Consider submitting rejected pieces to writing workshops or critique groups for additional feedback and improvement
• Keep a record of your submissions and rejections to track your progress and identify any patterns or areas for growth

Understanding Publishing Contracts

• Publishing contracts outline the terms of the agreement between the author and publisher, including rights, royalties, and obligations
• Carefully review and negotiate the contract terms to ensure they align with your goals and protect your interests
  • Consider seeking legal advice or representation from a literary attorney or agent
• Pay attention to the rights being granted (exclusive or non-exclusive, print or digital, worldwide or territory-specific)
• Understand the royalty structure, which may include advances, percentages of net or list price, and subsidiary rights income
• Look for clauses related to reversion of rights, out-of-print provisions, and the author's ability to terminate the contract
• Ensure the contract clearly defines the publisher's obligations, such as editing, production, distribution, and marketing support
• Be aware of any non-compete or option clauses that may limit your ability to publish other works in the same genre or with other publishers
• Negotiate for the retention of certain rights, such as audio, translation, or film rights, if desired
• Understand the contract's duration and any renewal or termination provisions

Building Your Writing Portfolio

• A writing portfolio showcases your best work and demonstrates your range, style, and expertise to potential publishers, agents, or clients
• Select a diverse range of your strongest writing samples that highlight your unique voice and storytelling abilities
  • Include published works, polished manuscripts, and excerpts from works in progress
• Organize your portfolio by genre, theme, or writing style to make it easy for readers to navigate and assess your skills
• Create a professional website or online platform to host your portfolio and provide information about yourself and your writing background
  • Include an author bio, contact information, and links to your social media profiles or other relevant sites
• Tailor your portfolio to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience, whether it's literary agents, publishers, or freelance clients
• Regularly update your portfolio with new writing samples, publications, and achievements to showcase your growth and continued dedication to your craft
• Consider creating a print version of your portfolio for in-person meetings or conferences, featuring a selection of your best work
• Seek opportunities to expand your portfolio through writing contests, workshops, or collaborations with other writers or artists
• Leverage your portfolio to attract new opportunities, such as speaking engagements, teaching positions, or commissioned work