You’ve sent out your submission. You’ve waited. And waited some more. But instead of full manuscript requests, your inbox is filled with silence or, worse, rejections.
Sound familiar?
Don’t despair. This is a common hurdle for writers, and the good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your chances.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you troubleshoot your submission and increase the odds of getting that coveted request for your full manuscript:
1. Are You Following Submission Guidelines?
Agents and publishers are inundated with submissions, so they’ll often disregard ones that don’t follow their specific guidelines. Double-check each submission’s requirements and follow them as closely as you can. Have you:
- Included all the necessary components (e.g., query letter, synopsis, sample pages)?
- Formatted your manuscript according to their preferences?
- Sent your work in the requested file type?
It may seem tedious, but getting these details right shows professionalism and respect for their process. It also increases your chances of hearing back quickly.
2. Are You Targeting the Right People?
It’s essential to research thoroughly before hitting “send.” Are you submitting to agents, publishers, or competitions that are actively seeking the type of book you’ve written? For instance, there’s no point in pitching a dark psychological thriller to someone who only works with lighthearted romance.
Take the time to study their submission wishlists or past publications. Submitting strategically, rather than widely, often yields better results. Search for #MSWL on social media to see when agents and publishers are sharing their Manuscript Wishlists.
3. Is Your Query Letter Polished and Persuasive?
The query letter is your first impression, so make it count. Does your letter grab attention and convey your story’s uniqueness?
- Opening hook: Does it intrigue the reader immediately?
- Synopsis: Is it concise and clear? Does it highlight the key conflict and stakes?
- Tone: Does the tone match your manuscript’s genre and mood?
If you’re not sure, consider getting feedback from writing groups, or writing Facebook groups, you may be a part of or a professional editor.
4. Have You Compared Your Book to Popular Titles?
Comparing your book to popular or well-received titles can help agents and publishers envision where your work fits in the market. But tread carefully here:
- Are the books you’re referencing recent and genuinely popular?
- Do they align with your genre and readership?
For example, saying your book will appeal to fans of The Hunger Games or Bridgerton immediately gives the recipient a sense of your work’s style, audience, and potential. This is one of the most important yet most overlooked parts of the submission. And, contrary to popular belief, stating that there are no comparable titles or that your book is unique will actually damage your chances of being published.
Why?
Because when you tell us your book is unique and there’s nothing else out there like it, you’re inadvertently telling us one of two things:
- There’s no market for your book if there’s nothing else like it, so it’s unlikely we’ll be able to sell it. OR
- You didn’t want to put the time in to look, so will you put the time and effort into working together? Will you put the time and effort into the edits or the PR and marketing requests etc? You’re unintentionally telling us that you’ll be a hassle to work with.
5. Does Your Author Bio Shine?
Your author bio is more than just a list of your credentials. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and why you’re the perfect person to write this book.
- Have you included relevant writing achievements, such as competitions won or stories published?
- Are you highlighting unique aspects of your background that lend credibility or intrigue?
Even if you’re unpublished, focus on your enthusiasm and commitment to storytelling. A confident, engaging bio can leave a lasting impression. You don’t have to have an English degree or anything like that to be a successful author but, you do need to be marketable as a person. It’s not all about the book anymore. It’s about whether people can connect with you as the author too. And also, if you share your social media handles in your submission, make sure you’ve tidied up your feeds and that there’s nothing controversial to find. Nobody wants to manage a crisis before the book even comes out.
Final Thoughts
Submitting your work can feel disheartening at times, but remember, every rejection is a step closer to finding the right match. By refining your submission materials, targeting the right individuals, and presenting yourself in the best possible light, you can turn those “no thank yous” into exciting “yes, please send more” responses.
Writing is a journey, and persistence is key. Keep improving, keep submitting, and don’t lose sight of your passion for storytelling—it’s what will set you apart in the end.