DO | DON'T |
DO check the submission requirements of your chosen agent or publisher before sending any work. These are usually listed on the web site. |  |
DO select a standard font and size. Times, Times New Roman, and Palatino in size twelve are all sensible choices. Rule of thumb: pick a font that looks like the font used in most published books. These are generally serif fonts (with curly bits on the tails) | DON'T choose a fancy font that will be hard on the reader's eyes. Tip: fonts that are easy to read on-screen are not as easy on the eyes as serif fonts. |
DO format your manuscript so that it is easy on the eyes: * double spacing * at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins on all sides | DON'T use coloured paper. DON'T use single space. DON'T write on both sides of the paper DON"T submit a hand-written manuscript |
DO add a header or footer with your surname, short title, and page number DO use the same font in the header as the text but in a smaller size | |
DO format the script as it will appear in a book, with indented paragraphs. Tip: check some of the books your chosen publisher has produced to see what sort of formatting is preferred. Copy it as closely as you can. | DON'T put a space between paragraphs. |
DO put necessary information on your title page: * your name, postal and e-mail addresses, and phone numbers * word length rounded off to the nearest thousand * title of your work in capitals | DON'T add extra, unnecessary bits of information at this stage: * no fancy cover page * no acknowledgements * no dedication *no pseudonym |
A professional tip: begin your text half-way down the first page, and don't indent the first word. | DON'T include a copyright notice. It is insulting to imply that a reader might steal your work; and copyright laws make it unnecessary. |
DO send a good, clean copy of your work to the reader. | DON'T forget to keep an exact copy and a disc copy for yourself. DON'T EVER send your only copy. . |
DO run off a fresh new copy if the hard copy starts to look a little dog-eared after it has been to a few readers. | DON'T submit a tatty copy of your work. It suggests you have no pride in it. DON"T submit by e-mail unless the publisher or agent clearly states that this is acceptable. |
DO include a brief (one page) cover letter which includes * a short explanation of what you are enclosing * what you want the reader to do with it * why you think it is an appropriate work for the publisher's list | DON'T include comments that mark you as unprofessional, such as: * I would love your company to publish my book. . . * I am just a housewife, but I have always wanted to write. . . * This is a better book than the last one you published in this field. . . * I chose you because the other companies are snobby. . . * This is just the first draft, but I will make any changes you want. . . * I am sorry for bothering you. . . * This is an exciting and engaging story. . . * My mother/ husband/ workmates/ best friend/ dog really enjoyed this story. . . |
DO add a synopsis (a one-page summary of the plot or the main subjects areas of your work). | DON'T summarise half the story and tell the reader to 'read the rest to find out the ending'. |
DO include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of your work. A red postal bag is best for avoiding problems regarding postage costs | DON"T expect an assessor, editor, agent, or publisher to return your manuscript if you have not provided the necessary envelope and postage |
DO fasten your manuscript with two large, strong rubber bands Tip: enclose a pre-written, stamped postcard to yourself telling you that your work has been received and opened. | DON'T send your manuscript in folders, files, boxes, or other stuff the reader has to keep track of CHECK with publishers before binding your manuscript. They may not like it this way. DON'T include pretty cover pages, cute ribbons, or other items that mark you as unprofessional. |
A professionally prepared manuscript will receive professional attention.
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