subject: How To Approach Top Publishing Companies [print this page] The top publishing companies in any country around the world receive thousands upon thousands of manuscripts by published and new authors, all the time. Even if you feel that you have written a manuscript that is going to knock the literary world off their feet or can be instant best-seller, it does not mean a publishing house will think so and worse they may never see your manuscript at all. One of the fastest ways to get booted out before you even get your foot in the door, is by following a haphazard approach to your manuscript submissions.
One of the most important steps when it comes to approaching publishing companies, big or small, is to make certain that your manuscript is worth submitting in the first place! Although; this may sound pretty obvious make sure you type your work out on the computer ideally and print it in the required size and font (if specified) neatly and systematically. Some unfortunate writers still send in messy hand-written manuscripts with cancellations et all that wont even garner a second glance. A lot of contemporary publishing companies also operate online and prefer that you send everything via soft copy only, unless specified otherwise. Also, you have to try and make it as error-proof as possible, edit, re-edit and then edit it again. You can even have someone else look over it to check for any mistakes you may have left out. Do not rely only on spell-check!
There is a couple of ways to get your manuscript to the top publishing companies i.e. personally or through an agent. Usually agents charge a commission that could include royalty from book sales. Some book publishing houses prefer working through literary agents rather than the writer directly, others are open to either. Make sure you check depending on which companies you are planning to approach.
If you are planning to pitch your book yourself, dont just blindly send out manuscripts to any top publishing houses you can think of. All book publishing houses do not publish all genres. Find publishing companies that have actually worked with that genre and are open to it, or else all that work will be a complete exercise in futility. Another huge mistake to avoid with top publishing companies that have no time to waste is to not follow the correct submission process. Find out what their evaluation process is, what you are required to send for example a cover letter or concept note, synopsis, number of ready chapters and the like. Do remember that unless you are in the fortunate position of already being a bestselling author, you will have to have to follow the proper methods to approach any publishing house for your manuscript to be considered.
