Writing a book can be a long process for some authors, with many years of hard work going into the creative process. Submitting a book for publishing is an exciting, yet daunting time.

It requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a strategic approach. With so many publishers out there, it is important to undertake research before submitting so you can have a sound understanding of the publishers you approach and to enhance your chances of being published.

Hopefully, the factors outlined in this article will help you start your publishing journey…

Understand your book

You probably will have researched the marketplace before you started the writing process, but if you haven’t, now is a great time to get a clear understanding of what to expect for your genre.

Some genres prove more popular than others with Crime & Thriller, Fantasy and Science Fiction consistently doing well - other genres therefore prove to be less popular.

Having a good idea of your target audience, current market trends and which published books are like yours will help you position your book effectively and make it more likely to receive a publishing offer.

Polish your Manuscript

Depending on the publisher, hiring an editor through the writing process is not always essential, although, I would always encourage an author to submit the best version of their manuscript.

Some authors do choose to have an editor on hand as they write, whilst others enlist the help of a close ‘honest’ friend to read through and make suggestions. Ensuring the manuscript is well written, keeps good pace and has a well-developed storyline will appeal to publishers more.

Although most are overlooked, a manuscript with multiple typos, grammatical errors and storyline inconsistencies can be a turn off. Publishers are more likely to consider a manuscript that is nearly publication-ready, although it will still go through in-house processes.

Synopsis and Query Letter

At Pegasus, we require a synopsis only - some publishers will ask for both the above - but it is still a good idea to include an additional paragraph within the synopsis which highlights any personal achievements.

This could be books you’ve published previously, literary awards, current publicity surrounding you or your book, or any social media accounts that you may have with a large fan base.

The synopsis itself is an overview of your book’s plot. It should cover the main events without going into too much detail. The synopsis gives the publisher a good understanding of the work before the manuscript is read.

Submissions Guidelines

Each publisher will have their own submission guidelines. Some will require a full manuscript, whilst others are happy to accept a few sample chapters. Some publishers will even specialise in only certain genres.

It is vital that you follow the guidelines set out by the publisher. Failing to do so can result in your manuscript being automatically rejected, or the process taking longer than it needs to. Most publisher guidelines will be available on their website.

Patience and Perseverance

Publishing is highly competitive, and rejections, although not nice, are a normal part of the process. It is often the case that a publisher is not able to provide feedback on your submission when rejected which can make it difficult to know what to work on next.

The advice we’d like to share: resilience is key. Field your ‘work in progress’ out to friends and family members. Take on board suggestions and keep writing to hone your craft. You hold the key to your success and your hard work will be rewarded.

Understand Different Publishing Models

Whilst it is the dream of many authors to have their books traditionally published, advancement within the industry has now made publishing more accessible to upcoming authors.

Whether traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, it is important to research and understand the benefits of each model. Having a good understanding of which models you are open to ensures that you do not waste your time approaching publishers who are unable to offer you what you want.

Author Visibility

Promotion is one of the best things an author can do, even before they have been offered a publishing agreement. Building a fan base prior to submission means you can showcase your following to potential publishers.

Social media is a great and accessible way to do this. Participate in writing groups and build a network within the literary world.

And Finally... Stay Legal

As part of the submissions review stage, we look at the amount of work needed to go into your book. As well as the fun and creative considerations, we also look at the legal aspect.

Controversial writing can make for an interesting read, however, no publisher wants to chance a law suit. If your work is defamatory or crosses the line in any way, you may want to think about having the work solicited prior to submission.

To summarise, submitting an adult book for publishing demands thorough research - with an understanding of the industry proving extremely beneficial.

A prior grasp on the marketability of your genre and what each publisher can offer will help you streamline your approach and increase your chances of receiving an offer.

At times the submissions process is tough, and you may feel like giving up. Patience, perseverance and rewriting are part of the process, with many authors making numerous submissions before fulfilling their literary dreams!

Fiona, Commissioning Editor