Archive for General FAQs - 2/4 - Austin SCBWI

Okay, I researched and networked and sent out my manuscript. All I’m getting back, if anything, are form rejections. What’s wrong?

February 27, 2009 in FAQs, General FAQs

Most manuscripts are first reviewed by a reader, who is usually an associate editor. If he/she doesn’t see any promise in your manuscript for their publishing needs, she will return it with a form rejection letter which usually says something along the lines of, “Not right for our list.” Don’t be discouraged if you’ve done your homework. Keep sending it. If you get several rejections, see this FAQ. Also, don’t worry about copyrighting your unpublished work. The law is on your side, and legitimate editors do not steal manuscripts. Besides, you cannot copyright an idea, only your version of that idea. There are no original stories, only original ways to present them.

A publisher wants to publish my book, but they want me to pay for some of the expenses.

in FAQs, General FAQs

These are called vanity publishers and they are to be avoided. Though they might tell you they will put up 50% of the costs, their “costs” are grossly over-inflated. You are better off publishing the book yourself. You can find excellent resources about how to begin this process, how much it will cost, etc. at the library or bookstore. Two helpful books are THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING by Tom and Marilyn Ross (Writer’s Digest Books) and THE SELF PUBLISHING MANUAL by Dan Poynter (Para Publishing). Also check out websites on self-publishing such as Self Publishing Resources.

An editor wrote that she saw promise in my manuscript but wanted it revised. I think it’s perfect the way it is. What should I do?

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“Revision is like wrestling with a demon, for almost anyone can write; but only writers know how to rewrite. It is this ability alone that turns the amateur into a professional.” — William Knott

Unless her comments are so far from your vision and you can’t see how you could possibly rework the manuscript the way she suggests, then take her comments to heart and get to work. Then, send it back to her and remind her that she has read it before.

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