So you're an aspiring writer, and you think you've got THE manuscript, the one every publisher is looking for. The one that will be an instant bestseller and make you millions.
You might even get a movie deal.
And, look, I don't want to discourage you, but I do like to deal in reality, and the reality is that most medium-sized publishers receive upwards of 5,000 book proposals a year. Considering many of these houses only publish 20-30 titles a year, that means the odds of being published are already small, statistically around 0.5%.
But it gets worse. You see, there's a metaphorical concept in publishing known as "the slush pile." It more or less means, "We've tossed your correspondence into the trash." It means you don't get considered, you don't get published, and you probably won't even hear back at all.
To better understand this, we need to go through the typical process of getting published. There are 5 steps:
1) Reading your proposal - This is a form most publishers require before they will even consider reading your cover letter. The form doesn't pique their interest? Slush pile.
2) Cover letter - Your chance to sell your yourself. If they don't like the cover letter? Slush pile.
3) Outline - Often, they prefer an outline long before they will request a manuscript. If they like the outline, they may either request the entire manuscript, or just the first 2-3 chapters. Otherwise...slush pile.
4) If they only want 2-3 chapters, then they have to read and approve those, and IF that works, they will request the rest of the manuscript. If not? Slush pile.
5) If, after reading the full manuscript, they decide you're a good fit, then they will offer a contract. Otherwise, slush pile.
So, before a publisher will even look at your manuscript, they will go through several steps, and with nearly 100 proposals coming in per week, you know they don't have time to read them all.
Hence the slush pile. They HAVE to weed out the undesirable - at least, from their business perspective - material so they can get to the material they actually want to consider. So, as someone aspiring to be an author, you need to set yourself up to avoid the slush pile. Let's see how we can do that.
Please note, even if you follow my advice, this isn't a guarantee. I'm not the publisher you're reaching out to, I'm not the one setting the standards for the company, and I'm not the one considering your manuscript. However, if you apply at least a couple of these principles, you'll improve your chances.
Step 1: Start Small
So the first thing to do is find a small publishing house that still fits the style and genre of your book. Why? Because the small houses receive fewer manuscripts than the larger ones. Remember, even the smaller ones can still see 100 a week, but the larger ones can see thousands a week. Thousands. Increase your chances of being seen by tenfold...or more.
Think about it like this: pretend you've just graduated from college with a business degree. The first job post you're going to apply for will be CEO of Tesla, right? No, of course not. You're not going to graduate and get the highest position at a large company right out of the gate. Well, you're not going to write your first book and get the best publishing deal with the largest house. Of course you could - it's certainly possible - but very, very unlikely. So start small and increase your chance of being seen.
Step 2: Pay Attention
So you've increased your chances of having the email opened. Now what? Now, you need to get your submission form past the person whom I like to call The Slush Pile Intern (SPI). The easiest way to do that? Pay attention. Make sure every blank is filled in, there are no typos, and you actually answer the questions the publisher is asking. If they ask you for a word count, don't give them a page count. If they want a 250-word summary of your book, don't hand them an 800-word summary. Make sure it's polished, professional, and can demonstrate that you know how to read and follow directions. SPIs pay attention to this, and it's one of the key factors they use when determining whether or not to continue with your material.
Step 3: Don't Oversell Your Book
You're not all that. Sorry to break it to you, but you aren't. I'm not saying you're an awful person - you probably aren't. I'm not even saying your book is awful - it could very well be the next bestseller. But if you start your letter with, "This is the best book you'll ever read!", they'll throw that letter away without a second thought. Why? Because it's probably untrue. Your book could be awesome, but that's not up to you to decide. It's their decision, and they don't want you telling them what they're supposed to like or dislike.
Besides, statistically speaking, it probably isn't the best they'll ever read. The Bodleian Library in Oxford has over 13 million manuscripts, The Library of Congress in the U.S. has over 164 million,
with roughly 2.2 million new titles being published annually. The odds simply aren't in your favor.
And that's okay. They don't want the best book ever; they want a great book that they believe will fit in with their catalogue and sell well. So what do you include?
Tell them about the book, not just what happens in it. Tell them what inspired you to write it. Tell them why you chose them. You don't want to convince them your book is good - you want to convince them to check the book out and see for themselves. Remember, the whole point of this stage is to get them interested in you, and the best way to do that is to pique their interest. Let your manuscript sell itself.
Step 4: Don't Give Up
Lastly, don't give up. You'll face rejection, I promise. Just remember this when you face a rejection: you're in good company.
J.K Rowling was rejected by a dozen publishers before finding an agent. David Baldacci was once called "talentless" by an agent, and renowned author Stephen King had his first manuscript, Carrie, rejected by nearly 30 publishers.
Rejection is a common experience for many writers, but it should not be seen as a roadblock. Instead, it should be viewed as a stepping stone towards success. Every rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. By receiving feedback from publishers or editors, you can refine your work and improve your craft. It is important to remember that rejection is not necessarily a reflection of your worth as a writer, but rather a part of the journey towards achieving your goals.
You'll be rejected, and it's okay. Keep going. Keep trying. Do not give up.
Failure is only failure if you let it defeat you.
Final Thoughts
Success is a multifaceted concept, influenced by various factors beyond our immediate control. While I cannot promise you a foolproof recipe for success, by adhering to these fundamental principles, you will no doubt increase your chances of steering clear of the dreaded slush pile.
Remember, success is often a combination of preparation, perseverance, and a touch of luck. By embracing these principles and consistently applying them to your endeavors, you are positioning yourself for growth and advancement. While the outcome may not be guaranteed, the journey itself is invaluable, filled with opportunities for learning and self-improvement. So, stay focused and determined, and you will eventually avoid that slush pile.
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