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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3195-.html
For Authors: August 05, 2009 Issue [#3195]

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For Authors


 This week:
  Edited by: Vivian Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

         As I visited on scroll, trying to find a topic for this issue of the For Authors Newsletter, some conversation caused me to think about the way some authors act and react when it comes to publishers and editors. So I decided to give some etiquette tips for submitters.

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Letter from the editor


Submission Etiquette


         Authors used to be half afraid of editors and publishers, but apparently most aren’t any more. Some authors don’t seem even to have good manners when it comes to dealing with publishers and/or editors. In fact some are rude and arrogant.

         Let’s look at some submission etiquette.

1. Follow the guidelines for submissions for the publication exactly. Don’t assume that you know better or that you can “do your own thing,” and your submission will be accepted because you’re such a wonderful writer.

2. Be sure your submission is well-written with few mechanical, grammar, or spelling errors and shows rather than tells. Publishers are not interested doing major editing jobs on manuscripts. Have your manuscript edited by a professional who knows and understands what is wanted by publishers, not who just knows grammar.

3. Give the editor or publisher time to consider your submission. A good way to upset the person making the decision as to whether to accept your work or not is to become a nuisance.

4. Don’t assume that the publisher or editor will automatically remember your name or the title of your work. Many names and titles cross the desk or computer of an editor every day.

5. If your work is rejected, don’t continue to demand reasons from the editor rejecting it. It is not his/her job to give you an edit job or to give reasons for the rejection. If a publisher is nice enough to give a few suggestions so you can improve your work, don’t keep asking for more.

6. If you are given the option of revising your manuscript and re-submitting, count your blessings and do it. Not every publisher gives another opportunity.

7. Nothing obligates a publisher to accept your work. With more submissions than open slots in a publisher’s schedule, the publisher has the right to accept the manuscripts that “fit,” and to reject those that are not acceptable.

8. Don’t continue to call or email an editor or publisher unless your work has been accepted and that editor is assigned to you.

9. Throwing a fit or calling editors or publishers names does not endear you to anyone and makes acceptance less likely – acceptance by other publishers, too. Word does spread.

10. If your manuscript is accepted, then work with your editor or editors. You become a team, and if you cooperate, your book will benefit. Be uncooperative, and you may be without a contract and not well liked. Again, word does spread.

11. You don’t have to become a “slave” to an editor or publisher, but you need to realize who controls whether your manuscript becomes a published work or not. Good manners are always a good decision. If you are respectful under all circumstances, you are more likely to be treated respectfully.

         Those ideas are just a few tips for good etiquette concerning submissions, but they will help provide a better relationship and allow publishers and editors to have kind thoughts about writers.


Editor's Picks

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Ask & Answer

Words from Our Readers


Puppycat Author IconMail Icon
         This is great - a keeper. Thanks so much.

         I'm glad you found it helpful.

kristay
         I love how you said that your editor is not your enemy. A few months ago I had a few friends read the first two chapters of my book (the first time I had let another living soul read it). They had a lot to say, nearly all of it things that I didn’t want to hear. Some of the things they didn’t like where things that I had (some what) intentionally done. Then after resisting changing the beginning (they said it was too abrupt) I finally decided to bit the bullet and change it. Now, it’s one of my favorite parts of the book! I'm glad that I listened to them and now I am much more open to helpful criticism.

         Often the editor who is the toughest is the one who helps me the most, even if I don't think so at first.


emerin-liseli Author IconMail Icon
         Thanks for featuring my article Laugh! Great newsletter!!
                              Cheers,
                              Em

         You're welcome, and I'm glad you liked the newsletter.


Thank you for joining me this issue. Hope you're back again next month.

Viv

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