The Submission Process: One Author’s Perspective
Posted By Becke Martin Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 12:01 am In Craft of Writing,Pitch/Query/Synopsis | 50 Comments
Today author BETH KERY [2], who also writes as BETHANY KANE, shares her perspective on the submission process. Beth is giving away copies of ADDICTED TO YOU by Bethany Kane and LIAM’S PERFECT WOMAN by Beth Kery. Post a comment to be included in the prize drawing! (Please note that ADDICTED TO YOU is for adults!)
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I was recently over at the Harlequin blog, giving advice via an interactive loop about the submission process. When Becke Martin Davis asked me to blog for the first time at Romance University, I was very excited to hear about this blog. I also thought it might be a good chance to get my thoughts down in a cohesive article. Keep in mind, however, this is just the ramblings of one author. I’m sure there are plenty of valuable opinions on this crucial process. Here’s mine on a few highlights, for what it’s worth.
To start off, I have a shameful admission to make in regard to submitting a manuscript for the first time. More than a dozen years ago, I submitted to Harlequin. After an excruciating wait, I received a call—yes a call—from an editor, requesting a full manuscript. After another painful wait, I received a rejection.
This was my first experience with a book rejection, and I had no way of knowing it was a ‘good’ rejection, with pages and pages of suggested changes and critiques from the editor.
Yes, there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ rejections.
I didn’t belong to a writer group at the time, or online communities. I felt defeated and—here’s the kicker—threw away the manuscript.
Oy. It makes me cringe to think of it. I didn’t submit again for almost ten years, thankfully more successfully.
Manage your self-esteem and expectations.
The point of that little story relates to my first suggestion in regard to submission—a psychological one versus a practical one. Never give up. If you truly love to write, and want to be a published author, stay with it. This business can clobber an author’s self-esteem at times. Writers need to insulate themselves with writing groups like local RWA chapters or online groups. These groups not only provide valuable information in regard to the writing world, they help to keep your pride intact in a business that can be soul-scarring, if we let it.
When does the submission process begin?
For me, the submission process begins even before the first word is written on the page. Do your homework, check out agent and publisher specifications, and read multiple books in the line. Don’t think of this as curbing your unique storytelling talents. You know what you want to write. Now make sure you research the type of agents, editors and publishers who represent or buy that type of book.
Do you want to write this book for creative enjoyment?
Do you want to write a book for fun, creative outlet, or to challenge yourself? Or do you want to sell it? All answers are great. Ideally, you’ll want to enjoy yourself and get paid. One problem I hear from new writers, however, is that they focus solely on goal one, and then try to squeeze their finished book into the specifications for goal two. A sale might occur that way, but you will improve your chances for publication if you attend to both goals from the onset.
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Should you get an agent before submitting?
This, of course, is a personal choice, and one that should be fully researched. There are a few New York publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts, but be warned, your wait time will likely be longer than that of an agented writer. Most of the traditional publishers do require an agent. You can find submission guidelines for each publisher online. If you plan to write for a small publisher or an ebook publisher, chances are you won’t need an agent, although some writers would recommend having a lawyer examine the contract.
There are many positives to having an agent. Your agent has a long-term, familiar working arrangement with editors. She’ll promote your work, and it’s possible you might get a book contract without ever submitting. There is no guarantee for this, of course, but you have a much better chance of it happening with an agent.
Agents also represent you in ways that you might not think of initially. They negotiate your contract in a knowledgeable manner. They can increase your writer income with savvy treatment of issues like international sales.
Confused about the issue? If you know any writers, contact them and ask their opinion. Try to get feedback from both unagented and agented writers.
The dreaded synopsis
This is a popular topic when a writer first submits. We all dread having to encapsulate our story into two pages. It feels forced and contrived and we’re sure it’s all wrong.
Let me assure you, first off, that all writers feel that way. (Okay, there are probably a handful of synopses whiz-kids out there, but we’ll just assume they are as rare as geniuses).
I am one of the masses. I dread writing a synopsis. Having written my fair share at this point, here is my only advice.
One: If you use a writing technique, like the Snowflake Method [5],
for instance, your synopsis is generated before you ever write Chapter One. I admit, I don’t always use this method, but I’ve used it frequently, and I do wish I’d known about it years ago. Writing books also have chapters on synopsis writing, so if you feel like investing, that’d be a good way to go.
Two: Get yourself really excited about your story. I mean, you do love it, right? Now imagine sitting and telling your girlfriend about it while your chatting over coffee. You’re not going to go on and on and on about every detail. Hit the significant characters’ relevant traits, plot high points, the major conflict, and resolution. Why do you love this romance? It doesn’t have to be completely unique and ‘wow’ but you DO have to believe in it, for some reason.
Be your book’s number one fan. Get yourself in a mood to write the synopsis. Your genuine animation and excitement for the story will shine through.
Writers Need Extra Eyes
Not on our face, on our manuscript!
I know you know it already, but don’t submit your baby to an editor without having several people read and proofread it.
I know you know this already, too. This business is very competitive. Don’t cancel your chance to be read and enjoyed with multiple typos and content problems.
Having said all of the above, I should also say, I love being a writer. Every whine, backache and hair bunches in my fist has been worth it.
If you’re reading this, chances are you already are a writer or aspire to be one. Please feel free to add comments or ask questions to enrich the article. As I said, I wanted to hit a few highlights that have been relevant to my submission experience.
Last but not least, if you are about to submit somewhere, good luck! Be excited about your story, be meticulous, and most of all—don’t give up.
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What is the most difficult part of the submission process for you? How to you prepare to submit your story?(Anything from researching agents and editors, to bracing yourself with a stiff drink before you hit “send”!)
On Monday, author DAMON SUEDE discusses the evolution of romance through the mad science of sub-genres.
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Bio:
Beth Kery loves romance, and the more emotionally laden and sexy the romance the better. She is a national bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books and short stories. She also writes under the pen name Bethany Kane. Find out about Beth and her books at www.bethkery.com, at Twitter [7], Facebook [8], or chat with Beth at her Yahoo reader group [9].
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[2] BETH KERY: http://www.bethkery.com/
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[9] Yahoo reader group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotalExposure/
[10] Weekly Lecture Schedule for September 12-16, 2011: http://romanceuniversity.org/2011/09/09/weekly-lecture-schedule-for-september-12-16-2011/
[11] Our Friday Winners Are…: http://romanceuniversity.org/2011/09/17/our-friday-winners-are/
[12] Ask an Editor with Theresa Stevens: http://romanceuniversity.org/2011/06/24/theresa-stevens/
[13] How to Survive and Thrive in the Publishing House Slush Pile with Shelly Ellis: http://romanceuniversity.org/2013/04/17/how-to-survive-and-thrive-in-the-publishing-house-slush-pile-with-shelly-ellis/
[14] Top 3 Submission Errors and How Authors Can Fix ‘em: http://romanceuniversity.org/2009/10/30/top-3-submission-errors-and-how-authors-can-fix-em/
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50 Comments To "The Submission Process: One Author’s Perspective"
#1 Comment By Viviane Brentanos On September 16, 2011 @ 12:46 am
Loved the article. I am a rare breed. I love the submission process and, over the years have learned not to take criticism personally. The way I see it, we all have different tastes. I have read books others have raved about and hated them. For me, the most important thing is that I love my stories. I believe in them. This doesn’t mean I am arrogant enough to believe there is no room for improvement but I always say to those who ask for my humble opinion, it is important to stick to your voice and write with passion. Somewhere down the line, you may be fortunate enough to find an agent of publisher who shares your vision.
Viviane
#2 Comment By Tracey Devlyn On September 16, 2011 @ 4:48 am
Hi Beth,
Thanks for joining us at RU!
When I was submitting, I relied heavily on RWA’s list of agents and publishers. The list provides a detailed breakdown of each agency/publisher, including what they’re looking for and how to submit.
You can also get a “sense” of the agent by the way the description is written. Sometimes you hear a bit of their humor and sometimes you can see the wall they’ve built around them–all from the way they have worded their description.
Tracey
#3 Comment By Carrie Spencer On September 16, 2011 @ 7:07 am
Morning Beth!
The submission process is a terrifying one I think – but mainly because (to me anyway) it takes SO LONG to hear back! You’ve tossed your efforts out there, and then wait 4-6 months for a reply. That’s a looooong time! I can submit submit submit, but I really need to work on my lack-of-patience problem…lol
Thanks for posting with us today!
=)
carrie
#4 Comment By Cia On September 16, 2011 @ 7:17 am
Hi Beth,
Your first point- Manage your self-esteem and expectations – really resonated.
Some time ago, I was telling an online writing buddy about a ms that was rejected in a contest, when I realised I’d written “I was rejected”.
It gave me pause, that “I”. I changed it to “my story”, but that automatic “I” reminded me of the need to see rejections as rejection of a particular manuscript, not of self, to avoid descending into the doldrums.
No easy task, but so important to maintaining our self esteem and to keep putting our work out there.
Thanks for your thoughts, Beth.
#5 Comment By Adrienne Giordano On September 16, 2011 @ 7:42 am
Hi Beth. Welcome to RU! When I first started querying agents, I would Google the ones I was interested in. I used to search for interviews they had done and found that to be very helpful.
I think the hardest part of the submission process is the waiting. I’d do my querying in batches and then work on something new. Doing it in batches helped me compartmentalize all that angst! LOL.
#6 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 7:51 am
Hi Beth – Thanks so much for a great blog!
I don’t know which is more terrifying – getting everything ready for submission, or waiting to hear back. The whole process is nerve-wracking!
When I first started submitting, I sent those stories out all over the place. I’ve been gradually whittling down the list of publishers and agents I’m targeting, so when this story is finally ready to submit I’ll initially only send it out to five or six people.
The frustrating thing, as Adrienne mentioned, is the waiting – especially when you NEVER hear back. I have friends who have been waiting more than two years to hear back!
#7 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 7:53 am
Vivianne – You are definitely a rare breed! I think I get a few more white hairs every time I put together a submission package and hit “send!”
#8 Comment By Mary Jo Burke On September 16, 2011 @ 7:54 am
Hi Beth,
I see a trend about hating waiting. Me too. Also a super thick skin is needed. Not only for rejection, but pushing through to write again.
Mary Jo
#9 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 7:56 am
Another handy source is Publisher’s Lunch/Publisher’s Marketplace. You can search editors and agents there to see the types of books they’ve been selling, and who they’ve been selling them to. There’s a monthly subscription fee, but I definitely think it’s worth the cost to keep up with all the news.
Preditors and Editors is a good place to check out agents and publishers you aren’t familiar with.
#10 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 7:58 am
Carrie – I can relate! I gave up on a couple people I submitted to, figuring my query fell between the cracks. It’s weird, but I think it’s easier to live with a “no” than not hearing back at all. Hope is insidious!
#11 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 8:02 am
Wow, Cia – that is a GREAT point! I think we all tend to take rejections personally, when it only means that particular editor or agent doesn’t think that particular WIP is right for them. It could be it’s just not something they believe they can sell, while someone else might snap it up.
And if the problem is with the story – well, stories are fixable. A rejection isn’t a sign of failure, it’s just part of the process.
#12 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 8:04 am
Adrienne – That’s a REALLY good idea! I Googled the agent who has asked me to send my story as soon as it’s ready to go. I’m really glad I did, because it turns out she has some very specific likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to the synopsis. I made a separate file listing her preferences so I don’t forget!
#13 Comment By Becke Davis (Becke Martin) On September 16, 2011 @ 8:05 am
Mary Jo – You’re so right! Entering contests helped me develop a thick skin. Editor and agent rejections are nothing compared to some judge’s comments!
#14 Comment By Robin Covington On September 16, 2011 @ 8:12 am
Beth – Welcome!
First, I have to tell you that I love you. Anyone who calls me a genius is my favorite person. I love writing synopses, I enjoy the process of boiling it all down to two or three pages – for me it is fun – and a nice break from having to wring emotion out of every glance and nuance. Top-level feels good after a while.
I am so glad that I found GIAM, my local chapter, and the eHarlequin community when I started the whole submission process.They keep me grounded, focused, supported and inspired. The pursuit of putting a story on the page is solitary but the rest requires a support group if you want to persevere.
I have two CP’s and several folks who volunteer as a beta reader as time permits and I would never submit anything without them looking it over. And then the waiting begins . . . . .
I also have a confession – I’m a contest slut. I submit to contests not only for the feedback but when I get a good comment or evena final or win they keep me going. it’s a nice way to pump myself up every now and again.
Off to keep waiting . . . and writing.
Robin
#15 Comment By Robin Covington On September 16, 2011 @ 8:15 am
Cia – great insight. And, I’ve got your back, you know! When you need a self esteem boost – just get me on the line.
Robin
#16 Comment By Kelsey Browning On September 16, 2011 @ 9:03 am
Becke -
Great point. Lots of folks are so busy now, they want you to assume no response means “No!” But what about those times when things slip through the cracks? And what about person to person courtesy. Yes, I know agents and publishers are busy, but that writer spent months, if not years, crafting that story!
Kels
#17 Comment By Kelsey Browning On September 16, 2011 @ 9:06 am
Hi, Beth -
Thanks so much for joining us!
Do you have any sense that the submission process or wait times are going to change based on the rapid advance of e-pubbing and self-pubbing in the industry?
Your point of learning to keep your chin up is a good one. Any suggestions for how to drag yourself back up after a particularly painful rejection?
Thanks so much!
Kelsey
#18 Comment By Kelsey Browning On September 16, 2011 @ 9:07 am
Excellent point, Cia. Big, big difference between YOU being rejected and your story being rejected!
Kels
#19 Comment By PatriciaW On September 16, 2011 @ 10:28 am
Hi Beth! I was over on the Harlequin loop. Your advice, there and here, is both cohesive and helpful. I’m not ready to submit yet, but I’m soaking it all up.
#20 Comment By Sonali Mayadev Thatte On September 16, 2011 @ 12:41 pm
I just sent out five queries before sauntering on to RU for a little break. And YIKES!
No matter how many times I hear this, it’s never enough, so thanks.
Chanting to myself: thick skin. keep going. hit send. repeat.
Sonali
#21 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 1:04 pm
Patricia – I’m not ready to submit yet, either, but my list of bookmarked blogs/articles on the submission process is growing daily!
#22 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 1:05 pm
Good luck with the submissions, Sonali! Be sure to let us know when you get your good news!
#23 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 1:06 pm
Kelsey – I think the best remedy for a painful rejection is a girls’ night with other writers who understand.
Need I say “been there, done that?”
#24 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
Robin – Judging by your contest results, it won’t be long before you sell! Good luck with your submissions!
#25 Comment By Sonali Mayadev Thatte On September 16, 2011 @ 1:14 pm
Thanks, Becke!
Gagging me with socks might be required to stop me
#26 Comment By Cia On September 16, 2011 @ 1:19 pm
Right back at you, Robin.
Cia
#27 Comment By Larissa Hoffman On September 16, 2011 @ 2:35 pm
Great post. I’m starting the submission process for the first time and your post gave me some much-needed strength!
#28 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 2:40 pm
Good luck, Larissa!
#29 Comment By Jennifer Tanner On September 16, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
Hi Beth…
I’m an advocate of writing the outline followed by the synopsis before jumping into the actual writing. The plot may not follow the outline or synopsis, but the organic conflict remains the same.
Submitting reminds me of those days after college when I used to send out five resumes a week.
#30 Comment By Adrienne Giordano On September 16, 2011 @ 4:12 pm
Hi all. This has been a great conversation today. What’s interesting to me about rejections is that I don’t think they ever go away. Even contracted authors run the risk of having a story idea rejected by their publisher, so I guess we all need to learn how to deal with it! LOL.
As usual, a fun day here at RU. We have such terrific readers.
#31 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:01 pm
Good for you! You are 100% right. Belief in your stories is the most important thing.
#32 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:02 pm
Great tips Tracey and Becke!
#33 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
It feels like an eternity. And yes…how do you know your ms didn’t end up in the shredder at the post office?
It’s a rough one. The only advice I have is to keep busy making more product to sell. If it extends too long, you can send a polite query.
#34 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:06 pm
Excellent point, Cia. Right on the mark.
#35 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
Adrienne–excellent advice. You can get such valuable information that way about agents and editors.
#36 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:09 pm
I agree, Mary Jo, but for me, the jumping to the next project helps me to refocus. I slowly start to get excited about another story, and it lessens the anxiety about the other project for me.
It’s tough, though. Waiting is always a challenge.
#37 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:10 pm
I love that, Robin! Good for you. I imagined I’d meet a genius if I put that out there.
Best of luck!
#38 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
Hi Kelsey,
It used to be that the wait times were shorter for e-pubs, but that is changing with the increase of popularity. Wait times at my e-pub can be just as long as a NY pub at this point, both for initial acceptance and editing.
As for self-pub, I don’t know for sure. Perhaps as good independent editors become more in demand, that will increase as well. Now, I’m assuming it’s a shorter turn around, as the author has more control in the process.
#39 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:13 pm
Hi Patricia! Some day, you will be.
Everything has it’s time.
#40 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:14 pm
Good luck, Larissa!
#41 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:15 pm
Jennifer–yes, that is a good way to go. It all flows more naturally that way.
#42 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
Hi Adrienne,
I agree. It never stops. It’s best just to consider “rejection” as part of the process.
You’ve got to go out of your safe boundaries in order to play in this game.
#43 Comment By Beth Kery On September 16, 2011 @ 7:20 pm
Thanks to Becke and everyone here for having me at Romance University. What a nice bunch of people.
#44 Comment By Shadow On September 16, 2011 @ 8:55 pm
Wonderful post! Lots of cool and interesting things.
I love your books Beth. (my mom does too!) Thanks for sharing and for the awesome giveaway!!
shadowluvs2read(at)aol(dot)com
#45 Comment By Becke Martin/Davis On September 16, 2011 @ 11:04 pm
Beth – Do you start to plan out your next story before you’ve submitted your current one? I’d love to hear about your writing process!
#46 Comment By BeckeMartinDavis On September 16, 2011 @ 11:57 pm
Thanks for joining us, Shadow! I love Beth’s books, too!
#47 Comment By BeckeMartinDavis On September 16, 2011 @ 11:58 pm
Beth – Thank you so much for a great blog, and for visiting with us. It’s been a fun day!
And best of luck to everyone with their submissions!
#48 Comment By BeckeMartinDavis On September 17, 2011 @ 12:11 am
Congratulations to the winners of our prize drawing, PATRICIAW and CIA!
#49 Comment By Beth Kery On September 17, 2011 @ 6:27 pm
Love that mantra. Good for you, Sonali! (I really mean that).
#50 Comment By Beth Kery On September 17, 2011 @ 6:28 pm
Aw, thanks to you and Shadow Mom.
Hug