BOOK SUBMISSION ERRORS

Authors need to show more consideration to their peers. It is incumbent upon authors to read publisher's web sites prior to submission. We have had several cases where the author has sent in the first three chapters, as required, then the whole ms, as we requested. We like the book and offer a contract. Then the author reviews our website and decides, perhaps, that our publishing parameters are not what they expected (being, like the vast majority of both large and small presses, print-on-demand, for example, or "oh, I want this published in hardcover" as opposed to paperback).

In the first place, authors need to keep informed as to what is happening in the industry. Almost all publishers, in some form, are using print-on-demand technology. Very, very few "warehouse" books in this day and age.

Secondly, and most important to us, a lot of time is spent reading and carefully reviewing each manuscript submitted to us. The time spent on submissions from authors who have not reviewed the website, contract, et cetera, is time taken away from other authors who know what we do and how we do it.

Bottom line, authors, regardless of where you submit your ms, please read the material on the web site. It is there for a purpose.

MORE AUTHOR MISTAKES AND SOME ADVICE

As an author, I understand that once a your book is complete, you want to send it to a lot of publishers-that is only natural. The hope is that publishing offers will come pouring in and you will then sit back and choose the best. Now back to reality. For most first-time authors, this is not the case. You discover that the big publishers won't even look at your ms and the rejections flow in. Time to re-think. You begin to look for small publishers. Still many rejections, but a few want to see the entire ms. You actually get the offer of a contract and you are elated. However, you think there may still be a better offer coming in your next email so you tell the publisher that offered the contract, "I'll get back to you in a few weeks." You then get an email saying, the offer is rescinded.

What happened? Please keep in mind that publishers understand that most authors send their ms to multiple publishers. However, if you are offered a contract, and then tell them they will have to wait for an answer, you are telling them that they are not your first choice and you want to see if anything better comes in. The publisher that offered the contract has read your query, read your sample chapters and synopsis, asked for and took the time to read the entire book. After spending valuable ours in this review process, you then try to tell them that you want to wait. This just does not work.

At ATTMP we have lots of submissions that need reviewing and many books in various stages of the publishing process. If we have taken the time to offer a contract and then are told to wait to see if you get a better offer, your book will hit the rejection pile.

Some advice. If you are waiting for a specific publisher, do not mass submit your book to others. Wait until you hear from your first choice. To tell a publisher that they are the second, third or even fourth choice and to tell them to wait a few weeks for your decision shows lack of respect for the effort that goes into bringing your book to the contract offer stage. As we tell all future authors, read our web site so you have a full understanding of what ATTMP is all about. When we receive a submission, we assume that you want us to publish your book because you like what you see.

HOW NOT TO IMPRESS A PUBLISHER

Based upon a query, we asked an author for the complete manuscript. Here is the response.

"I had recently been in contact with another publisher that I agreed to send my manuscript to. I would like to see how that pans out. All Things That Matter Press was one of only a handful of publishers that I have queried because I was very impressed with your company and thought that my novel may be a good fit. No publisher has seen the full manuscript yet, and I would like to put you second on my list if that's ok.
Thankyou"

The above is copied and pasted. Our response was a big NO THANK YOU! Good luck! Can anyone think of a better way in which the author may have responded?

I DO NOT WANT MY BOOK PUBLISHED

Sometimes we get submissions where the author seems to be telling us, "I do not want my book published." Either they could not understand our simple submission requirements or they just ignored them.

Here are some real examples that scream, "Do not Publish My Book!"

1) There is nothing in the body of the email query-just attachments. Would you even open an email like that?

2) The submission is in the email.

3) Submissions are sent as pdf's. We require a word doc. or rtf.

4) The query has no synopsis, word count, or any descriptive information about the book.

5) We actually had a query that told us to "please publish my book, no one else will."

6) We have had authors that say we look like a good publisher, but could you change your contract? This is even before we have a submission.

7) The query asks many questions that are clearly answered on our web site.

8) We have received submissions that say that the book is not complete but will we publish it when done? Our requirements clearly state that the ms must be complete.

9)The query is filled with typos. Does that raise a red flag?

10) Dear Agent or Publisher. They have not even to take the time to send to us directly.

11) A simple spelling/grammar check reveals many errors on the first page of the submission, never mind the ones in the email.

12) We have received submissions that have said, "here is the ms, but I am thinking of making a lot of revisions."

Authors must recognize that publishers receive many manuscripts, are busy reviewing, editing and publishing,marketing,as well as working with authors whose books are in the process of publication. Most small presses do not mind answering questions and making clarifications. However, when the questions asked are clearly answered on the web site, the author is not making a great impression. We implore all authors to READ THE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Publishers do not load their web sites with useless information. It would behoove authors to review the entire publisher site PRIOR to submission. We have received may great submissions from many great writers. If your work is good, do not have it rejected because you failed to follow some simple steps!