The act of submitting a manuscript is the bridge between being a "writer" and becoming a "published author." In the traditional publishing world, this process is highly formalised and varies significantly depending on whether you are working with an agent or going "unagented."
This guide explains how to prepare your submission package, how to find publishers that accept direct work, and what happens after you hit "send."
Step 1: Ensure the manuscript is "submission ready"
A common mistake is submitting too early. A publisher’s editor will decide within pages whether to continue reading. Your manuscript should have been through several rounds of self-editing and, ideally, reviewed by beta readers or a professional editor.
For fiction, the book must be 100% finished. For non-fiction, you submit a proposal and sample chapters, but you must be able to prove you can finish the rest.
Step 2: Identify your submission route
You have two main paths in traditional publishing:
- Agented Submission: You submit to an agent, who then submits to publishers on your behalf. This is the only way to reach major houses.
- Direct Submission: You submit directly to the editorial team at a publisher. This is common for small presses, academic publishers, and digital-first imprints.
If you want to bypass these gatekeepers entirely and go straight to readers, see how publishing works for the independent route.
Step 3: Research appropriate publishers
Do not "spray and pray." Look for publishers that have published books similar to yours in the last two years. Check their "About Us" page to see if they are a "traditional publisher" (they pay you) or a "service provider" (you pay them). Quill & Reed is an assisted self-publishing service; we don't have a submission/rejection process because you remain the publisher.
Step 4: Prepare the submission package
Most publishers and agents ask for the following standard trio:
The Query Letter
A one-page pitch that introduces the book and you. See what is a query letter? for a full breakdown.
The Synopsis
A one-page summary of the *entire* plot, including the ending. This is not a blurb; it is a technical document that shows the editor you have a functional story arc.
Sample Chapters
Usually the first three chapters or first 50 pages. They must be consecutive. Never skip to "the good bit" later in the book.
Special case: Non-fiction proposals
Non-fiction is rarely sold on a full manuscript. Instead, you need a "Book Proposal," which includes:
- Overview: The hook and why the book needs to exist now.
- Target Audience: Who will buy this and how many of them are there?
- Competition: 3–5 similar books and how yours is different.
- Author Bio: Your "platform" and authority to write the book.
- Chapter Outline: A paragraph summarising every chapter.
- Sample Chapters: 1–2 chapters to demonstrate your writing style.
Formatting and file standards
Unless stated otherwise, use "Standard Manuscript Format":
- File type: .doc or .docx (never PDF unless requested).
- Font: Times New Roman, 12pt, Black.
- Spacing: Double-spaced lines.
- Margins: 1-inch (2.54cm) all round.
- Text: Left-aligned (ragged right), not justified.
- Indents: First line of every paragraph indented (except the very first paragraph of a chapter).
The waiting game and rejections
Traditional publishing is slow. A response can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. A "no" is often a form letter; do not take it personally. A "yes" (or a request for a "Full Manuscript") is the start of a long acquisition process involving editorial boards and sales meetings.
Common mistakes
- Submitting to "closed" publishers. If a website says "We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts," they mean it. Your email will be ignored.
- Sending the full manuscript immediately. Only send what is requested. If they ask for 10 pages, don't send 300.
- Using "clever" formatting. Coloured fonts, unusual layouts, or embedded images (unless it’s a picture book) look amateurish and are hard to read.
- Pitching multiple books at once. Focus on your strongest, most finished work. Pitching a trilogy or five different ideas makes you look unfocused.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit to a publisher and an agent at the same time?
Yes, but be careful. If you sign with a publisher directly, an agent may be less likely to take you on for that specific book because there is no commission left for them to negotiate.
What is a "slush pile"?
This is the industry term for the stack of unsolicited manuscripts that arrive at a publishing house. Many larger publishers no longer have a slush pile, as they only accept agented work.
What should I do if a publisher asks for money?
Be very cautious. A traditional publisher pays you (via an advance or royalties). If they ask you to pay for "production," "marketing," or "stock," they are a hybrid or vanity press, not a traditional one.