May 14, 2010

Don’t you wish you could be a spy at a publishing house? You could eavesdrop as the “powers that be” make publishing decisions, accepting this manuscript but rejecting another one.

Wouldn’t you love an inside track so you can understand the process behind acquisitions at traditional publishing houses?

Now’s Your Chance

You can do that today! Several publishing houses have given us a glimpse of what goes on during their publication board meetings. I hope you’ll take time to read these “behind the scenes” descriptions.

Here’s what happens at Peachtree Publishers.

And a Little, Brown editor shares her view.

Author and editor Harold Underdown explains the acquisitions process so well!

Taking the Fear Out

Sometimes the best thing you can do as a new writer is to educate yourself about the publishing process. So get yourself a cup of coffee or bowl of popcorn, settle back, and devour these articles.

The process may sound complicated–even daunting–the first time you read about it. But knowledge is power–and knowing what goes on behind closed doors at publishing houses can only help you in your quest for a traditional publisher.

April 11, 2008

There’s a wealth of information (both in writing books and online) about querying, creating proposals, finding an agent, and selecting the “just right” editor. Using this information, you send a query or pre-submit a proposal at a conference and meet with an editor. You finally get that exciting “go ahead.” For weeks you write like crazy, half excited and half terrified, not wanting to mess up this great chance.

Finally the book is written. You print it out and package it. You proudly write “requested material” on the outside of the envelope, on both sides for good measure. You mail it off, pray for patience, and wait. And usually wait some more. What’s happening now? There is little written about this special “requested manuscript” trip through the publishing house. Today at Editorial Anonymous, the mystery is solved with “The Heroic Journey of the Requested Manuscript.” I found the article encouraging. I was glad to have it explained why even a requested manuscript takes months for a response. Thanks to the anonymous editor of this blog!