It probably comes as no surprise that as a publisher, we receive several submissions every week from eager authors who can’t wait to see their manuscripts in print. Authors often come to us impatient to publish, after having devoted weeks, months, or years to actually writing their stories. They want to move quickly to publication—sometimes without an edit, which they may be more inclined to view as unnecessary if their friends or colleagues have already read their book and given it rave reviews. Not having been through the publication process before, in the beginning, they often focus on the speed of production more than they do on the quality of the final product.
But let me also address a different kind of waiting that is even more important than being patient with the publication process—waiting for the right moment to initiate that process by submitting your work. Although becoming a published author is without question a significant achievement, it’s important for a writer to be professionally ready to publish. Authors can often be tempted to construct a dreamy, almost quixotic vision of themselves as a successful author, expecting their book will reach tens of thousands of readers and they will spend long summers at the beach sipping cool drinks, living on the royalties. In their hurry to achieve this dream through publication, they ultimately submit their work before their manuscript is actually sufficiently polished and ready for submission, and without having created a marketing plan—a road map for how they will contribute to actually making their book sell! In other words, they aren’t ready.
Before aspiring authors rush to submit their work, it’s important they sharpen and hone their craft over time, through practice and study, journaling, blogging, or working with a responsive writing group who will tell them the truth about their work—rather than friends or family who might be inclined to offer nothing but accolades. This process can amount to years of devoted, focused work before a book ever hits a publisher’s inbox. Equally important is taking the time to understand the ins and outs of the industry, the obstacles you may face in selling your book in a saturated market, and how you can overcome these obstacles.
As a publisher, Brandylane absolutely encourages writers to send us their work. But because we want to help drive our authors’ success, we suggest taking this step only after a year of daily hard work and preparation. Then, after authors have researched, studied, and gained a fuller picture of the industry, they will be better prepared to send us their priceless manuscripts.
written by Robert Pruett, publisher
But let me also address a different kind of waiting that is even more important than being patient with the publication process—waiting for the right moment to initiate that process by submitting your work. Although becoming a published author is without question a significant achievement, it’s important for a writer to be professionally ready to publish. Authors can often be tempted to construct a dreamy, almost quixotic vision of themselves as a successful author, expecting their book will reach tens of thousands of readers and they will spend long summers at the beach sipping cool drinks, living on the royalties. In their hurry to achieve this dream through publication, they ultimately submit their work before their manuscript is actually sufficiently polished and ready for submission, and without having created a marketing plan—a road map for how they will contribute to actually making their book sell! In other words, they aren’t ready.
Before aspiring authors rush to submit their work, it’s important they sharpen and hone their craft over time, through practice and study, journaling, blogging, or working with a responsive writing group who will tell them the truth about their work—rather than friends or family who might be inclined to offer nothing but accolades. This process can amount to years of devoted, focused work before a book ever hits a publisher’s inbox. Equally important is taking the time to understand the ins and outs of the industry, the obstacles you may face in selling your book in a saturated market, and how you can overcome these obstacles.
As a publisher, Brandylane absolutely encourages writers to send us their work. But because we want to help drive our authors’ success, we suggest taking this step only after a year of daily hard work and preparation. Then, after authors have researched, studied, and gained a fuller picture of the industry, they will be better prepared to send us their priceless manuscripts.
written by Robert Pruett, publisher
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