If
you’re nervous about signing up for an appointment with an editor, you’re
in good company. Most writers find that their hands get sweaty and their
hearts begin to pound at the thought of meeting an editor face-to-face.
But as with anything else, it gets easier through the doing—and through
going into the experience prepared to "put your best foot forward." How?
1. Do your homework. Find out as much as you can about the editorial needs
of the magazine or publishing house before the conference by clicking on
Faculty and then the link to the agents, book
editors, or magazine editors as well as visiting
their Web site and requesting their guidelines if they are not posted on
their Web site. It is also wise to request a sample copy of the magazine
(or a book catalog). Be sure to enclose a SASE (self-addressed stamped
envelope) and sufficient postage as noted in Sally Stuart’s Christian
Writers’ Market Guide. Carefully study the material you receive.
2. Bring a manuscript targeted to his readership and editorial
needs—not to what you think his needs should be. It’s very unwise to tell
an editor, "God told me to write this and to submit it to you." Yes, God
does speak to us, but He may not have spoken the same thing to the editor.
A "God told me" attitude or hard-sell approach is not going to help
you make a positive impression.
3. Make sure your work looks professional. Use a Courier, Times, or a
Roman font in at least 12 or 13 points. Double space your manuscript and
leave at least a 1" margin on all sides. Bring a SASE in case the editor
wants to take the manuscript with him. Always keep a copy for your files.
If you are presenting a book manuscript, in addition to a OneSheet (click
here for a sample), we recommend you bring a complete proposal and the
first two or three chapters.
4. Editors are speed readers but don’t expect them
to read your entire manuscript. They can often tell from the first
paragraph whether or not it’s for them. If they aren’t interested in what
you’ve brought, that doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in another idea
you may have. Talk to them. Get to know them. They really won’t bite.
5. Be considerate. We’re packing a lot into these three days and are
running on a tight schedule. Please don’t cut into another writer’s
appointment time by taking more time than has been scheduled for you. And
please be understanding of our need to schedule appointments during
workshops. There is just no other time available. You do not, however,
need to miss an entire workshop to keep your appointment. Feel free to get
to workshops late or to leave during them and to return. And remember the
conference is being taped!
6. Relax. The editors at this conference also love the Lord and are
seeking to serve Him the same as you are. Trust the Lord to open the right
door at the right time for your work.
7. After the conference, be sure to follow through on ideas or
manuscripts you discussed with editors that they expressed interest in
considering. Write and thank them for their time and interest. Let them
know when they can expect to receive your manuscript on speculation
(interest expressed at a conference doesn’t guarantee a sale), and then
don’t procrastinate!
Pointers for Submitting a Book Proposal
1. Be prepared to present your idea in ONE sentence. This shows the
editor that it’s tightly focused.
2. Be prepared to answer these questions (either verbally or
preferably in a written proposal):
3. Bring your table of contents, outline, and
two or three sample
chapters.
4. If the editor says it’s not right for his house, determine not to
get defensive or discouraged. This same editor may be able to give you
some excellent pointers on how to improve your manuscript and/or market
it—if you’re listening.
© 2001, 2008 Marlene Bagnull
Click here for a sample one-page
book proposal.
Be sure to check the faculty bio pages
for the greatest editorial needs
and overworked topics.
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