How to Know it’s Time to Submit Your Manuscript

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It’s been six weeks since I quit my job to become a published writer, and I’m finally taking the plunge and submitting to publishers! But how do you know it’s time to submit your manuscript?

After my first submission, I learned that there are some necessary steps to follow before you should hit send. And most will be the reason why your manuscript does or doesn’t sell. 

Let me share those secrets with you. 🤫

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How to Know it’s Time to Submit Your Manuscript:

Sending your manuscript to agents and publishers is like sending your kid to school for the first time.

Your nerves are on hyper-drive, but you’re trying to keep your composure until you’re finally alone and can down a glass of red wine while watching a Hallmark movie in the middle of the day with tissues littered around you.😭 

How do you know when you submit your manuscript that it’s going to sell?

The quick answer is you don’t. But you CAN still prepare for the yes.

Steps to Make BEFORE You Submit Your Manuscript:

1. Have it Reviewed by Your Critique Group or a Professional.

I’ve been meeting with the same critique group for over five years now. They’ve seen anything from my really rough drafts to my fully polished manuscripts. And all of their input has been undoubtedly valuable.

Before you submit, take the first chapter of your novel or your complete picture book to a writer’s group. A lot of writer’s groups meet at public libraries or can be found through your regional SCBWI group. (Read more about finding a critique group here.)

Even if you don’t have a critique group that will put eyes on your writing regularly, it’s better to have a once over with some people that know the industry, rather than only you or your mom (who thinks you do amazing at everything).

Should you pay for an editor?

This is a topic that comes up at a lot of the conferences I attend, and the overwhelming majority don’t believe paying for an editor is vital. After doing additional research, I’ve decided there are only a few times when you should pay for an editor:

• If you have the money in your budget, and want to put forth the additional expense.
• If you don’t have a steady writer’s group or critique partners who read your work regularly.
• If you’ve been published for a while and you want to skip going to group activities.

Using a professional isn’t a bad idea, but you need to make sure they’re a good one. Anyone can say they know how to proofread manuscripts, but that doesn’t mean they understand the children’s market.

Check reviews and try to get trusted referrals BEFORE making any decisions. (If you’d like a professional edit with our team, apply here.)

2. Research a List of Potential Agents or Editors to Send to.

Before I start submitting, I create a list of the top 50 agents I’m interested in working with. Some from large houses and even some junior agents who are looking to grow their list. All who specialize solely in selling children’s books.

The number that you choose to submit to doesn’t matter, so long as you’re doing your research. Although, since the industry is so subjective, you should have a substantial list of potential agents or editors that you want to show your writing to.

Places to do research before you submit your manuscript:

• SCBWI- The Book (Must be a member to Access)
• Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market
• Writer’s Market (Need a Subscription)

I recommend getting the Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market Book for 2019, because it’s a $20 investment that’s filled with:

• Small publishing houses
• Educational markets
• All the children’s book agencies (and their agents)
• Big publishing houses (who may not accept unsolicited manuscripts)
• Plus all their contact information!

Get a hard copy for yourself here. 🤗

3. Follow the Strict Guidelines for Each Submission.

One of the biggest pet peeves that agents mention when asked about submissions is when writers don’t follow the guidelines. Especially because they’re listed on their site.

I know that a lot don’t because some writers even comment about it on Literary Rambles and normally mention that they’ve been rejected. 🙈

This sounds easier than it is, but it’s easy to forget tiny details when you get in a groove. But they’re SUPER important to follow. Some agents want 5 pages, others want 10. Some want it copy/pasted in an email, others want it attached.

You need to READ!

If you’re ready for an agent, get our Agent Toolkit to help you prepare before you start querying.

What to do After You Submit Your Manuscript?

Time to celebrate: you just sent your manuscript! 😍

There are a few things you can do now that you’re in the waiting game (And after you’ve spent your time celebrating your awesome accomplishment!):

1. Create a log to keep track.

You can get the submission tracker I use here.

In my tracker, I store:

• The name of the agent/contact person
• Their agency or publishing house
• The date sent
• The submission method (Email or Form)
• If they’ve responded (And what it was)

This way, if you’re offered representation or publication, you can follow-up with others that you’ve sent to before accepting the best offer for you.

2. Start working on something else.

Nothing is worse than watching paint dry, hovering over a hot stove until the water boils, or waiting to hear back from an agent submission.

Instead of waiting for a response, start working on your next project. Because A: it’ll take your mind off of things and B: it’ll give you something else to sell in your career as a children’s author.

Also–it takes a while to hear back from a lot of people and others may not respond at all.

3. Consider making edits.

I have a story I’ve been working on for four years, and I’m still not sure if I’ve gotten it right. But I really love my characters and believe in the story–no matter how many forms it takes.

However, if I’ve sent it to some 50+ agents and haven’t heard a yes or even a “this is great, but not for me, keep going” email, then I need to look at my submission.

My pitch might not be working–how I sell the story could be falling flat and no one even makes it to my writing.

However, if I’m getting a lot of rejections off my query, instead of no response at all, it could be my story. That’s when I’ll consider editing or rewriting parts or all of my draft. (Read this article to help you identify when you may need to rewrite your manuscript.)

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One of the biggest mistakes after you submit your manuscript is giving up too soon. It takes a while to sell a manuscript, but if you follow these steps, you’ll be better prepared to be published.

Have your manuscript reviewed, research who you want to send it to, follow their guidelines, and keep track of submissions.

For more reading, check out these other articles on the blog:

• How to Avoid My Biggest Publishing Mistakes
• How to Find a Writer’s Group
• Everything You Need to Publish a Children’s Book
• How to Know if You Should Revise Your Manuscript
• What’s a Comp Book & Why Do you Need Them?

Time to Submit Your Manuscript!