April 2003

How Long Do I Have To Get A Requested Manuscript To The Editor?

I received my first positive response to a query letter for a children’s book. They requested I send the full manuscript. I need advice on how to make this manuscript sell to the editor. What things to make sure and do. I am guessing the manuscript has got to sell itself at first reading. What is your advice? How long do I have to get the manuscript to the editor, should I rush it or do I have a few more weeks to edit and review it some more?

When you query an editor for fiction, make sure you have a finished, polished manuscript ready to send out when the editor requests it. It's okay to take a day or two to review it once more, but don't lock yourself in a room for weeks of major revision. You want your manuscript to arrive in the editor's hands while it's still fresh in her mind. Send your manuscript as soon as possible.

At this stage, your manuscript has to sell itself, so less is more. No matter how excited you are that the editor has requested your manuscript, no matter how much you believe in it, keep your enthusiasm in check. Professionalism is your best approach.

Remember to send a cover letter including the title and a word of thanks. Mention that the manuscript was requested. Keep your cover letter brief. Avoid making any apologies or excuses. Don't tell the editor how much everyone in your writers group or your kids liked your story. It’s okay to let the editor know about promotional and marketing opportunities for your book, and what you would be willing to do, but don't present an elaborate marketing plan. Be sure to write "Requested" on the outside of the mailing envelope, and address it to the editor who requested it. Send it priority mail, not certified or overnight.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books by Harold Underdown and Lynne Rominger, is an excellent resource. I highly recommend it. Hilarious title. Good stuff inside.

Is It Legal To Use The Name Of A Local Museum In My Book?

I'm getting ready to write a middle grade fiction book. It's a ghost story based on an actual haunted place near where I live. This place is open to the public as a small museum, and has acknowledged that part of its charm is their friendly, other-world visitors. Is it legal to use their actual name and location in the book?

When in doubt it's always a good idea to check with the museum director to make sure there are no legal issues involved. For example, if they have already commissioned an author to write a story about the museum's history, or there is already a book published, that might be a problem.

At the very least, if there are no legal hurdles, you can introduce yourself and your idea to the director and ask him whether he would consider placing your book in the museum gift shop. If he says yes, once the book is written, you can mention this in your contacts with editors. It's a good selling point, and it shows you've done your homework.

How Can I Find Christian Children's Publishers?

I have a children's Christian picture book, not illustrated, and I would like to get it published. I would like to submit it to Zondervan or Tyndale but they will only accept agent submitted material. What should I do?

For a list of Christian children's publishers, try the Christian Writers' Market Guide 2003. At Tyndale's web site I didn't find any wording that says they look at agented submissions only. There is an address for the Manuscript Review Committee where you can send a SASE for manuscript guidelines. Zondervan will look at proposals faxed to them. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines at their web site.

For more information:

Tyndale

http://www.tyndale.com/contact.asp

Zondervan

http://www.zondervan.com/desk/subguide.asp

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