There are few feelings greater than finally finishing your short fiction manuscript, but this can be quickly overshadowed by the confusion of how to get it published. As a new author, having your work published is the goal but knowing how to go about things can be difficult. There are a lot of options, such as choosing between traditional publishing and self-publishing, and there is no shortage of publishing companies who are currently accepting manuscripts. However, in order to successfully get your book on the shelves, you need to get published successfully and by the right people.
Find the Right Publisher
There are a lot of different publishers out there and finding the right one is key. Otherwise, you run the risk of submitting your work to companies that are highly unlikely to be interested in what you have to offer. Researching a publisher will let you know if they are a good fit for your and your book. For example, researching Foreshore Publishing will highlight that we are looking for short fiction books and so submitting anything other than this will not be successful. It’s a good idea to check out what other books a company has published, to see if yours lines up. Once you have found a publisher, it’s time to show them that there is a market for your book.
Prepare Your Manuscript for Submission
Before submitting your manuscript, take the time to find out if the publisher is accepting submissions and where you should send it. You also need to pay attention to the format they are looking for, as different publishers have slightly different manuscript guidelines that you will need to meet. For example, they may specifically ask for a manuscript as a Microsoft Word format or they may have a maximum word count. You also need to pay attention to what information an editor wants from you such as word count, genre and target audience. The majority of publishers will also require you to send a synopsis and covering letter, which is where you explain why your book is the ideal match for them.
At Foreshore Publishing, we accept submissions via submissions@foreshorepublishing.com and we do have some manuscript guidelines to bear in mind. Once you have submitted your short fiction story to us, our editors will consider if it’s a good match and put forward a publishing offer.