1. Write your book

If you write fiction, pay close attention to plot logic, character development, and realistic dialogue, appropriate to the character using it. It goes without saying that you are cognizant of correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

If you write non-fiction, make sure that you have your facts right and that you have properly documented your sources. (See above on grammar, etc.)

2. Edit your manuscript

Make sure that the flow of your narration is smooth. (See above on grammar. etc.)

3. Re-edit your manuscript

Double-check for errors.

4. Re-edit your manuscript again!

5. Keep repeating step #4 as often as necessary

Publishers receive hundreds of manuscript per week. They have plenty of material to choose from, so why should they bother with a sloppy, error-filled manuscript?

6. Start looking for a publisher

Very carefully read the writers' guidelines for any publisher that you think might be interested in your material. Make sure that the publisher publishes the kind of book represented by your manuscript. Pay attention to the method and form that the publisher wants you to use to submit a proposal. (Some publishers want only a query letter first, others may want an outline and sample chapter, still others may want to see the whole manuscript.)

7. Make a list of potential publishers

Order your list based on the publisher's guidelines and the nature of your manuscript. If, for example, a publisher only publishes books on Widgets, and your manuscript is called A Guide to Stainless Steel Widgets then that is an excellent match, and that publisher should go on the top of your list.

8. Submit your manuscript or book proposal

Make sure that you follow the publisher's guidelines exactly. Failure to do so will merely waste your time and money (and the publisher's time and money--they have to pay people to look at your stuff) and will get you a rejection slip.

9. Make additional submissions only if ...

Only in cases where the publisher's guidelines say that simultaneous submissions are accepted should you make multiple submissions.

10. Wait

Please note this: Serendipity Systems is a publisher of ebooks and can not use manuscripts on paper. Our guidelines are here.

Further note: e-mail queries with attachments from unknown sources will be deleted unread and all subsequent e-mail from that source will be blocked.

We do not want to clog up our e-mail system with huge manuscripts on subjects in which we have no interest. Frankly, if you can not follow the submission directions in our writers' guidelines, we don't want to hear from you. There are a large number of writers out there who can, and do, conduct their business in a courteous and professional manner, and we welcome queries from them. If you want to be a published author, act like a professional, and, in turn, publishers will treat you in a courteous and professional manner.

March 17, 2002