How to Approach an Independent Publisher With Your Manuscript

Tips for Debut and Established Writers

Dear Scribblers,

It’s Friday and this Springtime, why not do some Spring cleaning on that old manuscript virtual drawer too?!

Yes, Fly on the Wall Press will have our annual submission period opening on the 1st of May (initially for novella and novels, as we will be running our mini short fiction and poetry window again later in Winter) and we have a few suggestions and top tips to get both you as a writer and your manuscript looking shiny beforehand!

But first, a big congratulations to John Ironmonger, who has finished the Southern leg of his bookshop tour for ‘The Wager and the Bear’ - two events, and what must have been about 5 bookshop introductions and signings! We’re very proud of you. If you haven’t read this life-affirming tale of an activist and politician, and their drunken wager, that takes them all the way from Cornwall to Greenland, then do pick up a copy immediately here!

Left to Right: Burway Books; Rossiter Books

Submission polishing advice!

First up - come chat to us at Manchester Central Library at our Northern Publishers’ Fair on Saturday 26th of April, and network with fellow writers and northern publishers. Free tickets and FOTW tote goodie bags here.

Secondly, let’s look at how to make your approach count. Approaching an independent publisher with your manuscript can feel like a daunting process, whether you’re a debut writer or a seasoned author looking for a new home for your work. Unlike large commercial publishers, indie presses often have unique submission processes, a deep connection to their niche readership, and a personal investment in the authors they choose to publish. Here’s how to make your approach count, whether you’re submitting to us or a fellow independent publisher!

(Image: Jak Stocker, Northern Publishers’ Fair author chat 2024!)

1. Understand the Publisher’s Ethos

Before you even consider sending a submission, research the publisher thoroughly. Read their previously published books, follow their social media presence, and get a feel for the kind of work they champion. Simply stating, “I love your press” in a cover letter isn’t enough—explain why. What titles of theirs have inspired you? How does your work align with their mission?

2. Build Your Track Record