Mastering the Art of Manuscript Submissions: Insider Tips from a Publishing Editor

Plus queer pre-order goodness and a new gothic workshop!

A very happy Friday to you,

It’s not long now until our second gothic writing workshop - this time journalist Michael Bird takes us through the classic literature of the genre, and how we can craft our own gothic plot twists!

Crafting Gothic Chills: Mastering the Art of Suspenseful Twists

3rd Sep 2024 6pm - 8pm Tickets (or watch back tickets)

Enjoy this gorgeous trailer for the Modern Gothic anthology!

We also announced a gorgeous cover for acclaimed novelist, poet and punk performer, Rosie Garland! Pre-orders open now for this queer, magical celebration of difference.

Today, I’m going to give you an insight into my thought process reading submissions, particularly for the novelists, but with useful crossover for all genres, and give you an insight into why certain manuscripts may receive a full manuscript reading request, and others may not hit the mark.

We’re going to focus on the overall package – not the minutia of editing or how to define the quality of a manuscript, as this is subjective, and will be too general an observation across genres and styles. I.e. how the author presents their work and themselves as an investment-friendly project, if you like!

On getting rejections

This was a requested post but I’ve been hesitant! I am also a writer, familiar with submitting work and getting rejections in return. I understand that it is not a reflection on the quality of my work, and I adopt a growth mindset: this is not a door closed, but a window opened, to find the ideal avenue or home for my work. I want an editor to fall in love with my work. This rejection is therefore a kindness. I know that is tough to get to this stage. But you have to have this emotional detachment from your work and your sense of self, in order to submit it to a publisher. So, let’s talk investment. Let’s emotionally detach ourselves and think about your book as a product in a crowded book buying market.

Approach your query letter as though applying for funding: build trust