As a publisher, I see every day what most people don’t. Piles and piles of manuscript submissions. Some are great. Some have potential. But many are filled with simple errors, the kind that are surprisingly easy to avoid yet brutally damaging. You’d be shocked to know how many writers unknowingly reduce their chances of getting published just because they missed the basics.
That’s exactly why I decided to write this blog…
I’m not here to repeat generic advice. I’ll share what I’ve actually seen in the publishing trenches. Over the years, I’ve reviewed countless submissions and mentored hundreds of aspiring authors. This blog brings together my personal strategies that can genuinely help you stand out.
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting that acceptance email, this is where it begins. By the end, you’ll know how to submit your manuscript like a professional.
Let’s start…
1. Make Sure Your Manuscript Is Actually Ready
Let me say this loud and clear, don’t submit your manuscript unless it’s 100% ready. You might think it’s ready because you spell-checked it twice. But I promise you, half the submissions I receive are still a couple of drafts away from being truly complete.
It’s not that these stories are bad. Some are brilliant. But the author didn’t polish them. They’re raw. And that’s a problem because when a manuscript isn’t ready, it doesn’t matter how good your idea is. Publishers reject it.
Self-assess honestly
So how do you know your manuscript is ready? First, ask yourself, have you done everything you can on your own? Is this the cleanest, most refined version of your story you can produce? If yes, then it’s time to let someone else step in.
Use independent beta readers
Don’t send it to your best friend, your partner, or your mom. They love you. They won’t be honest. You need someone neutral. Someone who reads a lot and doesn’t mind telling you the truth.
I always say, if you’re in a book club, ask that one person who always has strong opinions, and does their research. That’s your ideal beta reader. Buy them coffee or beer, and let them rip your story apart. Trust me, it helps.
So before you move on, ask yourself two things:
- Is my manuscript the best version it can be?
- Am I ready to hear “no” and still keep going?
If the answer is yes to both, you’re good to go.
2. Do Your Research Before You Submit
Before you send out your manuscript, take a step back and make sure you understand where it’s going. Submitting blindly reduces your chances of getting published, no matter how strong your writing is.
Just like you wouldn’t apply to every job without knowing what the company does, you shouldn’t send your manuscript to every agent or publisher without doing your research.
When you submit with intention and choose the right people at the right time in the right way, you immediately stand out. Here’s how you can do that effectively.
Visit Publisher and Agent Websites
Start by exploring the websites of publishers and literary agents who are active in your genre. Look closely at the types of books they publish or represent. Many will list recent titles, genres they are interested in, and submission requirements. If they’re not taking submissions right now, they’ll usually mention that too.
Flip to the Acknowledgements Section in Books You Love
If you’re unsure who to submit to, one of the most effective tricks is to read the acknowledgments in books similar to yours. Most authors thank their agents and editors by name.
Use Trade Publications to Understand the Industry
Trade magazines like The Bookseller (UK) or Publishers Weekly (US) are valuable tools for understanding what’s happening behind the scenes. They highlight which agents are selling what and what trends are emerging.
Follow Agents and Editors on Twitter
While social media might not seem like the first place to do serious research, Twitter is one of the most active platforms for agents and editors. Many share wishlists, open submission windows, and even personal insights into the kinds of books they’re looking for. Just observing can give you valuable information that isn’t available anywhere else.
Join Writing Forums and Communities
Connecting with other writers can give you access to recommendations, feedback, and real-world advice. Writing forums, critique groups, and even Facebook or Discord communities are full of people sharing tips about which agents are responsive, which publishers are seeking specific genres, and what worked (or didn’t work) in their submissions.
3. Follow the Submission Guidelines (Seriously)
This part is non-negotiable. If there’s one thing that makes agents and publishers roll their eyes and press delete instantly, it’s not following the submission guidelines.
Most writers skip or ignore them. Not because they’re lazy. But because they think their story will make up for it. It won’t.
Every publisher or agent has their own rules. Some want the first 3 chapters. Others ask for a synopsis and a cover letter. Some want you to upload everything through a form. Others want it all in one email.
You know what that means? You have to check every single time. Go to their website. Look at the “Submissions” page. Read carefully. Then follow those instructions exactly.
These things may feel small to you, but to the person on the other end, they say a lot. They say, “I can follow directions,” or “I didn’t even bother reading your rules.”
Guidelines exist for a reason. They help us stay sane when we’re reading dozens of submissions a day. And more importantly, they show us that you’re professional and easy to work with.
So, please. Double-check. Triple-check. Then submit exactly the way you were asked to.
4. Track Your Manuscript Submissions
Once you’ve done your research and compiled a list of potential agents and publishers, the next step is to keep track of everything. Submitting your manuscript is a whole process. And if you don’t stay organized, it’s easy to lose sight of where you’ve sent your work, who replied, or what each submission required.
I personally like to put together a list of all agents and publishers I believe would be a good match for my manuscript in Google Sheets or Notion. It’s a simple system, but it works. And I highly recommend you do the same.
5. How to Write a Good Cover Letter (or Email)
No matter how much research you’ve done, it’s time to do some more. Writing a cover letter is all about showing the person on the other side that you chose them for a reason. And that you’ve done your homework.
Most publishers and agents receive dozens, if not hundreds, of query emails each month. And a lot of those letters sound exactly the same. Generic intros, vague pitches, and copy-pasted templates. When that happens, agents skip over your submission without a second thought.
Personalization Is Key
If you want to stand out, you must personalize your approach.
And no, personalization doesn’t mean just swapping out the name in the greeting. Yes, opening with something like “Dear Mr. John” is respectful and correct, but it’s the bare minimum. Real personalization means digging deeper.
Do proper research on your prospects. Look them up on social media, especially Twitter. See what kind of books they’re talking about or recommending. If they’ve represented a title recently, read it. Or at the very least, read up on it. By doing that, you will get a much clearer picture of whether your book fits and how to frame your pitch.
Then, in your query letter, mention something specific. It will show that you’ve not only done your research but that you genuinely believe they are the right person to champion your book. That makes a huge difference.
It also shows that you’re not just randomly emailing a list of agents and hoping something sticks. Instead, you’re showing that you care about the relationship.
Once you’ve done that, follow the standard structure:
- A clear introduction with the title, word count, genre, and status of the book.
- A short, personalized, and compelling pitch.
- A relevant author bio.
- A polite and professional closing.
6. How to Write a Proper Synopsis
Now let’s talk about something that intimidates even the best writers, the synopsis.
A synopsis is simply a clear summary of your story, from beginning to end. That includes the ending. No vague phrases like “but things aren’t what they seem…” We need to know what actually happens.
Most agents and publishers ask for a 500 – 1000 word synopsis unless their guidelines say otherwise. The purpose of the synopsis is to help the agent or editor understand the structure, pacing, and plot of your book.
So how do you keep it clean and useful? Start small.
Try summarizing your story in one sentence. Just 15–20 words. Once you’ve done that, expand it to 50 words. Then grow it to 100. Keep adding details until you hit the 300–500 word mark. Doing it this way makes sure every sentence earns its place.
A good synopsis reads like this:
- This happens.
- Then this happens.
- Then this leads to that.
- And here’s how it ends.
Bonus Tips: Avoid These Common Submission Mistakes
Before you send your manuscript out into the world, take a breath and double-check for the small things that often ruin an otherwise strong submission.
One of the most common mistakes is spelling the recipient’s name wrong. It seems minor, but it shows carelessness. If an agent’s name is clearly listed on their website, get it right. Another is letting typos slip through. We all make them, but when your cover letter or synopsis is full of obvious grammar issues or misspelled words, it signals a lack of polish.
Then there’s the mistake of making unrealistic claims. Avoid comparing your book to bestsellers or claiming it’s the greatest novel ever written. It doesn’t help. Instead, if readers have compared your story to a well-known book or author, share that modestly. It feels far more genuine and leaves a better impression.
Final Words
Submitting a manuscript is about presenting your book well. That means being prepared, doing your research, and following instructions.
If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead of most writers who rush their submissions. Now you know what to fix, what to avoid, and how to present your work like a professional.
And if you’re looking for support beyond submission, Mayfair Publishers is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to send a manuscript to a publisher?
The best way is to check the publisher’s submission guidelines and follow them word for word. Some accept email attachments, others use online forms. Never send your full manuscript unless they ask for it. Usually, they want a cover letter, a short synopsis, and a few sample chapters first.
2. Does it cost money to submit a manuscript to a publisher?
No, it doesn’t cost anything. Legitimate publishers do not charge a fee just to read your manuscript. If someone’s asking for money to “consider” your work, that’s a red flag.
3. How do you get a publisher to read your manuscript?
You give them a reason to. That means submitting a well-edited manuscript, writing a personalized cover letter, and targeting the right publisher for your genre.
4. How do I submit a manuscript for publication?
Start by researching the publishers or agents who handle your genre. Go to their official website and look for their submission guidelines. Prepare your materials (cover letter, synopsis, sample chapters) and send them exactly how they’ve requested.
5. Should I copyright my manuscript before sending it to a publisher?
You already own the copyright the moment you write it. In most countries, including the U.S. and UK, your work is automatically protected by copyright law as soon as it’s in a fixed form (like a Word doc). So no, you don’t need to register it before submitting.
Tools & References:
[1] Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/
[2] QueryTracker. https://querytracker.net/
[3] Manuscript Wish List (MSWL). https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/
[4] Poets & Writers – Literary Agents Database. https://www.pw.org/literary_agents
[5] The Bookseller. https://www.thebookseller.com/
[6] How To Perfect Your Submission by Scott Pack. Book Listing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HLA47XW?tag=reedwebs-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
[7] Reddit – r/writing. https://www.reddit.com/r/writing
