As an assigning editor, as a writer who has pitched hundreds of articles, and as a writing conference attendee and panelist, I’ve been on both ends of the publishing marketplace…and made these mistakes mistakes myself:
- Misspell the agent/editor’s name.
IF YOU CAN’T GET THAT RIGHT, WHAT ELSE IS WRONG?
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Assume that Spell-Checker has caught all the typos/inconsistencies/grammar problems in your query letter/manuscript.
HAVE SOMEONE VERY SMART READ IT.
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Ignore the guidelines clearly posted on the agent’s/publisher’s website.
THIS GIVES THE PERSON REASON TO REJECT YOU IMMEDIATELY.
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In your query letter, point out that your book is so much better than the junk that gets published these days.
THAT AGENT OR EDITOR MAY REPRESENT THAT BOOK!
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Compare your work to blockbusters, such as The DaVinci Code meets Twilight meets Dr Phil’s Ultimate Weight Solution.
THIS CAN HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT IF YOUR BOOK DOESN’T LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS.
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Print your query letter and/or manuscript on hot pink paper and include muffins or a note from your mother, who really wants you to be a famous author.
NO GIMMICKS.
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Send the agent/editor daily emails checking on their progress with your manuscript.
THE AGENCY WEBSITE WILL USUALLY GIVE A RESPONSE TIME. RESPECT IT.
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Approach an agent at conferences while he/she is in the bathroom.
DON’T TRY TO SELL YOUR BOOK OVER THE STALL OR AT THE URINAL. BE POLITE. CHAT LIKE A REGULAR PERSON.
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Insist that not one of your precious words should be changed from manuscript to printed page.
TAKE FEEDBACK. THOUGH YOU CAN BE SELECTIVE ON WHAT ADVICE YOU TAKE, OTHERS’ OPINIONS CAN MAKE YOUR WORK BETTER.
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Spend so much time thinking about your book/poem/essay/article that you never write it.
JUMP IN! EVEN FIVE MINUTES A DAY WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO YOUR FINAL SENTENCE.