As a publishing professional with over 35 years of experience, I have seen countless authors make mistakes when submitting their work. While every author is different and may make their own unique mistakes, there are some common errors that I see repeatedly. In this article, I will discuss the most common mistakes that new authors make when submitting their work, and how to avoid them.

  1. Submitting Work Before It is Ready

One of the biggest mistakes new authors make is submitting their work before it is ready. This can happen for a number of reasons: the author may be eager to get published, may lack confidence in their abilities, or may not have taken the time to properly edit and revise their manuscript.

Submitting a manuscript before it is ready can be detrimental to an author’s career. Publishers receive a large volume of submissions, and if a manuscript is not well-written, engaging, and polished, it is unlikely to be selected for publication. It is essential that authors take the time to revise and edit their work, and even consider getting feedback from beta readers or hiring an editor before submitting their manuscript.

2. Ignoring Submission Guidelines

Submission guidelines are there for a reason. They provide publishers with the information they need to rigorously evaluate a manuscript, and failing to follow them can result in a rejection letter before the manuscript is even read.

Common submission guidelines include formatting requirements, word count limits, and specific information that needs to be included with the manuscript. Make sure to read the guidelines carefully and follow them to the letter. Failure to do so can make a bad first impression with publishers and demonstrate that you are not meticulous.

3. Submitting to the Wrong Publishers

Not all publishers are the same, and not all publishers will be a good fit for your manuscript. It is important to research publishers before submitting your work to ensure that they publish the type of books you are writing.

Submitting to the wrong publishers can be a waste of time and can hurt your chances of getting published. For example, if you have written a children’s book, submitting it to a publisher that specializes in horror novels is unlikely to result in success. Do your research and make sure you are submitting to publishers that are a good fit for your manuscript.

4. Failing to Establish a Platform

In today’s digital age, publishers want to see that authors have an online presence and can promote their own work. Failing to establish a platform can hurt an author’s chances of getting published.

Establishing a platform can take time and effort, but it is an essential part of being a successful author. This can include having a website or blog, being active on social media, and networking with other writers and industry professionals.

5. Not Taking Rejection Well

Rejection is a part of the publishing process. No matter how well-written your manuscript is, it may not be a good fit for every publisher. How an author manages rejection can make an enormous difference in their future success.

Taking rejection personally or lashing out at publishers can hurt an author’s reputation in the industry. Instead, use rejection as an opportunity to gain experience and improve. Take any feedback you receive and use it to make your manuscript stronger.

6. Focusing Too Much on Trends

Publishing trends come and go, and focusing too much on what is popular now can be a mistake. By the time a manuscript is written, edited, and published, the trend may have passed, and the manuscript may no longer be relevant.

While it is important to be aware of publishing trends, it is even more important to focus on authoring a book that is timeless and engaging. Draft the book that you are enthusiastic about, not just what you think will sell.

7. Not Building Relationships in the Industry

Publishing is a relationship-driven industry, and not building relationships can be a mistake. Building relationships with industry professionals, such as editors, agents, and other authors, can open opportunities for publishing, networking, and learning.

Attending writing conferences, joining writing groups, and participating in online writing communities are all great ways to build relationships in the industry. Not only can these relationships lead to opportunities for publishing, but they can also provide support and encouragement throughout the publishing process.

8. Failing to Proofread

Submitting a manuscript with typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes can be a turn-off for publishers. It is essential to take the time to proofread your manuscript thoroughly before submitting it.

One way to catch errors is to read your manuscript aloud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive language, and other mistakes that may not be obvious when reading silently.

9. Not Researching the Market

Publishing is a business, and publishers want to publish books that will sell. Failing to research the market and understand what readers want can be a mistake.

Researching the market can help you understand what readers are looking for, what’s currently popular, and what gaps in the market exist. This can help you author a book that has a better chance of being published and selling well.

10. Being Too Attached to Your Manuscript

As an author, your manuscript is your baby. It is something that you have poured your heart and soul into, and it can be hard to let go. However, being too attached to your manuscript can be a mistake.

Being open to feedback, criticism, and revision is essential to the publishing process. It is important to remember that publishing is a collaborative process, and that editors, agents, and other industry professionals may have suggestions for improving your manuscript. Being willing to make changes can help you create a better book and increase your chances of getting published.

Conclusion

Submitting a manuscript can be a daunting process, especially for new authors. However, by avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to take the time to revise and edit your manuscript, follow submission guidelines, research publishers, establish a platform, handle rejection well, focus on timeless writing, build relationships in the industry, proofread thoroughly, research the market, and be open to feedback and revision. With these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of getting published and building a successful career as an author.