The WMF Archives

By Angela Atkinson

If you're one of those writers who doesn't feel that concern for an editor's emotional state is your job--think again. At least if you want to get published.

It's an editor's job to find mistakes, and many people find them a bit persnickety, to put it politely. But hey, editors are people too!

And, whether we like it or not, most writers are (at least partly) at the mercy of editors--at least those of us who like being published.

Dealing with editors can be confusing and frustrating, especially for those who are new to the business. You might be the next JK Rowling, bit if your schmoozing skills aren't up to snuff, your manuscript will probably end up at the bottom of the slush pile.

So what can you do to avoid pissing off your editors? Read on, my friends, read on.

Give It To 'Em Straight

If you're querying an editor or applying for a writing gig, you may need to provide writing samples. Depending on the type of submission, this can be done a number of ways. Be sure you check the editor's preferences (writer's guidelines are your friend.) If the editor wants an email with links, attached documents or PDF's or even snail mail hard copy samples--then that's what you need to send. If you're submitting by snail mail, be sure to use enough postage and to include a properly sized SASE with appropriate postage if the editor wants one.

Bottom line: Provide what she wants and do it exactly how she wants it. No more, no less.

And, for goodness' sake, don't make the ultimate newbie mistake and tell an editor to "just Google me." Read carefully, new writers: Never, ever tell an editor to Google you. Editors don't have the time or the inclination to waste their time researching you--and they just won't do it in most cases. Slush pile, meet manuscript.

Know Your Target

Freelancers who blindly shoot out queries and manuscripts without doing their research are wasting their time. I mean, sure, if you throw enough poo against the wall, some of it is bound to stick--but if you want to increase your chances of getting your stuff read, check out the publisher before you submit. Know which editor to submit to, and be sure you get his name right (including spelling--he is an editor after all.) Check and double check. It matters.

Know Your Market

In addition to submitting right and knowing who to send it to--writers need to understand the needs of the publisher. So, if you're writing a romance novel, send it to publishers who publish romance novels. A science fiction or self-help publisher will have no use for a romance novel--so you're wasting your time and money, not to mention the time of the editing staff.

Pick up a copy of the latest Writer's Market (or any of the genre specific Writer's Market books) or subscribe to the Writer's Market website to stay up to date with publishers and editors. And don't forget to check out our WM writing opportunities. Each opportunity features specific writer's guidelines for the publication!

Don't Talk Money

Avoid talking money up front. After all, they haven't even agreed to read your manuscript yet. Instead, check the writer's guidelines for an idea of what you can expect to be paid, and wait until the editor makes an offer. You can then accept, decline or counter-offer. Be careful if you choose to counter-offer though, as the editor may decide it's not worth the hassle.

Name Dropping

If your manuscript has been read by a well-known writer or other publishing industry big shot who loved it, by all means include that information. But if you mention how much your mom or husband or next-door-neighbor loves it, you're barking up the wrong tree. It's a pet peeve of many editors--plus, endorsements are only effective when they come from people the editor can respect professionally. And even then, it won't guarantee that you'll be published. Still, a bit of name-dropping might make an editor take a second glance at your work.

Don't Get Cocky

It's good to outline the relevant reasons your book should be published and how it fits the publisher's needs. It's good to talk professional achievements and affiliations. It's good to tell the editor where you've been published and any other little pertinent bit of positive information.

It's bad to say that your work is better than another (previously published or not) author. It's bad to make grand predictions about the imminent success of your book. (This book will be on every bookshelf in the country within two weeks of release! I promise!) It's even worse to do these things when you're new to the business.

Keep it professional--be confident but not cocky.

Get to the Point Already

Keep your query or cover letter brief and to the point. Editors aren't interested in reading a bunch of self-serving crap. They don't care that your high school English teacher thought you were a great writer, and they don't care if you have always dreamed of writing the great American novel. Make your point, present your hook and relevant information--and get outta there. Tell them the important stuff: who you are, what your idea is and why it will work for them.

Snail-Mail Submissions

When you're submitting a query or manuscript the old fashioned way, be sure to use a high-quality printer and heavy paper (or take your pages to your local Kinko's.) Smudgy, smeary ink and see-through bargain paper will make your manuscript less appealing, at the very least, if it doesn't automatically get tossed in the dreaded slush pile.

Get Your Schmooze on: 8 Ways to Avoid Pissing Off Your Editor