Navigating the Publish Path: A Guide for Writing and Submitting a Teen Fiction Book

If you've written a funny book for teenagers, the next step is to get it published. But how do you start this process? It's a journey that requires careful planning and a solid understanding of the steps involved. Here, we guide you through the submission process and provide insights to increase your chances of success.

Choosing the Right Publisher

The first step is to find a publisher who is interested in your manuscript. Not every publisher may be publishing books like yours, so be selective in your choices. Once you find a suitable publisher, visit their website to locate the 'Submission Guidelines.' These guidelines are crucial; they are your first test. If you can't follow simple instructions, why should the publisher bother working with you?

Packaging Your Manuscript

Once you've located the submission guidelines, prepare your manuscript accordingly. This may include formatting, character development, and plot structure. Make sure your work is polished and professional. After packaging your manuscript, submit it to one publisher at a time. Multiple submissions can be a deal-breaker for publishers, as one editor stated, "I am not going to get into a bidding war over a 'maybe good' when I have 12 more 'maybe goods' sitting in the slush pile back at the office."

Multiple Submissions: An Agent's Domain

If you are unsure about a particular publisher, consider working with an agent. Agents act as recognized gatekeepers who can help you navigate the publishing process. They have connections and years of experience in the industry, making them invaluable in finding the right publisher for your manuscript.

Writing While You Wait

While waiting for a response, don't just sit idle. Use this time to write another book. As a publishing professional once said, 'If your book is going to get bought, there will be plenty of time to write another while you wait.' This is a key piece of advice that can help you stay productive and improve your skills as a writer.

The Submissions Process: From Manuscript to Publication

Once your manuscript reaches the publisher, it will go through a rigorous evaluation process. An actual slush pile where unsolicited manuscripts are initially placed works as a filter. Here are some of the things that might happen:

Manuscripts with illustrations, written in crayon, or on a yellow legal pad are instantly rejected. Books based on someone else's creation, such as movies, comics, TV series, or book series, will not be considered.

Despite these challenges, the manuscript will be reviewed by a First Reader and an Assistant Editor. The First Reader looks at the synopsis, first page, and then reads the first chapter, the first three chapters, and the last chapter. If the manuscript passes, it goes to the editor for final approval. Remember, publishers are in business to make money, so every manuscript must be carefully evaluated to ensure potential profitability.

Handling Rejection and Revisions

Rejection is a part of the publishing process. If you receive a rejection letter, you have two options: rewrite your book or try another publisher. Keep in mind that a good manuscript may take about a year to get an answer. Instead of giving up, gracefully accept the rejection and learn from the feedback. It's not personal; the editor is simply looking for something that will fit their current market needs.

Remember: this is not solely about you as a writer but about the manuscript itself. Many writers and their manuscripts are waiting to be discovered. Stay persistent and keep honing your craft.