Now that you've prepared your manuscript and researched your publication options, it might seem as if you are ready to submit your work for publication. However, there may be still a few more things that need your attention before you are ready to send your work out into the world. For instance, most publishers will require you to submit a letter of inquiry, or cover letter, with your manuscript. A letter of inquiry introduces you and your work. It explains why someone might like your submission and why the publisher should print it.
These letters don't have to be long—a couple of paragraphs will do. However, remember to be persuasive and straightforward. You want to explain how good your work is and you want to state that you are a young writer looking for a break into the publishing world. If you love the magazine, website, or newspaper where you want to be published, you can also mention that fact with reasons why your writing is a good fit. If you are self-publishing, you'll need a summary of your work and yourself—a paragraph explaining who you are and what you write.
Here are a few more things to or consider as you prepare to publish.
If you are sending your work to a publisher, read the guidelines page of their website. This will often tell you exactly how to submit, whether through electronic links or by email. If instead of writing to a publisher, you are self-publishing, then find other examples of the kind of work you want to do and model that. Listen to podcasts, read blogs, and then format yours in ways that look and sound like what people expect to see and hear.
If you are sending your work to a publisher through the mail—some do request this method—invest in professional, clean copies of your work. Print on one side of the page in black ink. Sign your letter and neatly address your envelope with your return address. If you are self-publishing, how you print your work is even more important. Make sure your text looks exactly the way you want before passing it around, and strongly consider adding digital images or art. Keeping your reader's attention is easier if they have something to look at when reading. Even if you're just reading a poem at a poetry slam, don't bring an old copy wadded up in your pocket. Professional poets carry their work as documents to be read from.
If you are looking to have your work published in a newspaper or magazine, keep records of the dates you sent the letter as well as the name(s) of the people you sent your work to. If they haven't given you an answer by the date indicated in the guidelines, reach out and ask about your submission. Many publishers have dozens of things to read every day, so you may not hear back for a month or even two. If you don't hear back at all, then the answer is probably No. Don't let that stop you. Try again. If you are publishing your own work, you'll have to be very organized with meeting schedules you set for yourself and others. A calendar and daily organizer can be your new best friend in this project.
You Try It
What else do you still need to do? These last few steps are important and will get your work ready to go out the door. Take your portfolio piece and consider your route to publication. Follow the steps on this page and get ready to send your work on its way. These last few steps will ensure your writing is the most professional submission you can make.
