E.T.’s TIPS

WRITERS’ DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
  1. 1.Do establish a realistic writing schedule and stick with it.  You will find that establishing a schedule will help you maintain momentum and keep the creative juices flowing.
     
  2. Do obtain a copyright registration from the U.S. Library of Congress as soon as your manuscript is completed.  
     
  3. Do follow-up on rejection slips.  Often rejection has nothing to do with the quality of your work, but is a business decision based on anticipated demand.  Sometimes, you can obtain valuable feedback by contacting the editor after you receive the rejection slip.
     
  4. Do obtain a legal review by a contract or literary attorney before signing any contract or   written agreement.  
     
  5. Do demand an advance at the time of signing a publishing agreement, even if it’s a minimal advance.  This advance is usually repaid to a publisher out of initial royalties.  Even a minimal advance shows a commitment on the part of the publisher.  Remember, just like any product, your work took time and effort and has value.  It is a privilege and an opportunity for a publisher to represent your work.

 

 

 

 

 DON’Ts
 
  1. Don’t pay any ‘up front’ money to an agent have your manuscript edited, solicited and/or published. If your manuscript is truly publishable, they will invest into it and share the risk.  Assuming all the risk “up front” makes you vulnerable to scams and frauds.
     
  2. Don’t forget to have you certify/register you manuscript when mail it. Certified mail, express mail or return receipt are good ways to ensure your manuscript arrives into the hands of the right people.
     
  3. Don’t contact a prospective publisher prematurely after mailing it.  Publishers usually establish the timeframe for follow-up in their submission criteria.  Remember, most publishers receive tons of submissions.  Always research the publisher’s submission criteria.
     
  4. Don’t waste your postage by sending your manuscript to publishers that don’t take unsolicited manuscripts.  It will just be discarded.  In other words, do your research.  
     
  5. Don’t give up.  It is your dream to be published but it takes patience and hard work.  Always be willing to revise and rewrite to polish your creation.

 

 
 
 
 

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