1.
Publish as much of your work in literary magazines and journals as possible.
Some Canadian journals that regularly publish new work include Grain,
Matrix, New Quarterly, Prairie Fire, The Fiddlehead, The Malahat Review,
Ariel, Prism International, event, Arc, People’s Poetry Letter,
Canadian Fiction Magazine, Wascana Review, and Descant. Publication
history is one of the first things an editor with a publishing house
will look for, as it shows the author is a committed professional, and
has gained significant editorial experience and exposure for his/her
work.
2.
Take advantage of writing programs in your area, through writer-in-residence
programs, writers groups, and retreats.
3.
Submit your work for awards whenever possible.
4.
Ensure that your manuscript is clean, presentable, and easy to read.
5.
Target your submissions to publishers who have a history of producing
titles similar to your manuscript. The Canadian Publishers Directory
can be found at your local library, and it contains contact and submission
information.
6.
Be sure to send a query letter to a prospective publisher first. Do
not send out multiple submissions, unsolicited electronic submissions,
or full manuscripts that have not been requested. This will just delay
the process, and turn off busy editors.
7.
Have on hand a clear, concise curriculum vitae or resume, with full
publishing history and relevant personal data.
8.
Whenever possible practise reading your work in public.
9.
Be aware of the target market/audience of your work.
10.
Be prepared for a process that is most often a long and difficult
one. It usually will take at least several years before you can hope
to see a book in print, and many rejections will arrive along the
way. Stay positive, and be responsive to whatever constructive criticisms
you receive. |
