Do’s and Don’ts of Submissions

By Cherrilynn Bisbano

“His platform is growing, I love the story idea…Hmmm, should I send this to the agent?”

As a submissions reader, I forward manuscripts for consideration. I check to see if the author followed submission guidelines, used proper email etiquette, wrote well, and has a social media platform.

I almost hit the send button on this author but an avoidable mistake caught my eye. The writer cc’d about fifty other agents in his submission email. I sent a pass email and put him on our agency email list.

In my short time as a reader I ‘ve learned some Do’s and Don’ts of email submissions. These mistakes could cost a book contract or agency representation. I’ve made some of these errors in the past. I’m compelled to share with you what I’ve learned, so our submissions will shine.

Do follow submission guidelines- The agent looks for authors who follow direction. Agents give action steps for authors, if an author cannot follow submission guidelines the agent believes the writer cannot follow his instructions.

Do have a Social Media Platform- Let’s face it, writing is a business. The more people you know, the more speaking engagements you book, and followers you have, the more books you sell. If you don’t have social media accounts, choose two platforms and build your followers.

Do take time to research agents- Spell the name correctly. Research what genre the agent represents. I work for a Christian agent. He represents family friendly content as stated on the website. I’ve had three erotica submission in one month.  

Do send an edited manuscript- Agents want to represent authors who are ready to publish or are already published. An unedited manuscript denotes unprofessionalism.

Don’t say your book is anointed by God and we must represent you- I’ve also read, “My book belongs in every school library,” “My writing is like J.K. Rowling, only better.”  Confidence is great, an agent loves to work with a confident writer. However, there is a fine line between confidence and exaggeration.

Don’t send your proposal to many agents in one email- Your Manuscript will be rejected by most agents.  In the body of the proposal state “simultaneous submissions,” this alerts the agent that others are receiving your work.

Don’t harass the agent with multiple emails- Agents are busy. Most submission guidelines give a response time. Three months seems to be the average. If you have not heard from the agent, chances are they will not represent you or your work.

Don’t give up- Agents desire to see you succeed. Agents also look for specific genre’s. If one agent passes on your proposal, keep submitting to other agents. Meanwhile, make sure your manuscript is edited by a professional editor, have Beta Readers review your book, build your social media platform, and sharpen your writing skills.

If you follow these do’s and don’ts you have a better chance of success. I know I’d love to hit the send button for you.

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Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, editor, coach, and writer.  Her passion for helping people is evident.  She is Associate Editor at Almost an Author, an online community for aspiring writers. She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh, Broken but Priceless, and other online magazines. Contributor to Breaking The Chains-Strategies for Overcoming Spiritual Bondage  She earned her Leadership Certification through Christian Leaders Institute and continues toward a Women’s Bible Leader certification.Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her fifteen-year-old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 18 years, Michael, Sr.  Website: www.TruthtoShine.blogspot.com  Contact: godsfruit@juno.com     www.almostanauthor.com

The Top 5 Truths I Learned as a New Writer

By Cherrilynn Bisbano

What’s a protagonist? I asked myself as I listened to New York Times Best Selling author, Cecil Murphy.  (You can laugh go ahead).

As a speaker, I was seeking clarity on a career in writing.  Many ladies requested my teachings in book format.  My apt reply, I am not a writer. 

As gleaned from writing royalty at the 2014 New England Christian Writers retreat, Cecil confirmed all my writing fears.  He also encouraged me and gave me a challenge.  I learned a writer’s life is one filled with rejection, hope and a calling.  That weekend I knew I must complete my ministry by adding writer to my resume.

Over the next twelve months I attend four writing conferences. I met many Best Selling authors and aspiring writers.  I am compelled to share with you the top 5 truths I learned.  I am confident that my writing career would have fizzled out after a few months if I did not apply these truths.

Expect rejection – Thick skin is a must in the writer’s life. Jerry B. Jenkins, Cecil Murphy and Stephen King, along with many others, will testify that rejection is inevitable.  Writing is a business, so when I received my first book proposal I was not shocked or dismayed.   I high-fived my friend as she said, One rejection closer to a book contract.

Attend conferences- Conferences are the best palace to learn and network.   I sharpened my skills and gain new friends.  Please don’t let money be an issue. I acquired scholarships for the conferences.  Think of it as an investment in your career. You are worth it.

Writing is a Job, not a hobby- The most successful consider writing a job.  Whether part time or full time.  My friend Lori Roeleveld works full time days and writes nights and weekends.  If she was not disciplined she would not be published.

Always Learn- Conferences, college courses, along with books are great ways to sharpen writing skills.  I take on line courses also.  Some of these courses are free.  Writing blogs give daily and weekly insite.   The Write Conversation by Edie Melson, Jerry B. Jenkins blog at his website, and Cecil Murphy’s Writer to Writer have helped me immensely.

Read- I don’t have time to read if I write, I thought to myself.  Then I learned that everyone from the Portuguese Nobel prize winner Jose Saramago to Stephen King state that reading is mandatory for the writer.  Jerry B. Jenkins sums it up nicely; Writers are readers. Good writers are good readers.  Great writers are great readers.      

I have a long way to go as a writer.  My hope; best-selling writers still adhere to these 5 truths, so I will too.

Are you following these truths?  What would you add to the list?

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Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, teacher, editor and writer. Her passion for helping people is evident. As a speaker, she encourages and equips women to be strong in the Lord. She is Associate Editor at Almost an Author, an online community for aspiring writers. She has recently been added as an acquisitions editor at A3 publishing. She is a two time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh and other online magazines.  Her first book, True Star Quality, Learn to Shine, will be out by summer. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her fourteen year old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 17 years, Michael, Sr. Her social media links can be found: pelicanpromise.blogspot.com  

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