Writers who are submitting work to magazine or book publishers want to make a good impression from the first contact. These ten tips will help you do just that.
- Target the market—make sure your work is a good fit with the publisher.
- Know the editor—verify her name and spell it correctly.
- Follow submission guidelines—your work may not even be reviewed if you don’t.
- When in doubt, find out—ask questions rather than do it wrong.
- Take your cue from the editor on formality and style—be businesslike and formal until the editor responds less formally.
- Tailor your pitch to the publication—let the editor know you are familiar with the magazine or book imprint.
- Respect the editor’s time—don’t expect them to chit-chat on the phone.
- Follow-up only after the response time has passed—response times are published to let you know how long to expect to wait to hear from the editor.
- Say thanks—everyone likes to be appreciated.
- Remember, editors are people too!