When to begin submitting work...

When to begin submitting work... (Full Version)

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4IMPersuaded -> When to begin submitting work... (8/19/2008 7:50:33 PM)
I tend to come to this forum to get practical advice from those of you who have been published, so here's another question... At what point does a first-timer submit work to a publisher for consideration? This is non-fiction and after reading a portion of what I have written, someone I respect strongly urged me to begin submitting it even though I am not nearly finished. I am not so naive as to beleive that the first (or thirtieth) publisher that reads it will be interested, but should I begin now or wait until (I think) I am finished?

Kathrynpagecamp -> RE: When to begin submitting work... (8/20/2008 10:09:26 AM)
Is this a book? Most publishers would rather have unpublished authors complete the entire manuscript first because a lot of people don't follow through. It is, however, easier to sell a non-fiction book before completing it than it is to sell a novel that way. I did. You do, however, need to put together a great book proposal. This includes having an outline/summary for the entire book and two or three chapters (not necessarily chapters 1-3) that you have polished to death. That doesn't mean you can't change them later, but you have to make them the best you can before submitting them. There are also several other parts to a book proposal. I recommend getting Book Proposals That Sell by W. Terry Whalin. It is a short, easy read, and I found it a lot more helpful than some of the longer, more detailed books on the same subject.

4IMPersuaded -> RE: When to begin submitting work... (8/21/2008 12:43:26 AM)
Thanks, Kathryn! No, it is a 10-week bible study and your point is well-taken about new authors not following through. I do so much better with a deadline! That is really the motivation behind my question. This sort of discipline without someone else expecting something from me is a bit of an adjustment. I am a play-oriented extrovert, so making time to sit down and write is so foreign, but at the same time so vital! This is an act of obedience. I have difficulty explaining to friends that I can't do this thing or that because I am writing. I think they think I have truly gone around the bend! I appreciate the resource. I will get that. Thank you. In terms of polishing my work, I am frustrated by the limitations of my medium. Most studies of this genre have helpful hints, verses, quotes and the like in the margin-- it helps with discussion and to move the day's study along. Since I am writing in Word, I am not able to do this. I have attempted to find another software package that would help to no avail-- perhaps I just don't know where to look! It isn't a big deal... I don't think. I'm just so clueless as to what to expect from a publisher in terms of editing assistance, so I'm not sure how "polished" polished is. I'm thinking a few rejection letters will help clear that up. [;)] At any rate, I'll start with the book you mentioned and go from there. There were some style resource books suggested in posts a few months ago that I will be getting, too. I just love what God has been showing me in His Word. I can think of no greater honor on this earth than to share with others what I have learned!

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