You’ve done your research, you know who to aim your work at, but there’s a big 'No Entry' sign that stops you going any further.What do you do when a publisher says it doesn't accept unsolicited submissions?
Sending your work in regardless runs the risk of an instant return or no answer at all, which is a dispiriting lack of communication. Not sending it feels like you are cutting off the perfect partnership for your writing career.
There are two ways around this – neither is perfect, but they are definitely worth a try.
In both cases, you are aiming to become a solicited submission.
One approach is to go to industry events, try to contact an editor in the relevant department, then see if your (brief) description of your work entices them to request to see it. This won’t always work, and can run the risk of antagonising the editor in question, who probably doesn’t have a lot of time for this sort of contact. However if you do come across someone who you think could help, it is worth a try.
The alternative is to get your submission taken on by a literary agent, and let the agent know why you feel that particular publisher is right for your work.
Once you are agented, you are no longer an 'unsolicited submission', and will be considered. Most agencies still consider unsolicited work, so it is easier to target them than publishers.
Best of luck!
Cressida
(editorial consultant)
Baijayanti Pradhan on December 7, 2009
HI, How could I know that whether a publisher has asterisk mark or not? I will be evergreatful to you if you will clear my doubt as soon as possible.
iran on December 8, 2009
hi
is it so important that you have an agent to do the things you as an author could do. why don't publishers take on novels that agents don't support.
Cressida Downing on December 8, 2009
Purnamsi - Hi, you can get the information on whether a publisher is accepting unsolicited submissions by checking their entry either in the Listings on this website, or in the printed Writers' & Artists' Yearbook.
iran - Agents do a lot for authors - I'm sure we'll have a blog post soon on what services they offer. In relation to unsolicited submissions, if a publisher receives a submission from an agent, they will know that someone within the industry has assessed the quality of the work.
Cressida
Audrey Kruiniger on December 9, 2009
Hi Cressida,
I asked you another question earlier about getting an agent in the UK if you're not from the UK. Thanks for your answer on that, by the way.
I have another question for you: I've finally finished my synopsis. My covering letter is as good as it's going to be. My sample chapters are polished and edited. I've made a longlist and a shortlist of agencies that I feel are best suited for my work. In short, I am ready to go out there and bag myself an agent.
But now, the big question: I've done the research on all submissions guidelines. But who do you address your submission to, if the agency states just a general address for submissions? Like for instance when it says: "submission department" .
Is it okay to just write to a dear Sir, dear Madam?
Thanks again!
badger on December 10, 2009
I feel it's okay to write to "Dear Sir", but it's better to write to a name. Why not phone the office and ask? You can double check all the address details at the same time - that way your first contact will be thoroughly professional...