How can I submit a book to a traditional publisher?

 Submitting a book to a traditional publisher is a formal, competitive, and often lengthy process that involves multiple steps, including writing a polished manuscript or proposal, crafting a compelling submission package, and—in most cases—securing a literary agent. Major publishing houses, especially those known as the “Big Five,” do not accept unsolicited manuscripts directly from authors. Instead, they rely on vetted submissions from literary agents.

However, some smaller independent publishers and genre-specific presses do accept unagented submissions, often during open submission windows or through specific calls for pitches.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your book to a traditional publisher, including when you need an agent, how to prepare your materials, where to find publishers and agents, and how to navigate each stage of the submission process.

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1. Finish Your Manuscript (or Proposal)

The very first step is having a high-quality, completed project:

• Fiction: You must have a fully written and revised manuscript. Traditional publishers and agents will not consider partial fiction manuscripts unless you are already a well-known author.

• Nonfiction: You typically submit a book proposal and sample chapters. A full manuscript is usually not required upfront, especially for prescriptive nonfiction (e.g., self-help, business, memoir).

Before submitting:

• Have your manuscript or proposal thoroughly edited

• Get feedback from critique partners or beta readers

• Be confident that your book is as strong and polished as it can be

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2. Decide if You Need a Literary Agent

In most cases, yes—you need a literary agent, especially if you're aiming to publish with one of the “Big Five” publishers:

• Penguin Random House

• HarperCollins

• Macmillan

• Simon & Schuster

• Hachette

These publishers do not accept unagented submissions, meaning you must go through an agent who will pitch your work to editors within these companies.

However, you can still submit directly to:

• Independent presses

• University presses

• Genre-specific publishers (e.g., romance, sci-fi, Christian, children’s)

• Publishers that occasionally have open submissions

So, the path you take depends on your target publisher.

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3. Research Publishers or Literary Agents

Before you submit, you need to know who to submit to. Sending your manuscript or proposal to the wrong people—or those who don't represent your genre—wastes time and often results in automatic rejections.

For Literary Agents:

• Use resources like QueryTracker, Manuscript Wish List, Poets & Writers, and Publisher’s Marketplace

• Search agents by genre: romance, literary fiction, memoir, young adult, nonfiction, etc.

• Look at books similar to yours and find out who represented them

For Publishers (if unagented):

• Check publishers that accept direct submissions (search online or use directories like Duotrope, NewPages, and Writer’s Market)

• Visit the publisher’s website and read their submission guidelines carefully

• Only submit if they are open to your genre and type of book

Create a list of 10–30 potential targets depending on your approach.

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4. Prepare Your Submission Package

What you send depends on the recipient’s specific requirements, but most submissions require some combination of the following:

For Fiction:

• Query letter (1 page)

• Synopsis (1–2 pages summarizing the plot and ending)

• First pages or chapters (5–50 pages depending on guidelines)

• Author bio

For Nonfiction:

• Query letter

• Book proposal (includes overview, chapter outline, sample chapters, target audience, competing titles, platform/marketing plan)

• Author bio and credentials

Each submission should be tailored to the recipient. Never use a one-size-fits-all letter.

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5. Write a Compelling Query Letter

The query letter is the most important element in your submission. It’s your first and often only chance to capture an agent’s or editor’s interest.

A query letter should include:

1. A hook: The first line should grab attention.

2. A concise pitch: 1–2 paragraphs summarizing the plot or premise.

3. Genre and word count

4. Comparison titles: Mention a few comparable books to show you understand the market.

5. A brief bio: Relevant writing experience, platform, or credentials.

6. Contact info

Be professional, brief (no more than one page), and engaging.

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6. Follow Submission Guidelines Rigorously

Every agent or publisher has specific guidelines. These may include:

• Subject line format (e.g., “Query: Title by Author Name”)

• File format (Word doc vs. PDF vs. pasted in the body of the email)

• Word count limits

• Specific questions to answer in your email

• A wait time before following up

If you don’t follow their guidelines, your submission may be deleted unread.

Always check:

• Their official website

• Their QueryManager or Submittable form (if used)

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7. Submit and Track Your Queries

Use a spreadsheet or tracking tool like QueryTracker to record:

• Who you submitted to

• Date of submission

• Expected response time

• Outcome (acceptance, rejection, request for full manuscript, etc.)

Expect wait times ranging from 2 to 12 weeks—sometimes longer. Many agents and publishers receive hundreds of submissions per month.

Responses may include:

• Form rejections

• Personalized rejections

• Requests for partials or full manuscripts

• Offers of representation or publication

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8. What Happens If an Agent Is Interested?

If an agent requests a full manuscript and loves it, they may offer representation. This begins the next phase of the process:

• You sign an Agency Agreement giving them permission to submit your work to publishers.

• They may ask you to revise your manuscript before submissions.

• Then they’ll pitch your book to editors at traditional publishing houses.

• You’ll get updates as they submit, negotiate, and respond to offers.

Once a publisher makes an offer, your agent negotiates the publishing contract, including:

• Advance payment

• Royalties

• Rights (e.g., audio, foreign, film)

• Delivery deadlines

• Publication timeline

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9. What If a Publisher Responds Directly to You?

If you submitted to a publisher without an agent and they’re interested:

• They may request the full manuscript or make an offer.

• You can hire a publishing lawyer to review the contract, or you may try to find an agent at that stage (some agents will jump in to help if there’s already an offer).

Avoid signing contracts without understanding:

• Royalties (typically 10–15% for print, 25% for eBook)

• Subsidiary rights

• Reversion clauses

• Termination clauses

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10. Handling Rejections

Rejection is part of the process. Most writers receive dozens or even hundreds of rejections before finding the right agent or publisher.

Common reasons for rejection:

• Not a good fit for their list

• Not commercial enough

• Market is saturated

• Didn’t connect with the voice or concept

Tips for handling rejection:

• Don’t take it personally

• Revise your query or manuscript based on feedback

• Keep querying more agents and publishers

• Keep writing new projects

Persistence and patience are key.

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11. Attend Pitch Events and Writing Conferences

These can be valuable shortcuts to traditional publishing access.

Look for:

• Twitter pitch events like #PitMad, #RevPit, and #SFFPit

• Writers’ conferences with pitch sessions (e.g., Writer’s Digest Conference, SCBWI, ThrillerFest)

• Online pitch parties and webinars

These events allow you to pitch agents or editors directly and bypass the slush pile.

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12. Build Your Author Platform

While not always required, having a platform can help—especially for nonfiction authors.

Your platform includes:

• Email list or newsletter

• Social media presence

• Blog or website

• Speaking engagements

• Media coverage

If you can show a publisher or agent that you already have an audience, you increase your book’s commercial appeal.

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Conclusion

Submitting a book to a traditional publisher is a deliberate, multi-step process that requires planning, professionalism, and perseverance. Whether you're pursuing agents or submitting directly to indie publishers, success depends on your ability to present a compelling story, follow guidelines exactly, and target the right people.

Although the process may be slow and rejection-filled, many authors find traditional publishing rewarding because of its industry credibility, distribution power, and support systems. By taking the time to understand the submission process—and preparing thoroughly—you maximize your chances of landing a publishing deal and seeing your book in bookstores worldwide.