So, You Wrote a Novel. Now What?

Hi, Friends!

Today I’d like to share with you all a bit about the process of writing a novel and seeking publication. Sure, having a completed manuscript is essential. But there are a lot of other really important steps to take prior to landing an agent or signing with a publisher. In fact, I’d say writing the book was the easiest part of the process!

It’s a common misconception that once you complete a manuscript, all you need to do is submit it to a “Big 5” publisher. Truth is, those Big 5’s? Untouchable. You cannot submit to any of those major publishers without an agent. No exceptions. There are smaller indie publishers and presses that you CAN submit directly to. Or, self-publishing is an option that makes publication a reality for many. So, it’s up to the author to decide which route they want to take. There are pros and cons to each option.

I’m no expert, by any means. I’m still learning as I go. But I know finding information early on in my journey was difficult, as many of the how-to blogs catered to people who actually used social media or knew what a query letter was. Other than my personal Facebook page, I wasn’t active on social media, didn’t have a website, and had NO idea how to write an effective query letter.  Thanks to many hours of reading and scouring the web for this information over the past four years, I’m going to condense what I learned here, and I hope it’ll help anyone who is starting out as green as I did. 

In my 9-to-5 job as a clinical laboratory technician, I thrive on concrete steps, or as I like to call them “recipes” for completing any given task. The process for submitting my manuscript was no different. Below is the recipe I followed from writing my manuscript all the way to signing with a publisher.

1. Write. Complete your manuscript, and let it rest. Minimum of two weeks. I know, I know. Motivated to get it out there, right? Proud it’s done, and want to shout from the rooftops? Indeed, as you should be. But still, let it rest.  Read a few books. Get hooked on a new TV series. But let the manuscript REST! This is so essential for ensuring you are removed enough from it to properly edit it once your two-week respite is up.
2. Edit. After two or more weeks, open up the document and start editing. Correct grammar, run spell-check over the document, smooth clunky sentences, and trim the fat. That’s right, remove all that superfluous information that doesn’t move the plot along.
3. Professionally edit. After you’ve self-edited, look into professional editing services. Even editors need editors! This step can be costly, but it is so worth the investment. Not sure what type of editing your document needs (line edit, developmental edit)? Most editors will discuss this with you and make recommendations. Don’t just hire the first editor you contact. Obtain quotes from at least three reputable editors (Reedsy.com has a helpful list). Be sure you research the editor you wish to hire. Is it their full-time job or side job? Do they have reviews from other authors? What are their qualifications? A love of writing and a laptop doesn’t make just anyone an editor. Do your due diligence prior to hiring—and investing—in editorial services.
4. Network. While the manuscript is with the editor for several weeks, it’s a great time to look into creating author pages on social media, and setting up a web site (If you haven’t already). Most agents and publishers not only want you to have an online presence, but will ask for your web and social links. Twitter (X) has a great support system within the #writingcommunity, and you can enter contests like #SFFpit where you can tweet the premise of your novel and get the chance to submit, by invitation, to agents in your genre. Facebook, Instagram (bookstagram), TikTok (booktok), and Goodreads are all great social sites to engage with other readers and writers, too. Even if you don’t have a book to promote (yet), the information and connections you make now will only help you later.
5. Beta read. Editing is done, and now it’s time to read your manuscript, AGAIN. No, really. Is there anything about the plot that doesn’t jive, or facts that you should research to ensure accuracy? Reality is only 1-2% of manuscripts get published. You can’t put “good enough” out there. It has to be the best it can possibly be in order to stand a chance. This is a great stage to involve beta readers (Reedsy and Facebook Beta Reader Groups are great). Share your manuscript with a few people who aren’t family/friends, and hopefully get some brutally honest feedback about what is working and what isn’t.
6. Query letter. Write an eye-catching query letter. Query letters are very tricky, you’re asked to write a professional letter, no longer than a page, that sums up your novel and your qualifications. I found it harder to write the query than the novel! Really, it’s not easy to sum up over 80k words into a few snappy paragraphs! Janet Reid is a literary agent who runs the Query Shark website. The archives of query letters she has edited are invaluable. Remove excess information and condense only the most important plot points. I highly recommend perusing the Queryshark.blogspot.com for ideas and insight to make your query letter shine!
7. Submit your query. After your manuscript is polished and edited, your query letter written and ready to go, socials and website up and running, you are ready to enter the #querytrenches! Hang on tight, because this is one hell of a ride. And, it’s not typically a short one. If you’re human, you’ll likely receive your fair share of rejections before you get a bite. Important to note: as you research agents, be sure to only query those that: represent your genre and are from a reputable agency (NEVER pay a literary agent or publisher, those are scams and/or “vanity publishers”) agents make money only once the book is published, likewise for publishers!
8. Be patient. Every agent/agency/publisher has their own guidelines for submission. Commonly they only want the query letter, first few pages, and synopsis. Be sure to follow submission guidelines and personalize each query! If the agent or publisher is interested, they’ll request the full manuscript (and hopefully fall in love with it!). You’ll get rejections. You’ll get ghosted on some submissions. You might even get left hanging on full manuscript requests. Remain professional. Only nudge after a few weeks, or if a deadline is missed.
9. Consider offers carefully. A dream come true! An offer is made! Be sure to read the contract thoroughly, and RUN, don’t walk if they ask for a dime! Agents and publishers make money when YOU make money, not a minute before. Listen to your gut, is the agent or publisher reputable? Have they been in business for a while? Research before you make a decision. Your signature on a contract is legally binding. Know what you’re signing up for, the terms and conditions, and for how long.
10. Suffer from imposter syndrome. You did it! Now, this strange anxiety sets in. Am I really good enough? Am I an author now, or just a writer who made it to this step? What if my reviews are garbage and I’m laughed out of town and have to move to Norway? Okay, okay. My neurospicy self may be a bit dramatic at times. But the #writingcommunity is filled with authors wailing the same thing. It’s basically a rite of passage. The best cure? Start writing your next book.

A final note: I am a fierce believer that fellow writers are NOT competing with one another. We support each other and promote one another. Networking is crucial, because at the end of the day, the world needs more great books to escape into, and there will never be too many books. Or too many authors.
Dream big, friends. Only you can write the story you’re meant to tell.

Dream big, friends. Only you can write the story you’re meant to tell.