PRQ News

I sent off another submission to the Australian-based Arena imprint (under Allen & Unwin) as part of The Friday Pitch. As part of their plan to find new authors, the Arena imprint of A&U have opened every Friday to unsolicited submissions via email. Being on the other side of the international date line, that means I had to submit mine today (Thursday).

They promise a fast turn around in that if I haven’t heard a word back by 5:30 PM, Thursday (9:30 PM Wednesday for me), then they don’t want it. Believe it or not, I find that good news. It’s nice to have some sort of confirmation back (good or bad) so quickly.

I realize that it is considered taboo to submit manuscripts to multiple publishers at the same time without a Literary Agent, but I didn’t read anything in either Allen and Unwin’s or Tor’s submission guidelines against such. Conversely, I have found the rule in the submission guidelines of many of the other publishers I’ve looked into. Regardless, I suspect it won’t matter much.

Also: I received confirmation that Tor recieved my manuscript in the mail! So I’ve begun the countdown timer to my notificaitons on the right. I’ll keep you updated.

Since compiling all the publishers that would…

1. Be interested in my book
2. Could possibly print my book
3. Accept unsolicited submissions

…I have found 3 that are most promising. Tor / Forge (an imprint of Macmillan) is the first. I took a peek at their submission guidelines and went about meeting them:

• First 3 chapters or 40-60 pages (10,000 word limit) in manuscript format (Courier New, 10 pt, double spaced, 1″ margins).
• 3-10 page synopsis, to include major plot elements, ending and character development.
• Cover letter with contact information, previous publications, and qualifications pertaining to the manuscript.
• Self addressed, stamped business envelope for reply.

And now I am pleased to announce I went to FedEx Kinkos this morning, printed everything and then stopped by the post office to send the submission package away.

I purchased a delivery confirmation too, so I will know when/if it arrives. Now I will have to wait 4-6 months for someone to get back to me.