Comment être *vraiment* lu par les éditeurs ? | envoyer son manuscrit & le dossier de soumission

Summary

The video script discusses the intense selection process in publishing houses, where only a small percentage of manuscripts are accepted for publication. It emphasizes the importance of preparing a professional submission package to increase the chances of a manuscript being considered. The speaker shares their personal experience of submitting their novel to publishing houses and receiving a publishing offer from Hlab, part of the Hachette Group. They provide advice on crafting a compelling submission, including writing a cover letter, synopsis, and author bio, as well as adhering to specific formatting requirements. The speaker also reflects on the contrast between the professional submission process and the more interactive experience of posting on platforms like Wattpad.

Takeaways

• 📚 A vast number of manuscripts are sent to publishing houses daily, but only a small percentage are actually selected for publication.
• 🔍 There is a drastic selection process in publishing houses and by reading committees, which can be nerve-wracking for first-time authors.
• 📩 To increase the chances of a manuscript being read and not immediately discarded, authors should carefully prepare their submission packages.
• 💼 The speaker shares their personal experience of successfully getting a publishing offer from a Hachette group publishing house after submitting their manuscript.
• 📝 Authors are often required to submit additional documents along with their manuscript, such as a cover letter, synopsis, and author's note, which should be prepared in advance.
• 🖋️ Formatting and presentation of the manuscript are crucial, as publishers have specific requirements that authors must adhere to.
• 🤔 The fear of rejection can lead to perfectionism, which might hinder the submission process; authors should find a balance between thorough preparation and moving forward with the submission.
• 📋 The speaker advises against over-refining the submission package once it meets the basic requirements and the potential publisher's demands.
• 📈 The speaker emphasizes the importance of researching and targeting the right publishers that align with the author's work and career goals.
• 🌟 The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the channel for more content related to reading, writing, and the publishing world.

Q & A

What is the main concern for a young author sending their manuscript to a publishing house for the first time?

The main concern is that their manuscript might not be read and could be quickly dismissed due to a bad first impression on the reading committee or because it does not fit the publishing house's expectations.

Why is it important to carefully prepare the submission package when sending a manuscript to a publishing house?

A well-prepared submission package ensures that the manuscript does not get discarded without proper consideration and shows the author's professionalism and seriousness towards their work.

What are some common documents requested by publishing houses along with a manuscript?

Commonly requested documents include a cover letter, a synopsis, a note of intent explaining the literary approach and originality of the work, and a personal presentation of the author.

How does the author describe their experience of preparing a submission package for a publishing house?

The author describes the process as meticulous and time-consuming, involving the creation of various documents and ensuring they meet the specific requirements of each publishing house.

What advice does the author give regarding the format and presentation of the manuscript according to the publishing house's requirements?

The author advises to strictly follow the formatting and presentation guidelines provided by the publishing house, such as font type, text spacing, chapter layout, and file format (PDF or .doc).

Why did the author decide to send their manuscript to publishing houses via email instead of traditional mail?

The author chose email submissions to save on the costs associated with printing and mailing, which can be quite high.

How did the author handle the pressure and perfectionism while preparing their manuscript for submission?

The author initially felt overwhelmed by the need for perfection but eventually realized that it was paralyzing and could lead to setting unattainable standards, so they decided to submit once they met the basic requirements and felt confident in their work.

What was the author's strategy for selecting and approaching publishing houses with their manuscript?

The author made a list of their top choices of publishing houses, prioritized them, and tailored their submissions to meet each house's specific requirements.

How does the author compare the experience of submitting a manuscript to a publishing house versus posting on Wattpad?

The author contrasts the professional and procedural nature of submitting to a publishing house with the more casual, interactive, and immediate feedback received from posting on Wattpad.

What was the outcome of the author's submission process, and what offer did they receive?

The author's submission process was successful, and they received a publication offer from Hlab, a publishing house within the Hachette group.

What is the author's advice for other authors interested in submitting their work to publishing houses?

The author advises other authors to carefully prepare their submission packages, follow the specific requirements of each publishing house, and not to be overly perfectionistic to the point of inaction.