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Preparation of a manuscript for publishing includes much more than just writing an interesting story. For Canadian writers wishing to get into the publishing world, it is important to know what criteria a publisher uses in order to decide whether a certain manuscript is good enough for the publishing house’s list.
There are many aspects that affect how an editor perceives the value of a manuscript.
What Do Canadian Book Publishers Look for Before Considering a Manuscript?
Canadian publishers usually seek manuscripts which show some distinctive voice of the author, good writing style, originality, and some target audience. Although each publisher has its own policy and approach to publishing books, usually editors want to be sure that the manuscript is already well thought out and not just an uncompleted idea.
It is also important that the manuscript has some premise. Publishers must know how their book is different from the other ones and why people will buy it and read it.
Finally, it is necessary to take into account the genre of the book. The manuscript must fit the genre and at the same time surprise readers somehow.
How Does Manuscript Quality Influence a Publisher’s Decision?
Quality of writing is an extremely significant factor while evaluating a manuscript. Publishers are seeking for well-written material that proves mastery of language, structure, pacing and narration.
While fiction manuscripts should show believability of characters, well-written dialogue, a consistent plot and its development, nonfiction manuscripts must be well organized, contain reliable information and have a link between author’s credentials and the theme.
It doesn’t matter whether a manuscript is perfect or not. It just needs to show that the author knows the basics of the genre he chose and put some work into editing it.
Why Do Publishers Care About a Book’s Target Audience?
Every manuscript requires readers.
The publishers will look at the ability of the author to properly define his or her target audience and whether there is enough of this target audience to make the book profitable. This does not necessarily mean that every manuscript should cater to everyone. Quite often it is even an advantage.
The editor could look into some issues like demographics of readers, genre issues, comparables, market competition.
Knowing one’s readers, authors are able to make more informed decisions regarding the tone, positioning, title, cover and marketing strategy.
How Important Are Originality and a Strong Book Concept?
Originality does not have to include the development of an idea that is entirely new and unprecedented. Many best-selling books deal with well-known concepts but with an interesting angle.
Publishers must be informed about what is special about a certain manuscript. The romantic genre may give way to something novel in terms of setting or characters. A business title may provide something new and innovative about the old topic. The idea should be simple yet deep enough to support an entire book.
What Should Authors Know About Manuscript Formatting and Submission Requirements?
Even the most well-written manuscript may fail to make a good impression in the case of not adhering to the submission rules.
For example, some Canadian publishers may require certain specific format of manuscripts, certain specific word counts, certain specific query letters, synopses, sample chapters, and other required elements for the submission process.
Such professional formatting makes a manuscript more readable for the editors and agents.
It is also essential not to send anything unsolicited if the publisher clearly requires some specific submission process.
How Do Commercial Potential and Marketability Affect Manuscript Selection?
Publishing companies are commercial companies, so there are other factors aside from creativity that they look at.
Editors might assess if the book is marketable, how it stacks up against other books on the market, and if the publishing company is capable of handling its distribution and marketing.
This does not necessarily imply that an author should only focus on the trends when writing.
Rather, an author must know the place of the book in the market and be able to justify why the reader needs this book.
What Is the Difference Between Traditional and Independent Publishing for Canadian Authors?
There are many options for publication of Canadian authors, including traditional publishing, independent publishing, and self-publishing. In each case, the author gets various amounts of creative freedom, finances, professional support, and involvement in marketing.
When Canadian book writers are researching, it is important to take into account not only the steps in the process of publication itself but also the processes that happen after the writing stage.
Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing in Canada
| Factor | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
| Upfront Costs | Publisher usually covers the production costs of the book. | Author is responsible for paying the production costs. |
| Creative Freedom | Decisions are typically shared between the author, publisher, and editor. | The author retains full creative control over the project. |
| Editing and Production | Managed through the publisher’s editorial and production process. | Author hires and pays for editing, design, and production services. |
| Production Timeframe | Generally involves a longer publishing timeline. | Timeline is determined by the author. |
| Distribution | Publisher may assist with distribution through established channels. | Author is responsible for arranging distribution. |
| Marketing | Publisher may provide varying levels of marketing support. | Author typically manages and funds marketing efforts. |
| Profits | Earnings depend on royalty rates and publishing agreements. | Authors often retain a higher percentage of profits per sale. |
| Rights | Rights are governed by the publishing contract. | Authors usually maintain greater control over publishing rights. |
| Decision Making | Manuscript must be accepted by the publisher before publication. | Author decides if, when, and how the book will be published. |
Authors deciding between these approaches should consider their goals, resources, desired level of control, and willingness to manage different aspects of publishing.
How Can Authors Make Their Manuscript More Appealing to Canadian Publishers?
However, the best possible preparation usually starts with a revision.
Writers need to review their manuscript through the eyes of a stranger and determine which parts slow the narrative down, obscure the argument or repeat unnecessary information. Professional editing will help to get an unbiased opinion about the structure or writing of the manuscript that the writer might no longer see.
Additionally, authors can learn more about the publisher before sending their work. The publishing company that specializes in a certain genre or type of reader is more likely to recognize the value of the manuscript rather than one with a publishing list unrelated to the manuscript.
A brief synopsis or query letter needs to be prepared by the author to convey the main idea of the book.
Why Should Authors Research a Publisher Before Sending a Manuscript?
The process of seeking an appropriate publishing partner goes beyond looking for an established name.
Writers need to look into the publishing company’s publications, genre, submission guidelines, marketing plan, model, and how the company perceives authors.
This will enable writers to seek out publishing houses that are suited to their manuscripts.
It is also better to submit manuscripts to specific publishers than just submitting everywhere.
What Should Canadian Authors Remember Before Submitting Their Manuscript?
There are numerous factors that go into the decision making process for publishing a piece of writing, and a rejection does not always mean that a manuscript doesn’t have any potential at all.
The best solution in this situation would be to take submission of a manuscript as a professional matter. Work on the manuscript itself, identify its intended audience, identify the right publishing houses, follow submission procedures, and make a good presentation.
Prepared Canadian writers with realistic expectations about what can happen when submitting manuscripts are more likely to find their way in the publishing world.
A strong manuscript is the key factor to success in publishing regardless of whether a writer wants to secure a publishing deal or publish independently.
