Ten things not to do if you want to get published

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So the other day I bumped into a writer I first met four years ago. He’s just now finishing up the manuscript he’d started way back then. When I asked him what his plan was for finding an agent, etc., it became painfully clear that he is missing some information that might improve his odds of getting published; unfortunately, he’s also harboring some mistaken notions that will hinder his chances. For example, he told me that he has a great cover idea for his book-to-be, and that he has developed a graphic that he’s planning to send out with his agent queries.To which I blurted out, “Oh God, don’t do that. Never do that!”

I spent the next ten minutes proselytizing about how writers who want to get published must educate themselves aggressively in the do’s and don’ts of the submission biz. We have to become like heat-seeking missiles, searching out information through professional writer’s groups, how-to books, conferences, and blogs like this one. The following pointers may seem obvious to readers of TKZ, because our readers are pretty savvy about this kind of stuff. But here goes–my Top Ten list of things not to do when you’re trying to get published: 

  1. Don’t send your manuscript out without having at least two beta readers go over your work. Preferably run it by several beta readers. If more than two of them have an issue with something in your writing, fix it. Your words are not special snowflakes that have to be preserved at all costs.
  2. Don’t send out your manuscript if it still needs work. To determine whether it needs more work, see #1. I often hear writers complain when they get tired of rewriting. They say, “Oh, I’ll just send it out and see what happens.” And then what happens next? Nada much.
  3. Don’t start submitting your work without knowing how to compose a great query letter and sample. The best advice I’ve found on the web about querying is on the pages of Miss Snark, the Literary Agent. (Her blog is no longer being updated, but you can find everything you need in the archives.) And here’s a sample of a great query letter from agent Nathan Bransford’s blog.
  4. Don’t query an agent without knowing exactly what type of work that agent is looking for. (Do query him or her exactly as requested. You can usually find the agent’s requirements for submitting work on their web site.) One of the best resources I’ve found for learning about specific agents and the work they’re looking for is Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents.
  5. Don’t send a “sample book cover” with your query to an  agent or publisher. Ever.
  6. Don’t mention in your query that your manuscript is the first book in a series. That’s the sign of an amateur. The agent and/or publisher will let you know if it can become a series.
  7. Don’t self publish unless you already have a track record as a published author. Even then, it’s probably better not to self publish. Unless you are Joe Konrath or you have an incredible platform, your book will vanish into the UUU (Unhappy Universe of the Unread).
  8. Don’t ever pay for any type of agent, “publishing service,” or entity that charges to publish your work. And be wary of contests that charge exorbitant entry fees. Some contests are legitimate, but check to make sure. Take a look at Predators & Editors before you sign on with anyone. 
  9. Don’t be defensive or cranky when you get negative feedback about your writing, and don’t burn bridges with agents, publishers, or other writers (published or unpublished). It’s a small world, and bad manners will come back to haunt you if you act like a diva. Be gracious and professional with everyone.
  10. Here’s a completely gratuitous one on behalf of published authors: Don’t approach writers you meet casually and ask them to recommend you to their agent. Unless you are a close friend or a really great writer, it’s annoying as hell.


Of course, there are always exceptions. There will always be people who make every mistake in the book and still get published. Usually this will happen because their writing is so outstanding that the professionals overlook their beginner’s mistakes. But it doesn’t happen that way very often. Before I got my series contract, I tried to become a sea sponge, soaking up every morsel of wisdom and information I could find. I took courses at UCLA Extension, joined a critique group run by a former editor of a major publisher, went to writer’s conferences, joined ITW, Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Basically, I sought out anything I could find that could improve my writing and my odds of getting published. In the end, it was all worth it.


What has your self-education journey been like, as a writer? Do you still feel you have some things to learn, and how are you going about it? Can you add any “don’ts” to my list?


–KL

25 thoughts on “Ten things not to do if you want to get published”

  1. When you use the term “beta reader” do you mean a non-writer or do you use the term to mean either a non-writer or fellow writer?

    A great many contests charge entry fees (unless you were referring to some other type of fee). I don’t think it necessarily makes them disreputable but certainly if there is a worthy contest that doesn’t charge a fee, go for it.

    I’m sure there are plenty of other don’ts but I’m brain dead after a 12 hr shift…

  2. Hi BK, a beta reader can be anyone you choose to read your manuscript and provide feedback. I have a critique group, and I’ve also circulated writing to friends and even friends of friends who are recommended. I hate to burn out my beta readers, so sometimes I rotate the people I ask to read. I agree with you that many reputable contests charge fees, but some are scams, so it’s always worth checking.

  3. Number 6 really surprised me! I got my agent through pitching at a writing conference. I definitely talked about how my book was the first in a potential 3-book series, but could also stand alone.

    Great list! Super helpful.

    I’ve been immersed in the world of publishing for a couple years now and continue to learn something new each day.

  4. Katie, there might be people who have a different opinion about #6. But when I got started, the advice I got from people in publishing was that beginners shouldn’t try to pitch a series. Of course, it’s fantastic when your book turns into one! I wrote my first manuscript as a standalone, then started looking for an agent. I got a response from an agent that said she’d take me on if we could package it as a series. It took me an entire split second to say yes!

  5. Mostly good advice but let’s not make agents gods. Miss Snark hid behind anonymity and made fun of writers. And I got published by sending my query to the ‘wrong’ person. We keep acting like writers should be so grateful an agent even looks at our query. Last I checked they worked for writers. It’s their job to read queries. No matter how many tweets and blogs where they complain about it. It’s like a writer complaining about writing.

  8. I suppose almost any story could be turned in to a series, so I see mentioning that fact neither beneficial nor harmful unless the writer insists that the story can’t be told without it being a series or has plans for a large number of books in the series.

    Bob Mayer, yes, it is part of an agent’s job to read queries, but that is likely their least favorite part of the job. There’s no reason for us to make it even more difficult.

  10. Also it is always a god idea to”
    1) Illustrate each chapter head with an action scene depicting what the chapter is about. If you can’t draw, it is acceptable to cut out pictures from magazines and do a collage, or failing that, go with stick figures. It entertains potential buyers who will be pleased by your creativity.
    2) Use a bunch of type faces in different sizes, but stay away from dingbats.
    3) Always say that you will “consider” minor changes to the manuscript, but remind them that as a “professional” you know what you are doing and they have probably passed on many “hit” books and they sure don’t want to do that again.
    4) Never do cover art as most publishers pay their friends to design covers, especially the bad ones.
    5) Always tell agents that your book is going to be a sure-fire best seller. This truly gets their attention and will close the sale, often without their having to actually read the manuscript.
    6) Don’t mail a query letter as it slows things down. Hand deliver your manuscript to their office and sit there until they meet with you and “get it.” If you can find their home address it is always preferable to be on their doorstep when they leave for work, as they are more open to new authors with the drive to see their work on shelves. Dress in a costume that relates to your work. Bring along a couple of friends to perform a skit using a chapter from your novel.
    7) Never take no for an answer.
    I hope I’m not leaving anything out.

  13. Kathryn, good points. And Jim Bell adds a great one–something he and I both learned when we were first asking girls for dates: don’t be dull and don’t be desperate. And don’t show fear–agents, editors, and potential dates can sense it.

  14. I can see it now…some guy dressed up in a pink bunny costume carrying a toy 9mm on the front lawn of an agent’s house in Greenwich while one of his buddies is tying up another and quoting bad dialogue from an unedited MS. When the agent asks what is going on (while he’s dialing 911) the bunny says, “But Miller told me this would get me published!”

    Nice Top 7, John.

  16. John, your tips are great! Way beyond my wildest imaginings of major don’ts, lol. Jim, I’ve only heard one story in which desperation paid off. A wannabe screenwriter (long ago) pawned his typewriter for a short while. When he got it back, he sent in his spec script with an image of his pawn ticket on the back of every page. It made the studio guys laugh and he got hired! On the other hand, xeroxing that pawn ticket so they’d see it was the opposite of dull, so there you go!

  20. I’ve come to the conclusion that many folks who claim they are writing a book are wannabes who don’t really intend to put the time, effort, and sweat into becoming a professional writer. They’re looking for the silver bullet to fame and fortune. Sometimes people will listen and join the writers groups we recommend and attend meetings and conferences but often that’s the last you hear from them. I emphasize how these folks must expect to train for the job like for any career. It can take years. Sobering advice, but real.

  23. When we started AKW Books, we looked at all these machinations and decided that there’s really only two things we need to know about a manuscript:

    1. What’s it about (subject, plot)?
    2. Is the writing itself up to par?

    Fancy query letters, big name agents, and all the other BS is just that; BS.

    That doesn’t mean you can ignore the BS. Some publishing houses require it and hold it more dearly than their spouses.

  24. I still cringe when I read my first draft query letter, which I ignorantly sent to all my favorite agents right away. This was before I found Query Shark or the eleventy-billion other great resources for writing good queries.

    Now, my letter is fit and sexy and I’m waiting until the time is right to gently re-approach my first round.

  25. Great post. Most of these I think I know but often forget! It’s good to be reminded how important each of these tips really is.

    I would suggest Query Shark rather than Miss Snark. I agree that Nathan Bransford’s blog (particularly when he was still blogging as an agent) is also a treasure trove of helpful query hints.

    I’ve yet to sell my work (still slaving away rewriting and editing and revising and rewriting again) , but I hope I’ll keep these useful tips in mind as I get closer to marketing my manuscript.

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