Submitting Your Manuscript

The most daunting part of writing is the submission process. I have heard my writing friends say they pitched their story to an agent or editor when it wasn't finished-far from it. They may have gotten a request to see the material, but I rarely hear of an agent or editor buying that manuscript after the writer rushed to finished it.

New York Times bestselling author, Bob Mayer cautions writers against pitching work that isn't finished. In his book, The Novel Writer's Toolkit, he recommends writers "make sure your work is really finished." He says you should let the completed manuscript sit for two weeks before reading through it and making changes. Then, after you submit, start the next book.

You can hear more advice from Bob, and buy a copy of his book, at the Desert Dreams Conference in Scottsdale Arizona, April 27-29,2012. Go to http://www.desertroserwa.org/ for more information and registration.