Submitting your manuscript to a publisher for consideration can feel incredibly daunting, and many authors agonize over whether they’ve prepared enough before sending it in. But doing too much to your book on your own before reaching out to a publisher can lead to authors creating even more work for themselves and their publisher. We’re hoping this article puts your nerves at ease, and will help you work with your publisher, rather than unknowingly work against them, as you prepare to submit your draft.

Research Your Publisher’s Submission Guidelines

Before you dive in and start editing your book or putting together a proposal, research which publishers you’d like to submit to and what they require. Many publishers have an FAQ section or a submission guidelines page that outlines what it is they want to see from you.

• Some publishers require a proposal, but others may have a submission form instead.

• Some publishers may want you to send in a polished draft, and others might prefer to see your rough draft so they can weigh in on editorial direction early on.

• Some publishers will require you to work with an agent, and others allow authors to submit directly.

Make a list of a few publishers who seem like a good fit for your book and your goals, and take note of what’s required for each one so that you don’t end up doing unnecessary work.

Craft Strong Title Options for Your Book

Trying to distill an entire book full of content into a single catchy title can be a hard task, so we recommend you start brainstorming early. Most publishers will weigh in on your title, but bringing 2-5 strong but distinct title options gives you and your team a solid place to start. Your book’s title is one of the first things a reader notices, so try to find some title options that match your book’s tone and genre while communicating your book’s unique offering. And try to avoid choosing a title that has already been taken by another popular book—doing a quick search for similar titles online is always a good rule of thumb. (For more guidance on how to choose a book title, check out Greenleaf Book Group’s Titling Tidbits.)

Identify Your Target Audience Before Submitting

“People who like to read” is not a well-defined audience. Researching what groups of people read similar books to yours and who you’d like to reach with your message is an important step that many authors leave as an afterthought. Writing and editing with your audience in mind means you're less likely to have to go back and make big edits later to better suit your readership. Are you targeting young professionals looking for self-improvement? Fantasy enthusiasts eager for an immersive world? Identifying your ideal reader helps both you and your publisher craft a more effective marketing strategy, and means less changes later on.

Clarify Your Goals for Success

Success looks different for every author. Are you aiming for bestseller status, industry recognition, or to build a strong personal brand? Understanding what success means to you helps your publisher tailor their approach to meet your expectations.

Avoid Premature ISBN Purchases or Uploading Your Book Online

Many first-time authors think they need to buy an ISBN before working with a publisher, but this is unnecessary and can complicate the publishing process. Publishers typically provide ISBNs as part of their services.

Additionally, if you’re planning to reach out and work with a publisher or distributor, don’t put your book up on Amazon or any self-publishing platform first. Doing so can work against your publisher’s distribution strategy and limit your book’s market potential. Once a book is out, it’s out—only self-publish once you’re certain you do not want to explore other publishing options for your book.

Hold Off on Hiring a Cover Designer

While you may think hiring an independent graphic designer before submission saves time and money, book cover design is a specialized trade. A poorly designed cover can hurt your chances, or mean that you’ll end up wasting money if your publisher wants to redesign it. A book cover affects marketability and the ability to distribute a book, so it’s important to get it right. Most publishers have skilled designers who understand industry standards and reader expectations, ensuring your book gets the professional presentation it deserves.

Final Thoughts: Work With Your Publisher, Not Against Them

Submitting a manuscript is just the beginning of your publishing journey. By taking the time to research your publisher’s submission requirements, carefully considering your title and audience, and not jumping the gun on publishing and design, you’ll set yourself up for success in the querying process. Your publisher should act as your partner, guiding you and helping you turn your rough draft into a beautiful finished product. So make sure you’re not accidentally working against your publisher before you hit submit.