“It was a dark and stormy night …” So what’s next? Now that you have
written the great American horror novel, how can you share your
brilliance with your soon-to-be adoring fans? Getting a horror novel
published, especially if it is your very first work, can be difficult
and time-consuming, but the satisfaction you get from that one
acceptance letter will make it all worth it. Ready to take the next
step to literary greatness? Here’s how.
Instructions
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1
Have more than an idea. Some writers don’t want to put in
the time without having some kind of commitment, and even though
publishers want you to be open to the idea of altering your manuscript,
they do want you to have a word count and storyline well established
before you submit a query. Only the very best, most well-established
writers can pitch an idea, so if you aren’t Stephen King, have your
novel 99 percent done before submitting your queries.
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2
Get some credits to your name. Publishers want to know that
you have an audience, and have had some quality writing already
acknowledged. You don’t have to have a full-fledged novel completed and
already published to get your new deal cemented, but be sure to submit
some short stories or other articles to other publishers and get your
self some “tear sheets” before pitching your novel. Having your work
already in print tells an editor that you are a quality writer who can
fulfill the requirements of a novel manuscript.
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3
Be flexible. If this is your first novel, consider
publishing it (and maintaining copyrights) in an online or traditional
horror magazine. Submit it to contests or even publish it yourself.
Getting some credentials is important, and creating relationships in the
industry by submitting to smaller venues will help you in the future.
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4
Write a great query letter. Much like a resume, your query
letter is your introduction to an agent or publisher, and you want to
make sure it’s a great start. I suggest beginning your query letter
with a riveting excerpt (about one paragraph) from your novel before
going into all the nitty-gritty details a publisher needs.
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5
Find the right publisher. You don’t want to create a bad
reputation for yourself by following the “shotgun” method of
submissions. Try to send your material to the right publishers so you
don't waste the time of editors who aren't relevant to your style of
writing. Go to a bookstore, find books that are similar to yours and
make note of their publisher. Pick up The Writer’s Guide to Book
Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents and look up the horror-book
genre for other publishers who may be interested in seeing your work.
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6
Once you have done your homework, send your query letters
(with the requested chapters) to the relevant publishers or agents.
Keep track of who you are sending to, and be sure to tell publishers
whether you are making multiple submissions or sending the manuscript
solely to them. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and be sure
to follow publishers' submission policies--to the letter!