The Other New Year's resolution that changes the world

My second New Year’s resolution is about patience.* And here are some self-publishing tips to help you get through to publishers before you run out of it…

You may be sending a manuscript many times over, but if it looks unprofessional it will land straight in the slush pile. Here's how to avoid the slush pile:-

Step 1


The difference between a published manuscript and an un-published manuscript is about ten drafts,’ so said a guru in the literary world. While you’re patiently working on those, don’t forget these vital points:-

The editing process takes place with your left brain hemisphere, and it loves to argue with your right! So….

· once the words are down, wait until you are sufficiently out of your creative brain and can come to your work with new eyes. The experts suggest six weeks later!

· Ensure formatting is consistent. The first paragraph in a creative work is flush left. The rest are about 3 Em’s in.

· Your Header should contain the name of your work and page numbering. The Footer should say ‘mf’, short for ‘more follows’.

· Your title page should contain the genre in the LH corner and your name & address top right; the title is centred with ‘by’ & your name. Rights requested are at the bottom left and word count bottom right.

More on self-editing at my other blog:- www.scribewm.wordpress.com

*Why Patience?

As Thomas Edison said, "Life's greatest accomplishments are those that at first seem impossible."

(Wendy McNeice is a writer, editor, inspirational speaker and tutor and a one-time history teacher and information adviser. Find more writing tips at http://www.scribeofspirit.com . Read her latest book As the Eagle Flies the King, based around the remarkable true story of the release of the Israelites from ancient Babylon by a Persian king. http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60604-339-4 . http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Flies-King-Wendy-McNeice/dp/1606043390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223864553&sr=8-1 )
Permission is granted to distribute this material provided the following statement appears on any distributed copy: © W. McNeice http://www.scribeofspirit.com
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