By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

I encountered many avoidable mistakes as a submissions reader and junior literary agent. Some of these blunders I made in the past, like sending one email to twenty agents. This is frowned upon in the literary world or misspelling a name. I would be remiss if I did not share what I’ve learned. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of email submissions. These unnecessary mistakes could cost a book contract or agency representation.

Do follow submission guidelines

Not all guidelines are the same. Some agents want a query only, others want the complete book proposal. Also, the agent looks for authors who follow direction. Agents give action steps for authors if an author cannot follow submission guidelines the agent believes the writer cannot follow his instructions and does not want to work with that writer.

Do take time to research agents

Please spell the name correctly. Research what genre the agent represents. I worked for a family friendly agent. He represents clean content as stated on the website. Erotica submissions were a regular occurrence. I was so thankful for the delete button.

Do have a Social Media Platform & Website

Let’s face it, writing is a business. The more people you know, the more speaking engagements you book, and followers you have, the more books you sell. If you don’t have social media accounts, choose two, be present on them, and build your followers. Make sure you are on the same platform as your readers. Young adults rarely hang out on Facebook, but they love Instagram, Tic Tock, and some are on Twitter.

Have an author website before you send the proposal.

Do send an edited manuscript

 Agents want to represent authors who are ready to publish. An unedited manuscript denotes unprofessionalism. Please have a professional edit your book. Research good editors or ask your published author friends who they used.

Don’t send your proposal to many agents in one email

 I did this once. I thought I was saving time. I learned that a manuscript will be rejected when other agents are cc’d. Send each agent an individual email. In the body of the proposal state “simultaneous submissions,” this alerts the agent that others are receiving your work.

Don’t harass the agent with multiple emails

 Agents are busy. Most submission guidelines give a response time. Three months seems to be the average. If you have not heard from the agent, chances are they will not represent you or your work. Consider in an honor if the agent writes back.

Don’t say God anointed your book and the agent must represent you

As Christians, we know we write for God. Each of us are impressed with a story, idea, or testimony. Many agents I know pray over their work. God will publish your work in his timing.  Confidence is great, an agent loves to work with a confident writer. However, there is a fine line between confidence and exaggeration. I’ve read, “My book belongs in every school library,” “My writing is like J.K. Rowling, only better.”  One person said that he channeled Mother Mary. Be real and trust God with what he’s called you to write.

Don’t give up

Agents desire to see you succeed. If one agent passes on your proposal, keep submitting to other agents. There are many reasons an agent passes. He may represent a similar book or have too many in the same genre. Meanwhile, make sure your manuscript is edited by a professional editor, have Beta readers review your book, build your social media platform, and sharpen your writing skills.

If you follow these do’s and don’ts you have a better chance of success. If you are waiting to hear from an agent or discouraged because they said no, praise God that he chose you to write for his kingdom and keep sending your manuscript.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is a coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team.

As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.