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6 Ways to Get Out of the Publisher’s Slush Pile

6 Ways To Get Out Of The Publisher’s Slush Pile

If you want to write the next great non-fiction book or novel, then there are some expected steps for you to take as the author. Finding an agent, for instance, who can then find a publisher who is interested in your work. The only problem is that everyone who has read it thinks your work is awesome, but you keep getting rejection letters.

So you decide to skip a step and go straight to the publisher. If accepted in the first place, these unsolicited mailings get placed with other manuscripts from other authors into a grouping called the “slush pile.” Maybe your work will get read, and maybe it won’t. You don’t know. You can give yourself the best possible chance of getting out of the publisher’s slush pile by following these easy methods.

#1. Format It Correctly

You wouldn’t believe all of the crazy formats authors utilize when writing something. Instead of creating a document that is based on your personal preferences, you’ll need to find out what the guidelines of the publisher happen to be and then follow them to the letter. If you do get your work pulled out of the slush pile and the reader sees you didn’t follow their policies and procedures, there’s a very high chance your work will be rejected.

#2. You Are Your Best Asset

Far too many authors try to write about what they think will sell, and that’s often why their work doesn’t get the time of day. What makes you the unique person you are is what will get you out of the slush pile. Hold nothing back. If you want to get published for the first time, then find your voice as a writer and be consistent with it. Your life really is your best asset.

#3. Kill It in 5 Pages or Less

If your work gets some reading time, you’ve got to capture the reader’s attention in the first few pages. Start your manuscript with a great hook because this will be the first thing that gets noticed. There are some great literary pieces that slowly develop characters from start to finish, but that’s from a published author with an established fan base. You’ve got to create a value promise at the beginning of your story and then stick to it so your manuscript gets out of the slush pile.

#4. Get Real Criticism

Our family and friends want what is best for us. If they see you striving hard to be a published author, they will encourage you. Tell you how great your work is. Offer to purchase it when a publisher puts it out on the market. Unfortunately, that attitude can give you a false perception of how good your work happens to be. One of your best assets in getting out of the slush pile is to have a critique group you trust to give you honest feedback. You’re going to miss a few things in writing your story. This trusted group can help you find them.

#5. Don’t Rush It

A manuscript really is like a fine wine. It gets better with age because you’ve had more time with your characters. You’ve had new life experiences that can be incorporated into the story. You’ve found new facts that are interesting for a non-fiction book. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, take some time away from it – say a couple of weeks. Then, give it another read, make more revisions, and send it off. If you rush through the process, you’re more likely to have your manuscript get lost in the slush pile.

#6. Raise the Stakes

Assuming it makes an impact and gets pulled out of the slush pile, your manuscript will need to impress numerous people on different levels. You’ll need to have layers of subtlety and engagement woven throughout the document to appeal to different readers yet still, be engaging for the general audience. One of the best ways to do this is to create drama for characters within your story that may lead to a shocking outcome. Sometimes the best thing to do is to consider the worst-case scenario and then have that happen within the pages of your story.

“The best way to get out of the publisher’s slush pile is to be authentic. #writers #authors” 

Don’t try to write for an audience or be something you are not. Let your life become the life of your characters, your images, or whatever other content you’re producing that will attract attention one day. If you get a rejection letter, that’s good news. Why? Because you know your manuscript got out of the slush pile.

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