What Authors Should Know Before Submitting Manuscript Proposals

How to Submit Your Book

We make our initial assessments and decisions on the basis of brief outlines. If you are interested in writing a book for us, please submit a two-to-four page typed outline, indicating the nature and scope of each chapter, as well as significant appendices. Also send:

• Your proposed title
• Anticipated manuscript length
• Titles of any previously published books
• A comparison of your book to other published books on the subject and tell why you think your treatment of the subject will be unique
• A brief autobiographical summary telling why you are qualified to write this book and how you intend to research your subject

Make sure, of course, to include your complete address with phone number and self-addressed stamped envelope. One of our editors will acknowledge your outline proposal within six weeks.

When Your Book is Considered

If our editors are potentially interested in publishing your book, they will send you an Author Questionnaire. Your answers to this questionnaire are crucial to our acquisitions review committee and in the preparation of promotional material, should you book be considered. Samples of your previous writing may also be requested at this time.

The final decision will be based on all of the above, the Author Questionnaire, and comparison with other proposals received. In any event, the editor assigned to evaluate your proposal will tell you about that decision as soon as possible (usually within twelve weeks) after we receive your Author Questionnaire.

What About the Manuscript?

A date for completion of your first-draft manuscript will be specified in your contract. It is very important that this deadline is met, since failure to do so may mean that the book is removed from our production schedule. This will delay, and may even prevent, its eventual publication.

Manuscripts should be submitted on compatible discs with a double spaced, consecutively numbered, paper copy on 8 1/2" x 11" sheets for scanning into our computer.

Working with the Editor

The editor assigned to work with you, on behalf of Seaside Publishing, will keep you informed of the schedule for development and publication for your book. That editor will give you suggestions for possible improvements, see that all manuscript corrections are cleared with you, and answer any questions from you about plans and progress relative to your book.

Your editor is your representative on our publishing staff. That editor will be eager to talk with you at any time, not only about your current book, but also about future writing projects you may have in mind.

For further information, please contact us at (727) 522-1200

Joyce LaFray Publisher