Manuscript Submission for Editor/Agent Submission and Pro Writer Critiques

Send your mini-proposals ASAP to get your first choice of editor, agent, or pro writer.
All manuscripts must be RECEIVED by the JULY 19th DEADLINE to be included in the manuscript review/critique program.
Contact: Miriam Cheney, 2010 Manuscript Coordinator, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPTS

You may submit up to three (3) mini-proposals of your work (fiction, nonfiction, articles, poetry, devotionals) for editors, agents and/or pro writers to look at before the conference begins. (Guidelines follow. See below.) If an editor or agent sees potential in your work, he or she will either request that you send a full proposal/manuscript after the conference, and/or will request to meet with you for a 15–30 minute appointment during the conference. It will be your responsibility to find that editor or agent and schedule a good time and place to meet.

The Editors and Agents link on the OCW Web site will help you find the editor or agent who will be the best match for your work. Review the list carefully. It is chock-a-block full of pertinent information.

WALK-IN WRITING CENTER AND PRO WRITERS

Do you have a manuscript that has been rejected, seems flat, or needs suggestions to “wow” a waiting editor? Submit it to one of the pro writers who will be available for pre-conference review. At the conference, you can make an appointment to discuss the pro writer’s comments. (Yes, this counts as one of your three submissions.)

Or maybe you’re a new writer and don’t feel ready to submit to an editor or agent. Visit the center and receive critique from the pros. Our professional writers are published freelancers who have years of experience—all genres represented. They will be happy to take a look at your work and offer feedback and advice on how to proceed. The writing center will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:30–4:30 p.m. We’ll have sign-up sheets there for scheduling appointments.

Pro writers available for on-the-spot critique: Jeff Gerke (Do not send a manuscript for pre-conference review by him.)

Pro writers available for pre-conference review: (First-come, first-serve. Most of them have a 5 mss cap, so if you want feedback, get your work to me for these writers ASAP.)

MAGAZINE ARTICLES

If you want to expand your reader-circle, think seriously about submitting to magazine editors. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, turn your research into an article. Writing for magazines or e-zines gives you publishing experience, a wider (often much wider) audience than a book will—and more immediate compensation. Also, as your career progresses, you can market your books through your bio printed at the end of the article. It’s a great way to build those bylines. Editors and agents love to find writers with exposure!

Just like last year, we are expanding the opportunity for article submission. In addition to the three manuscripts you submit for review, bring extra articles/pitches and sign up for meetings with magazine editors in the writing center.

YOUR MINI-PROPOSAL

Use centered letterhead for your letter and quality paper and printing for your letter, proposal, and manuscript. Include:

• A one-page cover letter that 1.) includes your e-mail address and contact info; 2). personally addresses the editor or agent you have chosen; 3.) briefly describes the work: what genre/category it fits into, how long it is (word count), how it compares to what is already in the marketplace, if the work is finished, and your credentials for writing it.
• Up to a one-page (single-spaced) summary of what your book or article is about.
• Up to the first 10 pages of your work (double-spaced).
• Each proposal is to be printed on a hard copy (no e-mail); should have your name, the title of the work, and the page number at the top of each page; should not be stapled or bound in any way; should not exceed 12 pages total; and should be sent to me separately, each in its own 9 x 12 envelope. Yes, each mini-proposal (up to three) needs to be submitted to me in a separate 9 x 12 envelope.
• I will e-mail you to confirm I have received your submission. You do not need to write a letter to me. Your cover letter will tell me all I need to know.

Format your manuscripts in the standard manner:

• 12-point font in Times New Roman (preferably)
• one-inch margins all around
• half-inch indentations on all new paragraphs
• fully double-spaced manuscript pages
• turn off Widow and Orphan Control
• proof for typos
• run a spell-check
• take another look … and another look

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AT THE CONFERENCE

As Manuscript Coordinator, I will distribute the manuscripts that I have received by the July 19th deadline to the appropriate editors, agents and pro writers. Editors, agents, and pro writers will read your proposals and return them to the Manuscript Retrieval Center (the front desk area in Riverfront Lodge) as soon as possible, aiming to have them all finished and returned by Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

• You will be able to start retrieving your proposals Monday night after the main session (sometime around 9:00 p.m.). The Retrieval Center will be manned by an OCW conference staff member until faculty has turned in all proposals and proposals have been picked up by conferees.
• Remember, submitting your work to an editor or agent gives them the opportunity to decide if your work is appropriate for them. Do not expect extensive critique or feedback. If you feel you need or want good feedback, submit to a pro writer.
• Those reading your mini-proposals may write on them, so bring other copies with you to the conference. There will be opportunities to share your work with other conferees and pro writers.

Your mini-proposals must be received no later than Monday, July 19, 2010 (two weeks prior to the conference). Send them to:

Miriam Cheney, OCW Manuscript Coordinator
880 NE 25th Avenue Suite #2 PMB 161
Hillsboro OR 97124

NEW SYSTEM OFFERS MORE OPPORTUNITIES

As those of you who attended last year’s conference know, this new system eliminates the way OCW has organized editor/agent appointments in the past. But it gives you more opportunities to have someone read your work and receive constructive feedback. It also lessens the strain on our editors and agents. They want you to be prepared to talk to you. They want to receive proposals that are appropriate for their houses or agencies. This is your chance to make the connection.

If you have questions about the process, send me an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I’m looking forward to working with you in this process!

Happy writing,
Miriam