Recent statistics show that only one in 1,000 fiction writers will ever see their novels in print. Each year a vast number of talented writers vie for the limited number of publishing contracts available. Some fields are less competitive, but none are without challenges. Because of the fierce competition, excellent writing techniques alone cannot open doors. A writer must learn to market her work effectively if she hopes to see her manuscripts in print one day.

New writers face an even greater challenge. Publishers take a risk each time they print a book by an unknown author. With no reader base to assure a minimum number of book sales, the publisher knows he could lose big, reducing enthusiasm for an unpublished author no matter how good the manuscript. Even though the odds are stacked against the new writer, fulfilling a dream of being published is not impossible. It takes persistence, a thick skin and know-how. The first two a writer must find within herself, but the last item on the list—know-how—can be learned. By implementing some techniques for standing out in the crowd, a writer can greatly improve her odds of marketing her book into print. The following tips will give your submissions a competitive edge:

Avoid basic blunders

Include contact information. This may seem too obvious to mention, but a writer should include contact information in several places on the proposal and manuscript. I once read a message from an editor on an online writer’s group asking if anyone knew how to contact “so-and-so.” Apparently, a writer had sent in a proposal and failed to include any contact information. The editor took time to review the proposal, but had no way to send comments to the writer. Not the best way to land a contract. A writer should also include her name and page numbering in a header. If the manuscript is dropped and pieces scatter, the editor will have a much easier time reassembling it. Use plain, white paper and an easy-to-read font. Florescent paper and unusual fonts will not attract attention. They will earn a rejection. Sending the query or proposal to the right editor also improves your chances of receiving the attention you desire, but don’t trust the listings in market guides. Make a quick call and find out who currently handles acquisitions before you send.

Go first class

Professional-looking correspondence includes attractive letterhead, clean paper (minus coffee rings and jelly stains), high-quality printing, and wide margins. Double spacing and white space are also important. One best-selling author recommends that writers include plenty of white space in a presentation. Editors stare at line after line of text every day and often develop eyestrain. Editor-friendly submissions include plenty of spacing between items on a proposal.

Give them what they want

Tracie Peterson, editor for Bethany House, states, “I can't tell you the number of times I have to reject proposals because of a lack of attention to guidelines. I cannot stress the importance of knowing your publisher's needs enough. You may very well send me something that is quality, fascinating work, but if it isn't what I'm looking for—I can't use it. And I can't change the rules for you in order to use it.” Most publishing houses offer straightforward information about what genres and subjects they will consider for publishing. If they don’t publish horror, don’t send them a proposal for a horror book. Your proposal will go directly into the circular file.

In addition to sending what the editor wants, you should also format the proposal to meet the publisher’s preferences. Most houses issue guidelines that stipulate how to format various parts of the proposal. Some publishing houses request additional or unusual information, so authors must tweak and tailor each proposal to meet the needs of the recipient. The extra work is worth it. A well-received proposal will carry a writer to the next step in the process. Through practice, you will learn the intricacies of tailoring a draft to meet individual houses’ needs.

Remember, less is more

Be concise. Editors are busy, and they would rather reject your manuscript than waste time wading through a jumble of information. One editor recently complained that too many people include their life’s story in a cover letter or query. If the information is not relevant, it only makes the writer look unprofessional. As you assemble your query or proposal, ask yourself, “Is this information relevant and necessary?” If the answer is no, use the delete key and cut the fluff.

Send a polished piece

When an editor from a major publishing company called to let me know she was interested in acquiring one of my novels, she commented that she really appreciated finding a writer who had a grasp of the grammar and punctuation rules. “You wouldn’t believe how many poorly written manuscripts I wade through,” she said. “We love to see a manuscript like yours because we know it will be less work for us.” So brush up on your basic writing skills and polish your manuscripts.

Sending the editor a clean, typo-free, neat manuscript will score points in your favor, too. Editors look at presentation. Whether a writer is sloppy or neat lets the editor know what kind of person and product he will deal with should he offer a contract. Needless to say, someone with a pristine manuscript has a distinct advantage.

Put your best foot forward

Be respectful. If an editor contacts you, be considerate of his time. If he suggests major changes, be flexible. If you receive a rejection, accept it gracefully. Offer editors the same respectful treatment you wish to receive in return. “Do unto others….” is a principle that should apply to every area of life. If you act like a pro, you are more likely to earn the favor of an editor and see your book in print.

In every area of business and life, the people who strive for excellence inevitably stand out in the crowd. If you want to be noticed, present yourself and your work in a professional manner. The extra effort is never a waste of time because in the end “all hard work brings a profit….” (Proverbs 14:23)