If you’ve read about the traditional book publishing process, you may have come across the term “slush pile.” I know—doesn’t sound very appealing, does it?
But the slush pile isn’t inherently a bad thing; it simply means your manuscript is waiting to be read. And while you can’t really avoid it entirely, we’ll show you how you can improve your chances of getting out of the slush and at least be considered for publication.
What Is the Slush Pile?
The term “slush pile” got its origins back when writers would mail in their unsolicited, typed-up manuscripts and query letters to publishing houses or literary agents, creating a literal pile of manuscripts for editors and publishing assistants to sift through.
Over the last decade or so, most publishers and agents have transitioned to digital submissions, but the slush pile remains (albeit online).
Slush piles are not inherently good or bad, but of course the goal of most writers is for their manuscript to make it out of the slush pile, into the hands of an interested editor, and on its way to a publishing deal. So in that way, it’s kind of like a purgatory for manuscripts.
Not all editors manage slush piles the same. Personally, I try my best to review our submissions daily. Some editors review unsolicited submissions weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.
For the really big publishing houses, there may even be a designated “slush pile reader,” who picks out promising projects to share with an editor.
How Do You Avoid Slush Piles?
If you’re submitting an unsolicited manuscript, book proposal, or query letter, there isn’t really a way to avoid the slush pile entirely, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting picked up and at least considered.
1. Research publishers and create a shortlist.
One of the first steps you can take to avoid the slush pile is to not waste time by submitting to publishers who aren’t interested in work like yours.
Take the time to research publishers and literary agents. Most have a submissions or wishlist page that outlines what they look for in general, as well as what they don’t publish at all.
So for example, if you’re writing a historical romance novel, don’t waste your time submitting to a publisher who clearly states that they are only interested in nonfiction.
To find potential publishers, you can browse books that are similar to yours (but not exactly the same) on Amazon, and scroll down to find the publisher. You can also check out our list of over 100 reputable publishers.
2. Craft an excellent query letter.
A query letter is often the first thing an agent or publisher will read about you and your work. Unless you’re specifically instructed not to, it’s always wise to include an introductory letter that pitches your book, tells the reader a bit about you and your platform, and includes a compelling synopsis.
If your synopsis doesn’t interest the person reading your submission, they may not even continue reading further (or they’ll read the first few pages, but they may already be biased thanks to your mediocre pitch).
Make sure you succinctly summarize your book’s main selling points and capture why it would make a good addition to that publisher’s catalog. Check out our post on how to write a synopsis for more tips.
3. Carefully follow all submission guidelines.
Once you’ve got your shortlist of suitable publishers (or literary agents) and your submission packet together, make sure you follow submission guidelines to a tee.
Failure to comply with even the smallest details (like uploading the wrong format, sending your submission to the wrong editor, or failing to include everything they asked for) can result in your submission not even making the slush pile, but instead landing in the trash can.
This may sound harsh, I know, but editors and agents receive hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions to look through. Respect their time by submitting exactly what they asked you for, because they usually ask for a reason.
4. Write a compelling introduction.
Okay, so you should write a compelling book, but your first few pages and chapters are especially critical, because if you can’t hook the person reading it within the first few pages, they’ll likely move on to the next submission in the pile.
Learn how to write a compelling first chapter that will help you get out of the slush pile and into an interested editor’s hands.
5. Proofread.
If your book is picked up for publication, it will still likely go through several rounds of professional editing before it’s ready to publish.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t edit your manuscript first, and you should always proofread it carefully. If the person reviewing your manuscript spots several typos just flipping through your submission, it reflects carelessness on your part.
Proofread your own work, and also ask at least one other person, to do the same. Beta readers and writers’ groups can also provide excellent, constructive feedback.
Better still, hire a professional editor to edit your manuscript before submitting it to ensure it’s in the best shape possible.
6. Don’t give up.
Don’t let long waiting periods or piles of rejection letters deter you from getting your book published. You can’t control how long it takes an editor to get through the slush pile to your manuscript, nor can you control whether they’ll like it, either.
So instead, focus on what you can control. Every submission is a new chance, so keep submitting your work to suitable publishers. Ask other people for feedback and keep improving your manuscript and query letters.
Or, consider self-publishing if you don’t want to be at the mercy of the traditional publishing process. Just don’t give up!
Do Literary Agents Read Submissions?
Good literary agents will actually look at every submission they receive—but that doesn’t mean they read more than a few pages of your manuscript.
Literary agents and editors can tell within the first pages (or even from your synopsis or query letter) if your submission just isn’t up to par. That might sound unfair, but that’s just the simple truth.
If something is bad or even just mediocre right from the start, why would they expect it to improve the deeper they get? (And if it does improve, that still isn’t how it should start!)
From Slush to Success
No one likes waiting in the slush pile, and it’s all too easy to get stuck counting the days since you sent in your submission, or worrying that no one will ever like your book.
But the best thing you can do to avoid spending eternity in the slush pile is write a great book, so that’s where you should focus your efforts.
Work consistently to improve your writing, or empower yourself with more knowledge about the publishing industry by taking a self-publishing course. You don’t have to wait!
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How to Write a Book Proposal: Template, Samples, and Instructions
- How to Write a Query Letter: The 6-Step Formula for Nonfiction and Novels
- Why Publishers Reject Manuscripts: Tips for Nonfiction
- Why Novels Get Rejected: Acquisitions Editors Share What They Look for in Manuscript Submissions
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
