Authored by Vanessa Reyes, UNG Press Intern
After spending the last few weeks reviewing queries for the UNG Press, I have come to learn a thing or two about submitting a manuscript. Whether it be fiction or nonfiction, there are a few cardinal rules that will greatly impact the likelihood of your writing being published or ending up in a slush pile. Take a look at the information below before sending in your next query to make sure your book gets picked up.
Follow the Rules
What goes into a query you ask? Some common elements include a query letter, sample chapter, and author’s bio; however, the specifics will vary with each press or agent you submit to. Luckily, there should be clear guidelines. For the UNG Press, some of the components we ask for in the fiction category include:
- Query Letter
- One-to-two Page Synopsis
- Table of Contents with Chapter Summaries
- 25 Page Sample
- Author’s Biography
- Publishing History
- Author Website and Social Media
You can review and download our Book Proposal Checklist on our website (UNG Press). Other publishers may ask for different elements in your proposal, so it is important to review the guidelines and stick to them. Image Comics, a comic book publisher, asks proposals to include story art and a cover mock-up (Image Comics), while The Feminist Press asks for a 50 page sample and marketing plan (Feminist Press). Make sure you double check the requirements and that your query meets all of the publisher’s demands.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
You only have a small space to pitch your book—make the best use of it. Jane Friedman, a veteran of the publishing industry, boils it down to three questions: So what? Who cares? Who are you? Your query is meant to convince the publisher to use their time and resources on your manuscript over another writer’s work. As they are reading, they are actively trying to find how your book is the right fit. As such, you want to make sure you are sending the best part of your manuscript and making that connection for them. You can do this by comparing your book to other titles in the publisher’s catalog or showing your qualifications in your author’s bio.
Conclusion
You have invested lots of time and effort into your book, with this information your manuscript will be entering the competitive publishing world with a bit of an edge. It is also important to keep in mind the old adage “when one door closes, another door opens.” One rejection does not mean there is no hope for your manuscript but rather it was not the best fit for this agent or publisher. It’s better to keep your hopes high and keep trying.
Sources
Friedman, Jane. “How to Write a Query Letter: Nonfiction and Memoir | Jane Friedman.” Janefriedman.com, 19 Feb. 2026, janefriedman.com/query-letters-nonfiction-memoir/.
Open Submissions – Feminist Press, The Feminist Press, feministpress.org/pages/open-submissions. Accessed 25 June 2026.
“Submissions | Image Comics.” Image Comics, imagecomics.com/submissions. Accessed 25 June 2026.
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