Manuscript Submission Guidelines for Registered Conferees

Beginning June 1, registered conferees will be able to send mini-proposals to:

Oregon Christian Writers
Julie Surface Johnson, MS Coordinator
PO Box 14
Prineville, OR 97754

This information is intended to help you prepare for the process of submitting your manuscript.

Please carefully follow these guidelines for submitting your mini-proposals. You may also submit articles for periodicals. (Do not send proposals directly to an editor or agent.) Some editors/agents have requested a cap this year on the number they receive, so submit your mini-proposals early. The Manuscript Submission Program is for full-time registered conferees only.

All manuscripts must be postmarked by July 14 in order to be included in the manuscript review/critique program.

You may submit up to three (3) mini-proposals of your book for editors or agents to look at before the conference begins. In addition, you may submit magazine articles for review. 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-minute appointment during the conference. Manuscripts will be available to pick up Monday evening or by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Hospitality Desk.

Check our Editors, Agents, and Magazines to find the best match for your work. Editors and agents have asked us to remind you to submit only what they have indicated they are looking for. Do not send a romance novel to an agent who is looking for Bible study materials. You must do your homework.

YOUR MINI-PROPOSAL

BOOKS

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

  • A one-page (single-spaced) cover letter that:
    • includes your email address and contact info;
    • personally addresses the editor or agent you have chosen;
    • briefly describes the work: what genre/category it fits, word count, how it compares to what is already in the marketplace, if the work is finished, and your credentials for writing it.
  • A one-page, single-spaced synopsis ( a summary of your story which includes major story points and the ending)
  • Up to the first 10 pages of your work (double-spaced). End at a logical place.
  • Each proposal should be printed with 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 submitted separately, each in its own 9? x 12? manila envelope.Please write agent/editor’s name and house/agency on the front of each envelope, such as: Nick Harrison, Harvest House.All the submission envelopes may be mailed together in one larger one.

MAGAZINE ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS

Once again, we are expanding the opportunity for magazine article submissions. In addition to the three mini-proposals for books, you may also submit up to three (3) articles for review (no single submission to exceed 10 pages) to whichever editors you choose. You may bring extra articles/pitches and sign up for on-the-spot meetings with magazine editors in the writing center. See the Magazine Editors’ link to meet these great representatives!

Your article submission:

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

  • A one-page (single-spaced) cover letter that:
  • includes your email address and contact info;
  • personally addresses the editor or agent you have chosen;
  • briefly describes the work: what genre/category it fits, word count, and your credentials for writing it.
  • Up to the first 10 pages of your work (double-spaced). End at a logical place. This should include one article per submission.
  • Each article submission should be printed with 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 submitted separately, each in its own 9? x 12? manila envelope.Please write editor’s name and publication on the front of each envelope, such as: Susan King, The Upper Room.All the submission envelopes may be mailed together in one larger one.

Format your manuscripts in the standard manner:

  • 12-point Times New Roman font (preferably)
  • one-inch margins all around
  • one-half-inch indentations on all new paragraphs
  • fully double-spaced manuscript pages (The cover letter and one-page proposal should be single-spaced)
  • with the widow-and-orphan control turned off
  • spell-checked
  • proofed for accuracy, typos, and grammar and punctuation errors
  • take a look . . . and another look to make sure it’s the best it can be!

You will receive an email confirmation that your manuscript has been received. It will not be necessary for you to respond to the confirmation email. Your cover letter should provide us with everything necessary to process your manuscript.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AT THE CONFERENCE

Check the response sheet attached to your manuscript for comments and/or the request to sign up for an appointment in the writing center.

  • 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 more feedback, meet with a pro writer.
  • Those reading your mini-proposals may write on them, so bring additional copies with you to the conference. There will be opportunities to share your work with other conferees and professional writers.

PROFESSIONAL WRITERS

Pro Writers will be available to offer on-the-spot advice and suggestions. Take advantage of these seasoned, expert authors. Check clipboards in the writing center and sign up for a 15-minute appointment. Practice your pitch before the meeting.

Happy writing!