Verse & Vision: Turning Your Manuscripts into Published Works

Welcome to “Verse & Vision,” your essential guide to mastering writing and navigating the publishing world. This series is a comprehensive toolkit for authors at any stage, offering insights on crafting stories, character development, and strategies for success in the literary market. Join our community of writers as we explore the craft and business of writing together.

Meet Jay Lang, our guide and a prolific author with 13 novels in just four years, including her latest release, “One Take Jake: Last Call”. Jay’s journey from avid reader to celebrated author showcases her passion and versatility in storytelling. With experiences from living on a houseboat to designing for musicians, Jay brings unique perspectives to her writing and mentorship. Dive into “Verse & Vision” for Jay’s expert advice and inspiration, helping you achieve your writing goals and connect with fellow authors.

Hiding in the deepest recesses of your mind, a brilliant story waits to escape.

As authors we are vulnerable, and self-critical. We pour our hearts, our souls, and our fears into every word we write. After painstaking days, months, or even years spent completing our work of art – our piece de resistance – we finally have the completed manuscript in front of us. Soon after, our attention switches from artist to business person as we warily take our leap of faith into the dark abyss: the unknown world of publishing.

I couldn’t wait until my first manuscript was edited; I was ready to show it to the world. I loved my story which meant the publishers would as well, right? I had my mind set on becoming a rock star of the literary world. I envisioned the perfect little beach house I was going to buy with my earnings, a glass-front cottage overlooking the sparkling waters on the Sunshine Coast. I was filled with hope and enthusiasm for my future as a novelist—how exciting! With my completed manuscript on the table in front of me, I was glowing with pride and did a happy dance before calling my friends and family to tell them about my achievement. All were elated and encouraging and couldn’t wait for me to call them back with the news that I had been published.

After sending my beloved manuscript, my first story to a small publishing house in New York, I received a prompt response informing me that I needed more experience as a writer. My heart sank and my confidence quickly diminished.

It took a couple of days of licking my wounds and feeling pitiful before I came to the realization that my love for the written word far exceeded my fears of rejection. This rejection triggered my memory back to when I was an actor and had auditioned for a substantial part that I was perfect for. After beating out numerous people, the part was now narrowed down to another actress and me. Knowing that I gave it my all and kicked butt in the audition, I was positive that I had won over the director and secured the role. I was already celebrating my victory when my agent, the angel of death, called to inform me that the director went a “different way” and hired the other actress. I was devastated and spent the next while feeling completely defeated. That being said, once I dusted off my bruised ego, I felt stronger and more determined to succeed the next time. I was raised by a strong single mother who from a young age taught me to fight for what I wanted and to never give up.

Regardless of one little set back, I was going to resume my journey and fulfill my dream. As for that New York publisher who was so quick to dismiss me, well, much to my chagrin: they were right. I was a new writer and I did need more experience. I went on to hone my craft, writing two more manuscripts before finally getting published.

It was David Baldacci’s statement, “Bring the same motivation, desire, work ethic, and interest to understanding the business side of it as you do the writing side of it,” that enlightened me to the fact that in order to get my works published, I needed to not only provide a polished manuscript, but become my own publicist as well. With publishing houses receiving a massive number of submissions per day, I knew my work needed to be unique, with an attention-grabbing hook. And, after facing most writers’ reality – submitting to many publishing houses and receiving just as many rejection letters – I finally received my golden ticket: an email approving my manuscript. I was now a bona-fide, traditionally published author.

I was raised by a strong single mother who from a young age taught me to fight for what I wanted and to never give up.

Looking back, I wish I had insight into what publishers were looking for, information that could’ve minimized the heartbreak and punches to my ego. So, for this column and for all you prospective authors, I reached out to several Canadian publishers and asked what kind of stories they are looking for, and if they’re open for submissions.  Here are my findings:

B.C. publisher Vici Johnstone, with Caitlin Press, is looking for stories that “catch [her] attention, and are as original as the person writing it.” She selects manuscripts that “fit into the mandate” of what Caitlin Press publishes. They are currently open to submissions.

Another B.C. publisher, Brian Kaufman from Anvil Press, stated that although he considers books in various genres, he is primarily interested in “unique stories that deviate from the predictable.” This publishing house is also open to submissions.

Alberta publisher Jude Pittman, from BWL Publishing Inc, publishes a wide array of genres.  When considering a new manuscript, she looks for “someone who has learned their craft. They need to know how to write a proper beginning scene that will catch a reader’s attention, and then they need to know how to develop their story.”  BWL is currently open to new submissions.

Ontario publisher Justine Dowsett, from Mirror World Publishing, accepts fantasy, science fiction, and romance. When considering a new manuscript, she “prefers to publish well-edited stories that fit in with the other books she represents.”  They accept new submissions twice a year. You can find out more about their guidelines here.

Regardless if I’m reaching out to an agent or a newspaper or a literary magazine, I mentally compress the most compelling aspects of my book before connecting. I’m always excited to tell whomever I’m pitching to all about my story. I believe that the more enthusiastic we are when submitting our book to a publisher, agent or the media, the more chance we have at peaking their interest.

There are a lot of writers submitting their manuscripts so we need to stand out. Some days our energy is low and it’s hard to self-promote. That is when we need to focus on our strengths and tap into our inner power so we are confident and ready to conquer. Personally, I use high-energy music to accomplish this. Keep motivated. Be positive. You were blessed with the rare gift of storytelling. How cool is that? You can achieve any goal you set for yourself.

And remember, no matter what stage you are at on your writing journey, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together.