I have been asked to provide some tips on publishing your historical novel for writers when submitting proposals to publishers or literary agents. There is, of course, more information available via other articles on the internet and the likes of The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. The below tips are not all encompassing. Similarly, it is important to check the submission requirements of each publisher and agent, as they can vary wildly.

1 – Know who you are submitting to. Rather than send to an agency in general, find out which agent deals with historical fiction within the organisation – and address them. Research which authors they look after and, if your book is similar to those writers, cite that you have written something similar. It will increase your chances of your manuscript being read. At the same time, if you check the acknowledgment pages of books which your novel resembles, you will most likely find the name of their agent. This information is often on Google or included on a writer’s website. If you are submitting to a publisher then be aware of their list too, and any titles which resembles yours. Again, it will work as a shorthand and hopefully shortcut for your submission to be read. You will also be displaying a level of professionalism and commercialism, which is always welcome.

2 – Selling yourself. Firstly, do not attempt to oversell yourself. Avoid saying that you think your novel will make a good film, or that your story is unique. I can assure you as well that, when inserting a few lines of biography, a publisher or agent will not be interested whether your children are attending university or if you have two cats. What they will want to know is if you have written any other books in the genre, or do you possess any relevant contacts to market your book. It will be fine if you have self-published before but be aware that, if you have self-published a book with an amateur cover image and blurb, this could work against you. From a personal point of view, discovering that an author has back-list titles which are available to publish is a significant asset to then publish a new title. Ultimately, the success of your submission will rest on the strength of your manuscript. But if you come across as personable and professional then you will narrow your odds in relation to someone reading your novel.

3 – Writing a synopsis of your novel. Few authors enjoy writing the synopsis for their novel, but it is incredibly important to convey the structure and genre of your submission. Be professional. Like your novel, re-draft until you get it right. Different agents and publishers will have different requirements. Check them out first, before submitting. Avoid just saying that there is a clever twist at the end, or that you will have to read on to find out the reveal. You may think you will be teasing your audience, but you won’t be. Convey the strength of the opening or premise of the novel. Sell your main character and the journey he/she is on. Again, if you can cite that your manuscript is akin to other bestselling novels/novelists in the marketplace, it will act as a shorthand for the reader.

4 – Be polite. Rejection isn’t pleasant. But even if an agent or publisher has turned down your manuscript then be polite and thank them for their time. If you choose not to reply or write a resentful line in response, then you may have unnecessarily burned a bridge. You could be tainting your reputation or ruining the odds of that agent or publisher reading any subsequent submissions. Someone has taken the time to read the opening or more of your ms, the least you should do is thank them for any time and advice they have given you.

5 – Don’t give up. My advice would be to give yourself a good three months, or more, to send submissions out to a host of relevant agents and publishers. Send to independent publishers specialising in your genre, as well as the big names you may be familiar with. If a few agents or publishers come back with the same comments as to how to improve your novel, then I would advise that you take their comments on board and amend your manuscript accordingly.

Do not feel abashed or hesitant about self-publishing your novel if, after trying to secure an agent or deal, you are unable to do so. There are fewer and fewer book deals out there, but there are still plenty of readers and books being bought. It is important to do one’s homework and publish your manuscript professionally (make sure the manuscript is right – and ensure the cover and blurb have been put together correctly). So you will need to do some homework in relation to promoting your novel, to ensure that you generate sales in the short and long term. Publishing your first novel will doubtlessly encourage you to write subsequent works too (which someone else may want to publish). If you need tips on publishing your historical novel then there are plenty of outlets out there to help with production and promotion, not least Aspects of History (especially for historical fiction). But my advice is get advice – and quotes – on different packages. Be wary of outlets overpromising – and underdelivering – however. If you are being quoted more that £2k for services, then you should run away quicker than Flashman.

Richard Foreman is the CEO of Sharpe Books, one of the UK’s leading independent publishers – which specialises in historical fiction. He has served on the judging panel for the HWA Gold Crown. Richard is also a bestselling historical novelist. His latest series is Crusaders.