Submission Guidelines
On My Own Now Ministries, Inc. is currently accepting queries for nonfiction books for young adults, ages 16 to 25. Manuscripts must align with the mission of On My Own Now Ministries, which is to encourage faith, wise life choices and Christ-likeness in young adults during their transition to independence.
Please include a cover letter, two sample chapters and a one-page summary of your marketing plans for the book.
E-mail submissions to donna@onmyownnow.com or mail to: On My Own Now, PO Box 573, Clarksville, AR 72830. If you would like your materials returned, send a SASE with correct postage, as well.
Please allow three months for a response.
Tips
Have you asked someone to critique your writing? It’s hard to put your masterpiece on the chopping block, but you want to give it the best possible chance, don’t you? We strongly suggest enlisting or hiring a professional writer to edit your sample chapters before you submit to a publisher. I recommend Jamie Morrison, www.word-spring.com or Amy Gross, www.copyrightediting.com.
Do you have a following? Start now to develop a strong network through which you can market your book. In case you haven’t caught on, publishers have very limited resources for marketing your book. Only aggressive authors become best-sellers. Begin now to prepare yourself for a sideline in public speaking or some other way in which you can regularly put your book before an audience (such as hosting a radio program). If you’re not experienced, seek some small opportunities, read books on public speaking, take a Dale Carnegie course, join your local Toastmasters, etc. Get plugged into the speaking circuit. If this is just too far outside of your comfort zone (one of those hermit types? I can totally relate!) then start an online blog or become a regular on established, popular blogs related to your book topic.
Read a basic book on publishing. If you understand the ABC’s of this industry, you will have a competitive advantage over authors who don’t. And you’ll know what to expect if you are approached by a publisher. I recommend Dan Poynter’s The Self-Publishing Manual. This will not be a waste of your time. If nothing else, you’ll be poised to self-publish if you so choose.
If there is a market for your book, there is a publisher out there for you. Continue to refine your manuscript and marketing plan (with the help of others – there is only so much you can do to it yourself), and keep plugging away.
“There is no defeat except in no longer trying. There is no defeat save within, no really insurmountable barrier, save our own inherent weakness of purpose.” Elbert Hubbard
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” The Apostle Paul
Copyright 2008-2011/On My Own Now Ministries, Inc.
