Frequently Asked Questions

How does this work?

• Simply complete the payment process and prepare your manuscript proposal following the specific guidelines in the "Create Your Proposal". Be assured that as you complete your proposal, you will be able to reference instructions for each section. You are also able to stop working, save and return to your proposal later for completion.
• Once you complete your manuscript proposal and click "Submit to Publishers", it is available in the Bowker Manuscript Submissions online database for review by our member publishers.
• If a publisher is interested in your proposal, they will contact you directly using the information that you provide.
• Your manuscript proposal will remain in the database for six months from the time that you click the Submit button.
• If at the end of six months you have not received publisher contact, you will be reminded of the expiration date. Your Biographical Information and password will remain in the system for an additional six months. This provides the option to re-enter your proposal with revisions or submit a new proposal idea.

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How much does this cost?

The cost for placing a manuscript in the BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com database is $99 for six months. During that time, you are able to access your proposal and make any desired editorial changes.
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Is there an age limit for BMS?

Yes. Registrants must be at least 18 years of age and of legal capacity to sign a contract. Proposals may be submitted by a parent or guardian on behalf of persons under 18 years of age, provided that this fact is disclosed with the submission.
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Who are the subscribing publishers of BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com?

The subscribing publishers of this service are listed in the "About Us" section of the website. You will note that our subscribing publishers include some of the top publishing organizations in the world today.
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How will I know how many times my proposal is viewed by publishers?

Though we do not track the number of hits on your proposal, we can assure you that many of our subscribing publishers report that they review the database on a regular basis.
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Who will notify me if a publisher is interested in my proposal?

If a publisher reads your proposal and is interested in receiving more information, they will contact you directly to discuss a contract. Please make sure that your contact information is current and provide both your phone number and email address for their convenience.
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How can I increase the chances of having my proposal published?

Set yourself apart by making sure that your proposal is the best it can be. Have others read your manuscript and welcome critique. Attend a Writer's Conference and take advantage of the reference and resource sections by visiting the Author Services tab on the toolbar.
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What if I already have a completed manuscript?

Although the BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com service only allows for submission of a writing sample (or portion of your manuscript), the proposal format is specifically designed to provide the publisher with all they need to get a feel for the entirety of your work. By reading your proposal synopsis, topic, chapter titles and writing sample, the publisher sees a good portion of your effort. BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com provides the opportunity to knock on the publishers' door and present them with your book proposal.
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What are the chances of being published through this service?

The publishing world can be a difficult world to enter. However, BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com was designed at the request of our subscribing publishers – to meet their need for an efficient review process for unsolicited manuscripts. Most of our publishers no longer review unsolicited manuscripts mailed to them due to their inability to devote staff time to adequately review the enormous amount of unsolicited manuscripts in print they receive each week. This service offers a win-win situation for new authors and publishers.
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Can I show my proposal to others while it is on the BMS service?

Yes, we encourage all of our authors to view the resources on the Author Services tab – seeking out all opportunities to talk with editors and/or publishers. Also, visit the Writers Conference tab and consider attending one of the many writers’ conferences listed on the site. You will have the opportunity to network with fellow authors and learn valuable information about the publishing industry in general. Many times, you will have a chance to meet an editor or agent to review your manuscript during the meeting as well.
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What can I do to further my publishing chances while waiting for possible review

Visit the Author Services section of this site to read more; check out the resources at the library to strengthen your proposal and grow your knowledge of the publishing industry!

Attend a Writers Conference to network with other authors and build your skills and opportunities. Editors are sometimes in attendance to review your work!

Invest in a professional literary critique of your work.
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How do I know that my manuscript idea will not be stolen?

Access to the BowkerManuscriptSubmissions.com database is secure. Our subscribing publishers are screened and enter the system by password only. Please review our "Terms of Use" regarding the protection of your proposal property.
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How do I renew my proposal at the end of six-months?

At the end of six months, you will be sent an email reminder of the expiration of your proposal. You may renew your proposal by choosing the renew option that will appear when you enter the system. You will be able to edit/update your proposal prior to submitting it again to the publishers. Your proposal will then shift back to the top (by new date) within the database of submitted proposals. Renewal cost is $99 for an additional six months.
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When does the six-month period begin?

The six-month exposure period for your proposal begins when you choose the "Submit to Publishers" button at the bottom of your saved screen. You may enter the system multiple times before completing your proposal and choosing the "Submit to Publishers" button. Make sure to choose the "Save and Preview" button at the close of each work session.
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Why won't the site accept formatting from MS Word documents?

Our publishers have requested that our proposal format be streamlined for their ease of review. To this end, our system utilizes a program-specific formatting that is uniform.  Changes in font size/style, indentation and color are converted to the system specific formatting. 

Simply copy/paste your information from your Word doc and then review the formatting in the final format of your proposal (following the Save and Preview button on the editing screen).  Add spaces (for indentation) or parenthetical comments, as desired, and rest assured that the format is publisher-desired within our system.

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