- Do your research. Are you approaching the right publisher - what are they looking for - is your work right for them. Check their website, ask for guidelines and look at other art they are offering. If your type of work is not there that could be a sign they don't publish work like yours - but dig deeper and you might find that your work is what they are missing. Either way - research is indispensible.
- Don't send everything you have. Narrow down your submission to one or two themes or styles and provide at least 6 images on each theme or style along the lines that your research has pointed you in. If you are very prolific or divergent in styles - send a couple of single examples of other styles as an addendum. Don't try to present everything at once.
- Follow submission guidelines. If the publisher provides them - follow the guidelines. If they ask for a CD of digital images - don't send a packet of photocopies. Each publisher will want to save time in selection and if they can see every submission in the same format that will help. Also pay attention to whom to send the submission to, deadlines, times of year and any other pertinent bits of information.
- Send a "brief" biography and business card with your website address. Again, the temptation is to list all your accomplishments, shows, galleries and the titles of all of your paintings. Keep the initial info brief. Think of it in the same way you would introduce yourself to someone you have just met and then invite them to get more information by way of your website.
Remember the best submission is the one that actually gets viewed. Good Luck.
