Tom Cutler, author extraordinaire and Senior Acquisitions Editor at the Naval Institute Press, was another panelist at the USNI Writing Workshop. Highlights of his presentation include:
“We want to publish your book. Rejects are no fun.”
Reality does set in as the NIP will reject more books than they will publish.
Agents are not necessary for dealing with USNI.
Fiction & memoirs are the most rejected subjects. “Very slim odds for fiction submissions.”
Short books is better than long books. 80-90K is the average length of NIP books.
Regarding initial submissions, submit paper copies.
Immediate impressions are important during the vetting process.
Outside readers are used during the vetting process.
USNI pays royalties. It does not pay advances.
Photos need to be at least with 1200 dpi.
Maps cost money.
The title and book cover are marketing devices.
I am more inspired than ever before to start writing a book. Additional guidelines can be found here. Any questions?
