Traditional Publishing Support
Expert guidance on query letters, synopses, book proposals, and submissions outreach to literary agents and publishers
Overview of Services
One thing that separates The Editorial Department from others in the field is our commitment to helping writers find literary representation at the conclusion of the writing and revision process. We have assisted hundreds of authors with this over the years (you’ll find a list of agents and publishers handling our clients’ work here), and many fine books have been traditionally published as a result—including several national bestsellers.
What to Expect
Our traditional publishing support program gives you feedback and guidance from experienced literary agents, editors, and pitch writing specialists who understand the demands of the market and specialize in crafting pitch materials that get results.
The exact process and consultant you work may vary based on your own specific needs, but the process can include:
The caveat, of course, is that the support we offer here is intended for works that realize a suitably high standard of quality and attention to authorial craft. The best query letter in the world won’t get you very far if your manuscript doesn’t deliver on the promises of its pitch. This is why anyone working with us at this stage can expect our utmost candor in assessing a work’s readiness for publication and constructive guidance if needed in addressing any challenges or shortcomings.
While we can’t guarantee that working with The Editorial Department will land you an agent or publisher, we can significantly improve your odds of success.
Further information about pricing, turnaround time, and coverage is available via links at right (desktop) or below (on mobile devices) or by contacting our author services director Ross Browne at the Tucson office.
Explore Options
Recommended Reading
PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Self Publishing Options for 2025
[by Ross Browne and John Robert Marlow] Publishing has changed a lot in the 45 years since The Editorial Department opened its doors—and not necessarily for the better, in the eyes of many. But it’s [...]
EDITOR’S EAVESDROP: Award-Winning Bestselling Author Joe Ide Dishes Truth on Getting Traditionally Published (And making a living as a novelist!)
[by Ross Browne] Joe Ide is a brilliant, critically acclaimed author. He also turns out to be a refreshingly straight shooter on what aspiring writers need to know about the business of publishing and how [...]
Five Short Steps to the Reject Pile And five common mistakes to avoid if you want to land a literary agent
[by Peter Gelfan] Oh, the dreaded reject pile Often we like to imagine the (probably imaginary) good old days when editors searched for traces of gold in the rough ore of a first draft and [...]
Spelling It Out in the Synopsis Don't let genre or story-specific jargon kill your synopsis
[by Karinya Funsett] Let’s start by getting this out in the open: I’m not what one would call an especially fantasy-savvy reader. I like good stories regardless of the genre, but when my co-workers start [...]
A Writer’s Motivation: Who Are You Writing For? Literary agent Adriann Ranta explores tough questions every writer should consider before attempting to publish life experiences
Q. I've had some really interesting and unique life experiences, and my friends keep encouraging me to write about them. From a market standpoint, is it a better idea to write a memoir, or to [...]
Mainstream Publishers and the Acquisition of Successful Self-Published Titles Literary agent Adriann Ranta Zurhellen weighs in on a burning question among self-published authors looking to go traditional
Q. How interested are mainstream publishers in buying successful self-published books? I don't mean hugely successful titles (Hugh Howey’s stuff, say), but books that have racked up impressive sales. And how many sales does it [...]
“It’s the hardest thing in the world to write the second book. The first one was easy. We’ve all got a story to tell. But writing the second book, that’s the difference between a professional and not a professional.” Robert Ludlum