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:

  • A candid, professional assessment of your work’s readiness for submission. (With guided improvement where appropriate.)

  • Feedback, editing, and/or hands-on ghostwriting for all submission materials needed to present your project to agents and publishers.

  • Carefully vetted recommendations for specific literary agents appropriate for your work, with personalized talking points for each.

  • Feedback and suggestions to help you position your work and properly identify its genre, age group, and target audience.  Also suggestions for comparable books and authors, if needed.

  • General guidance and education for those new to the submission process (recommended tools, best practices and resources).

  • Strategic advice and guidance on navigating your submission process and preparing for conferences, pitch sessions, and other opportunities to present your work directly to agents and publishers.


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

In-depth critique and revision guidance on your query letter, synopsis, and first fifty pages.

$250

Professional ghostwriting and collaboration services for loglines, query letters, synopses, and more.

$75 and up

Critique, revision guidance, writing assistance, and hands-on editing of nonfiction book proposals.

$75 per hour, with flat rate options starting at $325

Advice, strategic guidance, agent research and suggestions with knowledgeable industry insiders to help prepare for your submission effort and maximize your odds of success. Contact Ross Browne in the Tucson office for more information.

$75 per hour 

“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