Get published

Derek Sandhaus is chief editor at Earnshaw Books, which publish non-fiction works on Chinese history and contemporary culture. He is also the author of Tales Of Old Peking and Tales Of Old Hong Kong (out now)

First, be aware of the difference between writing for yourself and writing for an audience. Consider who the book is aimed at.

China inspires people to write. That’s a great thing, but the understanding of China outside of Asia is limited – most people don’t know much beyond basic clichés. You have to be able to address these clichés before you jump into a complex, higher-level China subject.

At Earnshaw we’re interested in unique topics that haven’t received much attention, such as Liliane Willens’s memoir Stateless In Shanghai, about a Russian immigrant living in Shanghai during the early years of the People’s Republic of China. Foremost we’re looking for a book that’s engaging and well-written.

But that’s only one part of the piece. Authors must be good self-promoters who, for example, are comfortable getting up in front of an audience. Without the author leading the charge a book’s not going to be successful.

There are also things you can do to make it easier for us to consider your work. The most common mistake authors make is not considering what the publisher is trying to accomplish. Check out the publisher’s catalogue. Tell them why your book would be a good addition. But most compelling of all, show me a good book. We get emails from lots of people with an idea, but they haven’t written it down. We’re very hesitant to invest in something if it’s not in a tangible form.

So it boils down to three basic pieces of advice: provide the publisher with a finished manuscript, and explain why it’s a sound investment; listen to the feedback you get; publicise yourself, get your name out there and make sure people know who you are.

Top tips

Join a writers’ group. The best criticism you’re going to get is from someone else.

Be flexible A manuscript can always be better. Don’t react badly to criticism.
Send a succinct submission with a summary and table of contents alongside the manuscript.

Directory

Submit Earnshaw Book Submissions, 1408 Golden Bell Plaza, 98 Huahai Zhong Road, Shanghai (submissions@earnshawbooks.com).

Beijing Writers’ Group Every Monday, 7.30pm, at The Bookworm. 4 Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang district (6586 9507). 朝阳区三里屯南路4 号