Just when you think you've found Mr. Right editor or agent, their needs change! You've got to continually be searching for books similar to yours and yet so different that yours will stand out as a gem amongst gems.

3). Submit your book to the right editor. This means finding out who it is and address them by name.

4). Use the two P's: Patience and Persistence. We all know the meaning of these two words; however, Mr. Levin adds that a follow up may be the key to an editor digging your proposal out of the slush pile and reading it. Most listings in the WMG give you a "response" time. Utilize it! If you haven't heard from them in a reasonable time, certainly within the response time listed, write a follow up letter. Mr. Levin suggests sixty days as the appropriate follow up time. But remember, your follow up letter has to be equally as interesting as your query or cover letter. Make it shine! Use the "high concept" method and get someone's attention!

5). Use the rejection profitably. If the rejection letter you receive actually has a name on it, call that person. Mr. Levin lists specific questions that you should ask.

*If I improve the work as you suggest (if they suggested anything), is this the type of manuscript that your house might publish?

*What are your editorial guidelines?

*If this book is not suitable for your house, do you have suggestions as to who might be a publisher (or agent) in this area?

*Do you have the name of someone at a house that is publishing in this area to whom I can write?

*Was the proposal inviting? Are there areas I could improve?

*Did the sample chapter(s) effectively display my ability and professionalism? I have found these last two MOST successful questions! Upon receiving a rejection from Heartsong Presents, I called and spoke to a lovely assistant editor named Heather Rodweller. She told me that my story (I sent three chapters) was "very well written" with "strong characters and story line." She said that she enjoyed it very much even though it didn't fit their lines. This sure was an ego booster after dozens of rejections!

*Is there someone I could contact who might be able to work with me? Is there an agent whom you could recommend who might take me as a client? May I use your name as a reference?

If you get a "glowing" rejection, one in which the editor says that you "show promise" you might ask: "Do you have any specific suggestions that would help me make my book good enough for you to acquire."

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