13. Interacting with the independent press
Most independent presses have a very limited staff of part-time and/or newly graduated staff. Always ask to speak to the editor. Use courtesy and be polite. Those people who have contacted Kate and were inconsiderate in any way -- entitled, impatient, rude -- were ignored. It landed the manuscript in the trash. With so many people out there to look at, why should a press bother with a cranky poet?
Presses want polished manuscripts. It may be worth considering to get someone to line edit your manuscript so you submit the most impressive work you possibly can.