Meeting an editor face-to-face happens at Christian writers conferences, unless you know someone on an editorial staff personally. Otherwise, editors meet you at their desks via mail or email.

It’s important to put your best foot forward to get a foot in the door of a publishing house or periodical. Editors may or may not want manuscripts over the transom. Marketing research tells you who still takes unsolicited manuscripts.

Think of querying an editor as knocking on his or her door and introducing yourself and your idea. He or she will recognize your marketing knowledge when you present pertinent reasons their readers will benefit from your article or book.

Once convinced by your niche, slant, etc., the editor may assign a deadline for your submission. Practicing professionalism not only means delivering on deadline, but also fulfilling requirements such as word count and accuracy on facts.

Show a willingness to accept editorial advice and criticism when it comes to rewrites. Professional development comes with learning where there’s room for improvement.

Even pros sometimes find themselves going from “door-to-door” presenting proposals to editors, but with professionalism, persistence, much prayer and God’s providential timing a door will open. An editor will purchase and publish your manuscript.