A “slush pile” refers to any submission of unsolicited manuscripts sent directly to publishers, editors, or agents without being requested in advance for review or consideration. This term often indicates poor-quality submissions that are unlikely to be accepted by editors and agents.
The slush pile is the final frontier for many writers’ dreams of publishing success. Manuscripts submitted to publishers, agents, and editors often go unread or never surpass the slush pile.
Why does this happen? There may be multiple causes. First, publishers or editors receive so many submissions they can only read some. Second, many manuscripts must meet their needs. For instance, they could be inappropriate genre-wise, poorly written, or unsuited to be added to their list.
What happens to manuscripts that are not made from the slush pile? Unfortunately, most will be rejected without even being read; lucky manuscripts may receive either a form letter or individual rejection, while most will only get a cursory glance before being sent straight back out into the recycling bin.
For writers who want their manuscript published, doing more than submitting it won’t get it published. It’s best to research to submit to the correct publisher while polishing your manuscript to its best abilities – but there’s no guarantee it’ll make it past the slush pile!
Slush piles offer new authors an invaluable chance at publication. While most manuscripts in slush piles may not meet publishing quality standards, there can still be hidden gems worth taking a chance on. In an environment where publishing has become increasingly challenging for newcomers, slush piles provide one of the few venues where new authors can still show their work to publishers.