If a publisher offers guidelines, follow them as closely as possible. Don't gamble that an editor will make an exception just this once for you. With all the competition out there, most editors won't be willing to take that chance, especially on an unknown or first-time author. Follow Submission Guidelines Editors get hundreds, even thousands, of submissions each year. To make sure your manuscript stands out, find out what the submission requirements are and follow them .
Guidelines vary from publisher to publisher and sometimes from editor to editor within a house.
Following the submission guidelines set down by the publisher won't ensure you get a contract, but it can get your manuscript read by an interested editor. Name an Individual Editor. While not in any guideline, it's a good idea to send your manuscript to an actual person. You can find the names of individual editors in the editorial staff lists in The Literary Market Place or by placing a quick, polite call to a publishers' general telephone number. Send the Correct Material.