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Overall Proposal Package Notes

  • Font: Courier 12 point is preferred
  • No staples or binding of any kind
  • No cover sheet or title page on sample chapters
  • Instead: at top of page, include name, address, phone, e-mail and word count
  • Center title 1/3 down the page, all caps double space and put "by" double space and put your name, then 2 double spaces and start body of the manuscript (which also should be double-spaced)
  • You don't need the copyright symbol (you are copyright protected as soon as you create the work). Putting it in marks you as an amateur
  • 1" to 1.5" margins (play with this to get approximately 250 words per page, so that your manual word count and 250 time the number of pages approximates your computer word count
  • Chapter beginnings should start 1/3 down the page formatting advice varies, but all pages should have a header that includes your name, title of work, and page number
  • If they ask for 3 sample chapters, send the first 3, not what you think are the best 3
  • When sending the entire manuscript, put a piece of cardboard on top, another on bottom and a rubber band around the whole thing, then stick it in a box or envelope and mail.
  • Don't get fancy. Don't send your package registered or insured, making the agent to editor have to stop work to sign for it.
  • Always enclose SASE if you want to know when they have received your packet, don't call. Rather, include a SAS postcard they can return upon receipt.

Query Letter Notes

  • Keep it at 1 to 2 pages max (shorter is better)
  • Single-spaced address the agent/editor by name (Be sure you have the spelling right, and if you're going to use Mr. or Ms., be sure you know the gender of the editor. Don't assume.)
  • Use either paragraph (indent paragraphs, no line spaces between) or block (date address, closing all left, no paragraph indents, space between), but be consistent
  • Titles are in italics (the title of your book and any others you mention)
  • The style of the query should reflect the style of your work

The idea of your query is to hook the editor/agent's attention and get them to ask for more.

It may include:

  • Title
  • Word count
  • A brief synopsis (1 sentence is ideal, but no more than a paragraph)
  • What market you envision for your book
  • What category/genre your work falls into
  • Any marketing or promotional tie-ins (news, trends, etc.)
  • How other books in the category are selling
  • What makes your book different from others in the category
  • Any relevant experience/credits (all writing is important here, but summary is fine)
  • Your willingness to promote your work
  • Any professional editing or critiquing your book has been through
  • Reasons why you are sending your work to them (met them at a conference, enjoyed other work they have edited or agented, referrals from other writers, etc.)
  • Checklist of what you have included in your proposal packet (this should be exactly what the agent or editor has requested, and may include a resume, sample chapters, outline, synopsis)

End your letter with a direct question asking if they would like to see the entire manuscript

Here is a simple outline of a 7 part query letter:

1. Hook: concept, special plot detail or unique approach or twist

2. Handle: theme, comparison to others, audience

3. Mini synopsis: overview of plot, main characters, core conflict, plot high points, setting, time period (yes, this can be done in a sentence)

4. Credentials: your motivation to write this book, qualifications to write this book, attendance of writers workshops and seminars, membership in writers' organizations, completion of writing courses (though some say it is bad to mention you have a writing degree -- there is dissension here), contests won (though this is questionable, so only include it if it is really big)

5. Credits: publishing credits (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essay, don't think your non-fiction life doesn't count in your fiction life)

6. What you're offering: title, word count, genre (leave out if you're unsure)

7. Closing: Ask if they want to see the whole thing

Kris and Dean (Kristine Kathryn Rusch and Dean Wesley Smith) cover letter:

Dear (editor's name),

I have enclosed a copy of (title) at (number of words)

This is (or is not) a simultaneous submission.

Summarize credits and list most recent.

Closing

The idea here is not to pitch your story in your letter. Make them ask for more if they want to know about it. Don't let them reject you based on your letter.

In the end, it comes down to your research. By the time you are ready to send your proposal, you should know enough about you, your work, and the editor or agent you are querying to know what they want to see. Mix and match any or all of the suggestions here to make your query unique to you, your work, and your intended audience.

Remember once they ask for more, it is a solicited manuscript. When you read "no unsolicited manuscripts," just send a query and get solicited.

A few don'ts:

  • Don't say you write like a best selling a particular best-selling writer. You can say you write in the same genre don't mention how many people have read and loved your book unless they are professionals
  • Don't use self-glorifying adjectives, let the work speak for itself don't predict your book's success
  • Don't put yourself down
  • Don't say it's your first book
  • Don't say you hope they'll like it
  • Don't tell the editor or agent their business
  • Don't show your desperation
  • Don't query more than 1 project in 1 letter