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Queries and Proposals
A query letter is a one-page professional letter a writer sends to a literary agent or editor to pitch a manuscript and get them interested in representation or publication. It acts as a cover letter, succinctly summarizing the work, explaining why it’s marketable, and introducing the author’s credentials. If the agent or editor likes the query, they will ask to see the full manuscript, making the query a crucial first step in the traditional publishing process.
A standard requested format for a manuscript query letter to a literary agent could be approximately 200–400 words expressing the following information: The topic of the work – A short description of the plot – A short bio of the author – The target audience
Submission Tracking
Linda S. Dupie
Recently a writer asked me how I keep track of my submissions, this is something I hadn’t thought about often, but something I do day after day. There are as many ways to track your submissions, as there are writers, for simplicity we’ll look at three of the most common systems I have found while talking to writers. Some writers use their computers, others use index cards, notebooks, and some write the information on the files they keep for each project. Others use all of the above.
Write the Perfect Book Proposal
10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition
Want to publish your book? Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned–through trial and error–how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can’t resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain:
Writing a Synopsis & Query Letter
by Charlotte Dillon
I think this is probably one of my most popular pages. It doesn’t matter if you are submitting to an agent, a big New York publishing house, or a small press, you have to have a synopsis and a query letter to go with that manuscript. In fact, many of the big houses, and even some agents, will only accept a query and or a synopsis. Chapters can only be sent later if they ask to see them. Hopefully, the information you’ll find listed here will have you writing both like an old pro.
How to Write a Novel Synopsis
It’s probably the single most despised document you might be asked to prepare: the synopsis. The synopsis is sometimes required because an agent or publisher wants to see, from beginning to end, what happens in your story. Thus, the synopsis must convey a book’s entire narrative arc. It shows what happens and who changes, and it has to reveal the ending.
Surviving a Book Proposal
by Teri Brown
When the editor of EI asked me to write an article on book proposals, I thought, “Why me?” Just because I wrote a book proposal and actually sold a book with it doesn’t make me an expert. Experienced, maybe. But not an expert. So now you’re wondering why you should bother to read an article on book proposals by someone who isn’t an expert. I’ll tell you why…. because I survived it and I can tell you how you can too.
Landing An Agent Elements Of A Winning Query
Tips and Updates From Writer’s Digest
Every writer knows a strong query letter is essential for getting an agent. But what goes into a winning query and how does one go about finding representation? “Guide to Literary Agents” asked five recently published authors just that, and they all responded in detail. Here are a few of their pointers on the do’s and don’ts of querying.
Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
The majority of these terms came from the glossary in “How To Publish Your Articles A Complete Guide to Making the Right Publisher Say Yes” by Shirley Kawa-Jump
Publisher’s Websites
This list will continue to grow as we receive your links. As with Editors and Agents links, always Google the agency and see if there are any bad reviews or warnings against the publishing house.
Science & Science Fiction Writing Organizations
A growing list of Science and Science Fiction Writing Associations – Great for Publishing information or a resource for your mauscript.
Path to Self-Publishing Success
Bob Baker
When the subject of e-publishing and self-publishing on the Internet comes up, the conversation usually turns to talk of .pdf and .exe files, not to mention the pros and cons of various personal ebook readers. What you don’t hear much about is the workhorse of Internet communication: basic e-mail.
Windup for the (Story) Pitch
Mia Zachary
No matter how good a story you’ve written, it will never see the light of day unless you catch an editor’s or agent’s attention. In order to do that, you’ve got to become good at the art of the Pitch and, honey, I don’t mean baseball.
Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
Shirley Kawa-Jump
Agents can be a wonderful thing, IF they are working for you and with you. I have negotiated deals with agents, without agents, and have fired agents who didn’t seem to be on the same page as I was. Overall, I believe having an agent makes things happen faster, but they are certainly no guarantee for success.
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