Since getting back into the loop of agent queries, I’ve had a few partials requested of some of my manuscripts. A nice step beyond just getting the queries themselves rejected, so hopefully, after some of these, I might get a full manuscript request. Either way, I’ve got my head stuck in the print, label and mail process, so I’m going to list a few of the elements of what goes into the various stages of submitting your work to a literary agent. Often these pieces can be switched between queries and whole manuscript submissions, depending on the agent’s guidelines.
Query: This is that first step. In essence, a query is you saying to the agent, Hey there! I’ve got a nifty story that you really ought to read and represent so we can make beautiful bestselling music together. It’s your first chance to make an impression, and so a query letter is an attempt to hook their attention and sum-up your story in one or two snazzy paragraphs. Some agents will ask for a few sample pages or chapters to be included with the query, and a lot of agents take queries through both postal and email channels. However, some agents only respond to email queries if they are in fact interested in the project. Otherwise you hear absolutely nothing back.
Resources for writing queries are here, here and here.
Partial: If you just sent a query letter, and it caught the agent’s interest, they may then contact you and ask for one of these. Usually a partial involves sending the first 20-50 pages of your novel, again, depending on what the agent asks for, along with a synopsis and SASE.
SASE: Self-addressed, stamped envelope. This is how you get your rejection mailed back to you. Make sure to always include this with a postal package, otherwise you will be waiting for weeks and months, wondering why you never did hear back from that one agent.
Synopsis: A synopsis is one of the trickier parts of this whole bundle. Usually synopses run between 1-3 pages long, and they sum up all the main plot points and characters that run through the story, including any big twists and, yes, the ending.
Full: Self-explanatory. You send the whole manuscript. Often these days, this is sent through email, rather than postal, but there are some who still work it through the mail. This is often the last stage before an agent either offers representation or rejects the work. Though sometimes they might offer editorial suggestions and recommend the author re-send the work once those changes have been made…it depends on how involved with the rewriting process the agent chooses to be.
Cover letter: A polite, professional first page to include with a partial or full manuscript, reminding the agent that they did indeed request this material, plus a little note on who you are and any writing credits you might have, such as published short stories.
As you can see, there is a lot of flexibility involved with each of these steps. Different lengths, different requirements, different procedures. These pretty much change from one agent to the next, so always make sure to check their guidelines so you keep them happy when they open the envelope or email.
I see that smile.
Josh –
I was browsing through blogland and found you to be one of the few individuals who, like me, enjoys reading Christian authors like Lewis and Tolkien AND hardcore atheists like Ayn Rand!
Can’t wait to see your stuff on the bestseller lists! Take care!
Jeff
Glad you stopped by, Jeff. Thanks for the encouraging words. It’s always fun to find another who shares a love for reading, no matter where on the spectrum it falls.