Query Letter

by Melinda Tung
18th April 2021

Hi all, hope you're well and safe.

When sending a query letter, should the synopsis and manuscript go with it?

I'll be grateful if anyone can let me know.

Many thanks.

Replies

Hi Melinda

There is a great little (and I do mean little) book by Scott Pack 'How to perfect your submission'. It's a 'warts and all' reveal of what to do and what not to do.
Richard

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Richard
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Richard Elder
28/05/2021

Hi Melinda, each agent and publisher will have a page where they give specific guidelines. The requirements vary, so you should always check and tailor your submission package accordingly - some will want a 1-page synopsis, others a two; some will want the first 10000 words, some will want the first three chapters. Some want a bio in the query, whilst others ask for a separate bio. Some want things pasting into the body of the email, whilst others ask for attachments. The font, point size, and line spacing may also be specified. The best thing to do is to research each agent/publisher's guidelines thoroughly and prepare a bespoke submission for each one. Hope this helps :)

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Neil
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Neil McGowan
20/04/2021