When you are submitting your 'first three chapters' where does a prologue stand? Do you include it, or only submit the prologue and the first two chapters?
When you are submitting your 'first three chapters' where does a prologue stand? Do you include it, or only submit the prologue and the first two chapters?
Thanks everyone, I'll take on board all those suggestions. I have outlined a shortlist of agents that I want to submit to and have included exactly their requirements, but I really think your answers will help me in my approach. Much appreciated.
Good replies from Lorraine and Jimmy, BUT I'd amend Jimmy's last sentence thus:
If the prologue is very short, you could always send it AND 3 chapters. If it's chapter-length, you could send the 3rd chapter in a separate attachment, inviting the agent to read it if the interest is there. However, check agents' guidelines: some specify only ONE attachment per e-mail/submission.
Lorraine cites a silver rule: "read [the agent's] guidelines thoroughly first." No use setting them against you for not paying attention to that important detail. You may think that this takes too much of your time [to research so many different agents' individual preferences], but if an agent suspects that you might be wasting hers, she'll bin your work without reading it.
'The first three chapters' refers to the opening 3000 words or so (requirements may vary) of your book. If you use a Prologue, that's part of that remit.
If you are in any doubt, drop the agent/publisher an email and ask - but read their guidelines thoroughly first.
Lorraine