Submitting Your Manuscript
Four Steps to Creating a Complete Fiction Book Proposal
Knowing what a fiction book proposal should contain and the proper way to submit it will help turn your mauscript into an invited guest
Keep it Simple
Most agents, traditional paperback and hardback publishers want to see a package containing these items and nothing more than these items:
A Brief, One-Page Cover Letter
This letter should tell what kind of book you are sending, the word count, and the genre. Also include a short, concise paragraph describing your publishing credits. Add anything that might make you an expert on the subject you have written about. For example, if you are writing about archaeology and are a professor with a PHD in that field this is information that would be helpful to establish your credentials. if you are a stamp collector and the book contains authentic information about your hobby, by all means include this information. When telling about your accomplishments, error on the side of modesty. It is not wise to mention that your book is “the next Harry Potter” or is bound to make millions. Let them figure that out for themselves.
A Three-Page Synopsis
The synopsis should give a bird's eye view of what the book is about. It should be a brief, exciting explanation that reads something like a back cover book blur with one small difference. The synopsis should contain the key drama of the book, mention the major characters main plot and any subplots and include the ending. Agents and editors are buyers not readers. They want to know that the writer has brought the book to a logical conclusion.
Three Sample Chapters
Send the first three, not random chapters throughout the book, not what you consider your “very best” chapters, but the first three chapters of your book. No exceptions. Many writers are tempted to send random chapters, but have you ever tried to read a book that way? The editor wants to read text in consecutive order and it makes sense to start at the beginning. If your first three chapters aren’t the best chapters in the book, they should be. Even if they aren’t they will still give the editor a feel for your style and whether or not they want to read more.
The sample chapters should be prepared in proper format--double spaced and should ideally be in Courier, Dark Courier or Times New Roman 12. The editor will want something that is easy for them to read, pleasant to the eyes, and as mistake -free as possible. Avoid fancy fonts with curlicues. They won’t disguise a poorly-written book. Whatever you do, don’t send a handwritten manuscript.
Read the Submissions Guidellines
If possible, read and follow any specific guidelines suggested by the place you are submitting.
Submitting to eBook Publishers
If you are submitting to an eBook publisher, the rules are a little different. Most eBook publishers will accept an entire manuscript rather than a partial, But do be sure to read their specific guidelines. Most of them will have guidelines posted on their website. eBook publishers are more concerned with formatting so be sure to follow their specifications. If there are none, Times New Roman 12 is a font commonly used by most eBook publishers. Often ,one space is used after periods instead of two. Anything you can do to make the formatting error-free will be appreciated on their side, since these publishers work directly from the electronic copy you send.
Include an SASE
It is still customary to include a self addressed stamped envelope with a mailed submission. However, because of the rising cost of postage it has also become acceptable to include a small, stamped envelope for a response and a request to recycle the manuscript in case of rejection.
Since eBook submissions are sent as email attachments, they do not require an SASE.
Submission Package Checklist:
- One Page Cover Letter
- Three Page Synopsis
- Three Sample Chapters
- SASE
