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Insider tip
How to Get an Agent: "Follow your instinct – more often than not it will be right." » Read more on securing the services of a good agent by Philippa Milnes-Smith-
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1. What to send with your manuscript
I will deal in the next chapter with the best recipient of your material (whether agent or publisher), but before we progress let’s think about the overall package that you send.
What kind of response are you looking for? I am assuming that you want to get taken on as a client (by an agent) or as a published author (by a publishing house), or to maintain and improve your existing relationship with either or both (if you are already agented or published). As an author you almost certainly want attention, but if you want to be/remain published, you want the right kind of attention. And the decision on what kind of response to give you will be heavily influenced by how you manage your approach. Putting your manuscript in the post with a hastily written compliments slip and hoping for the best is never a good idea. You should give your manuscript the best possible chance of being positively received by appearing professional.
This chapter is divided into two main parts. Firstly there is a short section on writing promotional copy – because that is what you are producing when you are writing to an agent or publisher to try to get them to take interest in you as a writer. Secondly there is discussion of the various pieces of information you need to draft to accompany your writing.
Keep reading: ‘Writing promotional copy’ »
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On camera: Jon McGregor
"Being longlisted for the Booker Prize changed everything - it was the launchpad for my writing career." Click to view our video with novelist Jon McGregor »
On camera: Justin Cartwright
"Just write... If you're any good you may not know it, but certainly someone else will." Click to view our video with novelist Justin Cartwright »
On camera: Julie Myerson
The novelist and journalist Julie Myerson on how she got that all-important first publishing deal. Click here to view our video exclusive »