Please help the ignorant! As a new writer, i'm in the process of contacting agents / publishers for the first time and feel a little overwhelmed about the advice out there as to how to go about it.
Beyond a cover letter, I am a little confused regarding the book synopsis or book proposal:
Do I just send a 1-2 page synopsis (including a brief summary, a chapter outline and a bit of info on myself) plus the first three chapters
OR
Do I send an entire book proposal, including information on the potential market, sales, my own credentials.
I think I am a little confused as to whether the synopsis is part of the book proposal (a section of the whole) or whether it IS the book proposal and is a single piece of writing with several sections.
Any help so gratefully received! (I have written a non-fiction text btw).
Thank you!
Yes, Rachel, I think the best advice is to be meticulous in checking what the agent/publisher wants. It's probably a good idea just to write a short and long synopsis and a draft cover letter to keep on file so that you can bring them out and tweak them to suit the agent - would save you some time, but you've probably thought of that anyway!
Good luck!
Sorry, it seems a part of what I wrote disappeared. I meant to say that some agents tell writers in their social media accounts what they are or are not seeking. So be sure to check up on who you're submitting to. It would be pointless to send out a fantasy manuscript when they have clearly written on their blog that they aren't accepting manuscripts, or only accepting science fiction, for example.
Khai, thank you so much! That is so helpful and (although painful in terms of the volume of work ahead) is really useful to hear.
Many thanks for taking the time to respond.
Best wishes