if they ask for 3 sample chapters?

The first three.

Oh, and congratulations.

Always the first three.

Good luck!

Since the question was already answered, I'll just throw in a big ol' GOOD LUCK!

Some ask specifically for the first three but if not, I send the first one and two others - whatever I feel will best support my proposal.

Aye!

Good luck to you!!

Anyone ever send prologues? As part of the first three?

I do use my prologue as the first chapter...but I've heard others do differently.

kristie911 said:

I do use my prologue as the first chapter...but I've heard others do differently.

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So do I. I changed mine after so many people told me they don't read prologues. They think Chapter 1 is the start of the story.

Hey Payitforward, congrats on getting an interest and good luck! Let us know what happens

Mumut said:

So do I. I changed mine after so many people told me they don't read prologues. They think Chapter 1 is the start of the story.

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Miss Snark says never the prologue and always the first three chapters, not assorted one selected from the middle of the work.

The agent knows very well that the first chapter is often the most worked on. He wants to know that you can keep it up for the continued lenght of the book. the only way he's going to know that is if he's got the first three chapters so he can see the flow of it. When an agent asks for the first three chapters, he doesn't want a movie trailer of your book. We all know that even the most horrible movies can have kick-ass trailers. How many of us haven't been seduced by a trailer only to be abandoned in the theatre?

Even if the first chapter isn't absolutely perfect, the agent will still read for character and voice. Though it's best to polish those beginning chapters as much as possible. Still, don't beat yourself up if it's not "perfect." My agent has asked for several revisions to my manuscript, and one of them is to tighten up the first chapter so the book starts with more of a bang. Even though the book wasn't perfect, she still believed in it enough to offer representation.

My prologue is pretty derned important for the setup (tho not crucial/necessary)... so much so I'd include it w/the first 3 chapters. Luckily its short so I don't think it'd be much of an imposition.

I would think that the only possible exception to the "first three chapters" rule might be nonfiction -- certain types of business/marketing/how-to books do not rely on story flow, and any three chapters might work well there. With a novel, however, I'd always stick to the initial three.

payitforward said:

Dear All:

So, I got a request for a partial today--for three sample chapters. I'm assuming that means the first three? Or, do they want one from the beginning, middle, and end.

Any thoughts?
PIF

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Always the first three, unless specifically requested by the agent/publisher.

What the agent wants to know is:

a) if you can actually write
b) if you can open a story
c) if you have a good style and voice
d) if your writing can sustain them through the last page and make them want to read more


If they want to know the rest they will either request a full or read the synopsis.

naimas said:

Anyone ever send prologues? As part of the first three?

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I send in the prologue and first three chapters.

It worked. My MS was eventually accepted.

payitforward said:

Dear All:

So, I got a request for a partial today--for three sample chapters. I'm assuming that means the first three? Or, do they want one from the beginning, middle, and end.

Any thoughts?
PIF

Click to expand...

Way to go!

Wishing you all the best !!!

For Hard Copy Requests

:editor's hat on:

I want the first three chapters or first fifty pages.

If fifty pages (which happens if you have looong chapters)--do not cut off in mid-sentence.

Round off at a natural stop. It's okay if it's short of the fifty-page mark.

I do not want any prologues. Seriously. I DON'T.

If a prologue is absolutely vital to the story, then it should be Chapter One.

Double-space.

Use standard MS format. If you don't know what that is, there's a thread on AW.

Full contact info MUST be at the top of the first page and the bottom of the last page. Do not put it on a cover sheet. Those get lost. Ditto for business cards and website names.

No staples. Paper clip.

RETURN POSTAGE if you want it back, otherwise we toss in the recycle bin whether it's accepted or not.

No perfumed paper (I could have allergies), confetti/glitter (oh joy, more mess on my desk), or greeting cards (I have enough to read).

NO chocolate. It's summer. I could also be diabetic.

If I like it and want to see the rest of the MS, then send the whole MS--which means those first three chapters get printed again. Yes, you are special, but don't expect me to keep them or remember exactly what's on them.

Put in a Self-Addressed Stamped Postcard with "Manuscript name by writer x has arrived at Random House." I will put it in my OUT box.

PUT IN A SASE. It's a Professional Courtesy Thing.

I've sold 24 books and about 20 stories, and I still put one in when I submit stuff.

Do not phone/e-mail me in a week or even six weeks. I'll let you know, using the SASE or the contact info on those pages.

Pay your phone bill.

Pay your ISP bill.

Check your bulk mail folder. Sometimes your spam filter decides I am your mortal enemy and shunts my mails to the Never-Never box.

Be working on your next project so your head doesn't explode while you wait for me to get around to reading your sample.

Good luck!

That editor hat is made of awesome, Gillhoughly. Can I steal it? (You're still wearing it, so I assume I can lift it off your head)