Sending your work when a partial is requested

Only send the partial via email of that's what the agent requested. Many agents still require submissions through snail mail, so make sure you're sending it correctly.

For partials sent via email, I've always simply replied to the request. That way all of the correspondence is right there.

Since this is also a professional correspondence, your submission should reflect that. Your partial heading needs contact info (full name, address, phone, email), and it never hurts to put this in the email, too.

Format - I simply copied the same format I used in the full manuscript.

1. What, exactly, did the agent ask for? Did she just say, "send me a partial"? Or did she ask for a specific page, word, or chapter count? Did she ask for anything else?

2. Did the agent specify she wanted the partial via email? If so, did she ask for an attachment, or for the ms to be pasted into the body of the email?

3. Communication with an agent is a business communication, whether or not you use email. A short, polite cover letter or email body reminding the agent of who you are and why you're sending stuff to her is never amiss.

4. Do you hope the agent falls in love with your ms and immediately takes you on as a client? Would you like to make it easy for her to contact you? Why not include contact information?

5. I've always heard chapters should start halfway down the page, but to be honest, I doubt anyone cares. If it were me, I would jigger the start point just enough so the very last line of the first page is a mini-cliffhanger. But that's just me.

Usually the agent or editor would be specific about what they want, and not "just send us something."

Follow the guidelines.

But usually a partial includes: a cover letter, a brief synopsis (1-2 pages), author bio, 3 chapters (from the beginning, not somewhere in the middle or the end) or up to 50 pages.

But again, follow the guidelines.

As for formatting, again, follow the guidelines. If there are none, follow the industry standards, which you could find here on AW (start with the FAQ) or on the Internet.

For email submission, again, follow the guidelines. Usually, same thing: cover letter, synopsis, bio, 3 chapters (as plain text unless the agent accepts file attachment; in that case, send an RTF file instead of a Word file -- RTF is usually accepted and compatible with most word processing software without the risk of malware/viruses).

Start here:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26126

flamyngo said:

Oh , okay, the agent asked for the first two chapters and in a word document... so I know WHAT to send, I just don't know all the specifics of formatting and such. Sorry, I should have been more clear

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The format for the partial is the same as for the full: one inch margins all around, double spaced, TNR or Courier New, 12 pt, chapter headings on a new page and 1/3 to 1/2 down. You should also have a title page with your contact info. It's usually okay to simply reply to their email, but take note if they want something specific in the subject line. As for what to say, I try to copy the tone of the requestor. But don't ramble or give them anything they didn't ask for. In particular, if they didn't ask for a synopis, don't send it. The interns are looking for reasons to reject, so make them reject you on the writing.

flamyngo said:

Okay, so the exact amount of spacing is a personal preference as far as how far down the page it goes?

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Yeah. For a partial it really doesn't matter all that much, except you want to look professional. Page numbers in the upper right hand corner would be good, and a header with the title in all-caps. Some get all worried about getting exactly 25 lines per page, but you're generally fine if you keep it consistent--i.e., turn off the widow/orphan and the "keep with next" options for the normal style.