Outline - what to provide

[JuliePgh]

If an agency requests an outline as part of the submission packet but doesn't give any specifics in terms of length, what is a good default? I have to create an outline from scratch, so should I shoot for a paragraph per chapter, or write whatever it takes to convey the important revelations or developments in each chapter? Do I keep myself to 5, 10, 15 pages total? Single or double spaced? Thanks.

[mdmkay]

Boy are you going to be ticked at this answer......try to keep your outline at 1 page. The submission at most should be 2 pages unless pages of the mss are asked for. ALWAYS DOUBLE SPACE with 1" margins. If your writing non-fiction that may call for something longer but fiction...if you need 10 pages to explain the story to someone............you need to be doing some radical cutting in revision and figure out what the point of your story is. I do understand what you were asking though as far as outlining each chapter or a paragraph for each chapter........the answer for fiction...is no.

[scribbler1382]

If an agency requests an outline as part of the submission packet but doesn't give any specifics in terms of length, what is a good default? I have to create an outline from scratch, so should I shoot for a paragraph per chapter, or write whatever it takes to convey the important revelations or developments in each chapter? Do I keep myself to 5, 10, 15 pages total? Single or double spaced? Thanks.

Did they request an "outline" or a "chapter outline". The former could be what is commonly called a synopsis. I'd go over the guidelines/request again very carefully and if it's not blatantly obvious what they want and in what form, ask them for a clarification.

[Jamesaritchie]

A true outline is often very long, but it all depends on the package. If it's part of a synopsis/chapters/outline package, at least one paragraph per chapter is a good idea, and even one page per chapter isn't out of line, unless the chapters are very short. I've written outlines that were fifty pages long, and I've seen them that were almost hundred pages long.

For such a package, I have a cover letter on top. Under this is the synopsis, usually only one or two single-spaced pages long. Under the synopsis comes the first three chapters, or first fifty pages, whichever is shorter. Under the chapters is the outline, which is usually one long paragraph per remaining chapter.

Usually, however, shorter is better. My average outline is roughly twenty pages, double-spaced. My average synopsis sent with such a package, on the other hand, is usually no more than two pages, single-spaced, and often shorter.

While synopses need to be short, many agents and editors want chapter by chapter outlines, and while going chapter by chapter isn't the only way to write an outline, it is the most common way.

It's also a good idea to write the outline in present tense, which is also "standard."

This type of submission package is what my agent uses to sell the novel to the editor, and it's a pretty standard package.

The trouble comes when an agent says "outline," but means synopsis. They're very different critters. Unfortunately, some don't know the difference, so check guidelines carefully.

Oh, a synopsis should be single-spaced. Double-spacing is for editing purposes, and no one is ever going to edit your synopsis. An outline may be edited, but not a synopsis. So single-space the synopsis, with an extra line between paragraphs, and double-space the outline.

[JuliePgh]

Did they request an "outline" or a "chapter outline". The former could be what is commonly called a synopsis. I'd go over the guidelines/request again very carefully and if it's not blatantly obvious what they want and in what form, ask them for a clarification.
They asked for an outline and 3 sample chapters. I would have expected to see "synopsis" requested as opposed to "outline," but it's always possible someone wasn't precise with their wording.

The agency doesn't have a website; I'm going by what's listed on Writer's Market.com for the Marcia Amsterdam Agency. I need to add this is fiction and I'm querying, there has been no request for anything specific from the agency.

[scribbler1382]

They asked for an outline and 3 sample chapters. I would have expected to see "synopsis" requested as opposed to "outline," but it's always possible someone wasn't precise with their wording.

The agency doesn't have a website; I'm going by what's listed on Writer's Market.com for the Marcia Amsterdam Agency. I need to add this is fiction and I'm querying, there has been no request for anything specific from the agency.

Doing a quick google, I found the following, which uses the word synopsis. But like I said, if you're not sure, just phone them and ask. If you're worried about what they'll think about you phoning, don't tell them your name:

Marcia Amsterdam Agency

41 West 82nd Street
New York, NY 10024

Agents: Marcia Amsterdam
Webpage: n/a
Accepts: Medical and legal thrillers, character-driven science fiction, mysteries, horror, historical romance, contemporary women's fiction, and quality young adult fiction.
Send: Query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters.
Speculative fiction clients: n/a
Comments: Most of her clients seem to be mainstream/contemporary writers. Recommended by Preditors and Editors (http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/).

[JuliePgh]

Didn't think to Google; should have. Thank you!