What would you do?

[jkababy]

I am applying for a Masters Degree in Fiction. This particular program only accepts 13 students a year. I must submit 30 pages of my work for their consideration. My question:

Would YOU submit 30 pages of consecutive chapters?
OR
30 pages of what you consider your best chapters, though non consecutive?

Please advise....bit of a quandary here. :e2writer:

[monkey see monkey do]

They don't give any other requirements for those 30 pages?

[LusciousWebb]

I would do your best chapters

[jkababy]

"30 pages of fiction" are the submission requirements. That's it! (No pressure huh?).

[monkey see monkey do]

I'd go with the 30 pages of a consecutive work. Most admissions offices I've encounter want a consecutive narrative work. If your focus was on short stories, they'd want a full short story. If your focus was on novels, I'm willing to bet they want a consecutive work. They'll not only look at your writing style, etc. but your craft with the narrative form. Worst thing you want to do is confuse with them a bunch of chapters that have nothing to do with each other.

BUT this is just my experience. You're best bet is to call or e-mail the program director and ask. They usually like hearing from applicants, and it shows you're really interested in them.

[jkababy]

darnit. I was leaning toward best chapters. Each one tells a tiny story anyway, but I may call and ask what they recommend. Ten bucks says they won't suggest either way.

[Kitty Pryde]

There's an old post on Miss Snark asking about submitting 3 chapters to an agent, whether they should be consecutive or just random. She says:http://misssnark.blogspot.com/2007/03/out-of-order-chapters.html

First, if you're any kind of writer, I won't know what the HELL is going on in chapter 10 if I haven't read 3-9. If I CAN understand chapter 10 you might consider writing for Days of Our Hives or other soapy formats.

Hope that is helpful! But TBH the first chapters of your work should be Totally Completely Ass-Kickingly Interesting, so as to draw the reader in and keep them fascinated.

[Sheila Muirenn]

I've noticed people tend to panic when they are expected to read out-of-context. Especially fellow writers doing a critique.

Can't imagine an admissions panel would be any different.

[jkababy]

Well I emailed the head of the English Dept. He said that consecutive chapters would be easier, but that I should submit my best chapters. Soooo.... *sigh* I guess I'll submit consecutive and hope for the best. Wish me luck....cos I KNOW my best chapters. And they ain't consecutive.

[monkey see monkey do]

Best of luck.