New to this, Agent has shown interest

LivingInAdaydream · May 19, 2006

I'm not new to writing, but I am new to trying to get published. I have a completed young adult novel and after sending out query letters to two agents one I got rejected from and the other I did my research and realized it was a scam and igored their reply.

Well after that I decided to revamp my query letter to make it more "me". Now this was three weeks ago and today I received an e-mail back from an agency that I have researched and is legit and they are interested and want me to send them a Synopsis and the first three chapters. Is this a big step?? I know there is still a ways to go in the process, but do many people even get passed the query letter? Or is getting past it really good sign? Or do tons of people get passed it?

LivingInAdaydream · May 19, 2006

And my other questions are...

when I send the chapters, double spaced is best, correct?

And does anyone know a link with a good synopsis format? Thanks!

Jenan Mac · May 19, 2006

Well, it's not the whole journey, but it's a definite step in the right direction. Mazel tov!

Puma · May 19, 2006

Hi, Daydream - go back to the agency webpage and look very hard for their preferences on how they want things sent - it may even be by agent specific. Also look to see if they have any links for synopsis writing, etc (some of them do).

The way I look at it is - sample chapters are step two of five or six steps - but it is a very big step. Good luck! Also be sure to note whether in their e-mail response or anywhere it gives you an idea of what type of timeframe you're looking at to get a response to sample chapters. The waiting can be agony especially if you don't know what to expect. Good luck! Puma

Branwyn · May 19, 2006

Congrats!

Here's some helpful info.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33691

Agreed--it's another step along the journey.

James D. Macdonald · May 19, 2006

Chapters are double-spaced in standard manuscript format (Courier, one inch margins, etc. etc.)

Synopsis is single-spaced, any readable font, present tense, tells the whole story including surprise twist ending.

LightShadow · May 19, 2006

Be as courteous and punctual with your material as you can be. A foot in the door is better than none, and it is a step in the right direction, but remember, they can still reject you. Chances are, however, if you've attracted their interest, you have a legitimate shot at being represented by them. Good for you.

stormie · May 19, 2006

I like your user name! Anyway, you got great info from the above people. And to get a response from a legit agent wanting a partial--terrific! It means two things: Your query letter is good, and your story must seem marketable. Now he/she wants to see your writing and what twists and turns your story takes, and how the ending is achieved. Write the synopsis from your gut. Some say outline your story first, then connect the dots. But you have to put your voice into it; show how this story is yours. You're part way there. My best to you!

Starbrazer · May 19, 2006

LivingInAdaydream said:
And my other questions are...

when I send the chapters, double spaced is best, correct?

And does anyone know a link with a good synopsis format? Thanks!

Try this:

http://www.agentquery.com/

They have a section on the left side of the screen called Formatting Tips, go there and read it first.

Secondly, there is a book called Formatting and Submitting Your Manuscript by Cynthia Laufenberg and it is an awesome book. Writer's Digest Books puts it out and they are a trustworthy source.

Hope this helps...

By the way, congratulations! That is a good sign, but not a guarentee; follow the guidelines in these sources and you will not go wrong.

LivingInAdaydream · May 22, 2006

Thanks everyone for your help! I really appreciate it. The links have been very helpful.

As we speak I am attempting to work on this still and here is the one thing I am finding: My summary of the first chapter is much longer than the rest. Is this common? Or is this a turn off? The reason is this is where most of the characters are introdced. It's a YA about a clique of students and there are eight of them.

New to this, Agent has shown interest

LivingInAdaydream

LivingInAdaydream

Jenan Mac

The Deadliest Bunny

Puma

Retired and loving it!

Branwyn

Print release:Sept.1,'09

James D. Macdonald

Your Genial Uncle

LightShadow

defender of the blahs!

stormie

storm central

Starbrazer

LivingInAdaydream