Question about requested material

scully931 · Jul 20, 2006

Hi,

Just looking for some advice. I received a request for the first three chapters of my novel along with a "brief synopsis of the entire text." I am also to include a brief bio.

I have a one page synopsis of the entire book which I sent out with my query. Do you think I should make a longer one? I does say "brief." I just feel weird sending the same one. Also, kind of a technical question - should the brief bio be in the text of the cover letter or separate? Thanks so much for any advice! I appreciate it!

ChaosTitan · Jul 20, 2006

Brief synopsis usually means 1-2 pages. Send that one along with the chapters, since it was requested. There's no need to write a new one, unless you think you can say it better.

It also never hurts to have a longer synopsis handy (somewhere in the 10 page neighborhood, I think?). Some agents/publishers will request the longer version, and you don't want to be stuck later.

Maryn · Jul 21, 2006

It's my understanding that the bio is a separate sheet, a half-page or so, more about your writing and any education and/or expertise that lends authenticity to this work than yourself and your personal life, which gets only a mention. ("Maryn lives in Podunk, with Mr. Maryn and assorted small Maryns.")

Maryn, who should be packing

scully931 · Jul 21, 2006

Thanks so much for your help!

blacbird · Jul 21, 2006

Also (you may already know this, but it doesn't hurt to remind): Be sure to mark your mailing envelope/package clearly as "Requested material."

caw.

Elizabeth Slick · Jul 21, 2006

Yes, a 1-2 page synopsis. From the 12 agents asking to see my material, I never strayed from their request. I ended up getting a good one.

Question about requested material

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

ChaosTitan

Around

Maryn

I Tried

scully931

So you're suggesting what? Bigfoot?

blacbird

Elizabeth Slick