Sending a partial...

reenkam · Jun 13, 2007

I asked this in a specific agent's thread, but I'll ask here too, since I'm trying to get a response asap.

If an agent asks for a "portion" of a manuscript should I assume that they'd like to see 3 chapters?

Sophia · Jun 13, 2007

Congratulations on being asked for this!

I'm sure I saw a similar question to this posted on Miss Snark's blog, but I can't find it at the moment. As far as I remember, I think the advice was to contact the agent and ask them what exactly they want. This is something you have been asked for, so it wouldn't be regarded as a nuisance call.

reenkam · Jun 13, 2007

Thanks for the response, ElaraSophia! Do you think I could send an email to ask? I'd call but I'm at work right now (hence, I shouldn't even be on this site, but yeah...) so email's the only option. The agent told me that she'll be away for a while so I wanted to get back to her asap with the partial.

I'll definitely look on Miss Snark's blog to see what I can find. Thanks!

Sandy J · Jun 13, 2007

reenkam said:
I asked this in a specific agent's thread, but I'll ask here too, since I'm trying to get a response asap.

If an agent asks for a "portion" of a manuscript should I assume that they'd like to see 3 chapters?

If I was ever asked for a partial, I assumed three chapters and a synopsis. Most agents/editors will specify if they want something different. For example, I had an agent who asked for a partial, but clarified that as the first hundred pages.

Congrats!!!

Sophia · Jun 13, 2007

Well, now I'm definitely going into total conjecture mode, but if she is going to be gone for a while, I'd guess it's for a conference or something else that she has to do some preparatory work for and so will be very busy. She might leave any non-urgent e-mail for until she gets back. Personally, I'd wait until after work and then ring her, making sure the call was quick and to the point. It's up to you.

reenkam · Jun 13, 2007

Thanks Sandy J and ElaraSophia. I suppose I really have to wait until after work, anyway, since I don't have my manuscript here... :tongue

if only I could take the rest of the day off.....that'd solve a lot of problems haha

as you can probably tell I'm ecstatic about this request!

Julie Worth · Jun 13, 2007

ElaraSophia said:
...Personally, I'd wait until after work and then ring her, making sure the call was quick and to the point.

Oh Lord, don't bother her with a phone call! She just wants to see if you can write. Send 50 pages or three chapters. You'll be fine.

reenkam · Jun 13, 2007

Thanks Julie Worth. I'll take a look at the manuscript and see which one ends at a better spot...I'm thinking the 3 chapters because it actually ends with a semi-cliffhanger which will hopefully make the agent ask for more *crosses fingers*

Sending a partial...

reenkam

aka cupcake

Sophia

reenkam

aka cupcake

Sandy J

In a state of denial...

Sophia

reenkam

aka cupcake

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

reenkam

aka cupcake