Proposal email question

Triciawho · Oct 22, 2009

Hi Everybody!

Forgive the newb question, but I'm just starting to send off queries/proposals for a non-fiction manuscript and I want to make sure I've got all the "rules" straight.

An agent I want to sub indicates you can send either a query or proposal for the initial sub. Since my proposal is complete, obviously I'm going to send that. But my question is, how much should I write in the email itself? Should I include manuscript, author bio, and contact info (even though that's clearly redundant with the proposal)? Or should I just send a quick and dirty "I've enclosed my proposal for your review" sort of email?

I'm sure I'm over-analyzing this. Welcome to my head.

Any advice would be welcomed.

thanks!

Horseshoes · Oct 22, 2009

Some non-fic proposals run 25 p, some have an abbreviated version that's down to 2 pages (I've never gotten one of mine shorter than 2 p). If you're certain the agent will open an email attachment (many will not) then go with a brief query that has merely a taste of the ms, bio and always, in the sig line, your contact info.

the addster · Oct 23, 2009

I just send a query unless they specify that a proposal must be included. If they do require a proposal on first contact, I usually put it in the body of the email. I don't have any faith that an agent will open an unsolicited attachment, unless they specify it.

DerekJager · Oct 26, 2009

I think it's best to ALWAYS query first, and then end with, "A complete proposal is available upon request."

And if they ask for it, I'd send it as an attachment---I've found putting content (especially something as long as a proposal) into the body of an emails tends to "explode" and the margins don't stay in place, etc.

Good luck!

Triciawho · Oct 27, 2009

Thanks all for your advice!

I generally abide by the "query first; proposal upon request" mentality too. I was just thrown off by this agent who said you could send either/or. And, yes, I know to paste it in the body of the email...but I hate the idea of doing that because, as mentioned, the proposal is lengthy and it loses a lot in the presentation if I have to paste it into the email.

Anyway, thanks for the advice and well-wishes. Fingers crossed!

Gatita · Oct 28, 2009

I'm going to go with attaching the full proposal. After all, the agent has already said she'll accept proposals.

My proposal went a long way toward landing an agent -- it's my biggest selling tool and I don't think a simple query would have gotten me in the door as quickly.

Whatever you do, best of luck!!

Proposal email question

Triciawho

Horseshoes

lisapreston.com

the addster

DerekJager

Triciawho

Gatita

Girl reporter