What is part of the "submission package"?

MsGneiss

Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Messages
1,595
Reaction score
262
Location
New York City
Now that my manuscript is finally polished, my agent is getting ready to start submitting it to editors. She said that she will get "the package" ready some time this or next week. I didn't want to sound like the n00b that I am, so I didn't really ask her what "the package" entails. Can others out there who have been through this stage fill me in?

P.S. She also said that she will be submitting to multiple places simultaneously. This is the norm, yes?
 
Last edited:

Stacia Kane

Girl Detective
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Jul 23, 2006
Messages
8,142
Reaction score
2,669
Location
In cahoots with the other boo-birds
Website
www.staciakane.com
It varies. Generally, in my understanding, it's the agent-written query letter and the ms. There may be a synopsis. Again, though, this is just my loose idea of it. Certainly you should ask your agent if you're curious.

And yes, agents submit simultaneously, and you want them to! :) That way you have the possibility of multiple offers and auctions. I wouldn't trust an agent who didn't do simultaneous submissions, frankly.
 

scope

Commonsensical Maverick
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Mar 30, 2008
Messages
2,763
Reaction score
251
Location
New York
I think it's more or less a generic term, and that the exact "package" varies with the type of work being submitted. Probably a cover letter from the agent, your full manuscript or sample chapters, chapter outline, could include a synopsis--if you sent her one, more than likely a proposal if it's a work of nonfiction, and author bio. I don't think you should be embarrassed to ask your agent what will be included, and a list of the publishers to whom she intends to send it--and editor replies as she receives them.