Best way to send manuscript

DreamyPen16 · Aug 27, 2012

Hello,

I received word back from an agent (after reading a submitted sample of my novel) to send over my entire manuscript with a synopsis and my sales figures so far (I've already self published).

What's the best way to do this? I've done a bit of searching on this site (very informative!), but I'm still not sure what I should do.

Would I just email over my completed manuscript along with my electronic press kit? Is there a proper way to show sales figures?

Sorry for all the questions! Any tips and advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Cyia · Aug 27, 2012

When an agent asks for a manuscript, they're expecting an attached Word document (not docX, which can screw up formatting on ereaders).

REPLY to the email request, don't start a new email; this keeps the communication chain clear and intact (you'd be surprised how many people try to fake requests). Write a short message stating that you've attached the requested materials. In this message is where you'd add in information like your sales figures.

Good luck!

DreamyPen16 · Aug 27, 2012

Thanks Cyia! I figured I had to print out and bound, so this makes things a lot more easier!

blacbird · Aug 27, 2012

In a Lamborghini stretch limo the color of a ripe pumpkin, accompanied by a half-dozen security people dressed as guards of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

That oughtta get his attention.

caw

BenPanced · Aug 27, 2012

Hidden as the surprise third layer of a Godiva sampler, which is tied to a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Old Hack · Aug 27, 2012

You could always email the agent and ask if she'd prefer to receive it by email or post.

DreamyPen16 · Aug 28, 2012

Thanks! I just sent the .doc file, via email. At this point I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and hoping to receive word back.
I'm wondering if I should still contact other agents. When agents request manuscripts is that an indication they will sign you or could it still go either way at this point?

Terie · Aug 28, 2012

DreamyPen16 said:
I'm wondering if I should still contact other agents.

Yes, you should. The wheels in the publishing biz move very slowly, and if you query only one at a time, you could die of old age before you go through everyone.

DreamyPen16 said:
When agents request manuscripts is that an indication they will sign you or could it still go either way at this point?

It could still go either way. Based on stats from agents, they offer rep for only a small percentage of full manuscripts they ask to see.

Hence....keep querying. Oh, and good luck!

Cyia · Aug 28, 2012

DreamyPen16 said:
When agents request manuscripts is that an indication they will sign you

No.

A request means that you've piqued an agent's interest. It's the equivalent of a reader liking the blurb on the back of your book, so they decide to read through a few pages.

Getting requests is a good thing - definitely - and it means that there's a chance you'll be signed, but it's not a guarantee.

Also, since you appear to be very new at this, have you checked this agent out thoroughly? Have you gone to Agent Query or Query Tracker to see others' experiences with this agent? Have you put their name into the search box here to see if there have been any issues reported with them? Have you checked Publisher's Marketplace to see if they have any sales on their record?

There are a lot of scammers out there. ALWAYS check, double and triple check any agent you plan to submit to.

DreamyPen16 · Aug 28, 2012

Terie said:
Yes, you should. The wheels in the publishing biz move very slowly, and if you query only one at a time, you could die of old age before you go through everyone.

It could still go either way. Based on stats from agents, they offer rep for only a small percentage of full manuscripts they ask to see.

Hence....keep querying. Oh, and good luck!

Thanks!

Cyia said:
No.

A request means that you've piqued an agent's interest. It's the equivalent of a reader liking the blurb on the back of your book, so they decide to read through a few pages.

Getting requests is a good thing - definitely - and it means that there's a chance you'll be signed, but it's not a guarantee.

Also, since you appear to be very new at this, have you checked this agent out thoroughly? Have you gone to Agent Query or Query Tracker to see others' experiences with this agent? Have you put their name into the search box here to see if there have been any issues reported with them? Have you checked Publisher's Marketplace to see if they have any sales on their record?

There are a lot of scammers out there. ALWAYS check, double and triple check any agent you plan to submit to.

Good to know, thank you! And yes, I have tried to research this agent, but there's not much online that I can find. The most I know is that they have represented NYT Bestselling authors, many of which are in my genre. I've also googled and they've gotten praise on this site alone (that's how I actually learned this site existed!). Hopefully I will hear great news, but until then I guess I should start querying other agents!

Thanks for all of the advice, you guys are awesome!

jcroc · Aug 28, 2012

Definitely keep querying. I've also heard full requests aren't that uncommon (I think I read this a while back on Mary Kole's blog) - exciting though!

Best way to send manuscript

DreamyPen16

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

DreamyPen16

blacbird

BenPanced

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

DreamyPen16

Terie

Writer is as Writer does

Cyia

Rewriting My Destiny

DreamyPen16

jcroc