Where to start pages to agent

jorodo · Jun 15, 2014

When an agent asks for query and first (fill in the blank) number of pages, do you count that first page that starts halfway down as a full page? I know you're suppose to copy and paste the words into your email so there's probably no easy way for an agent to know if you went half a page over what they asked for.

Silly question, I know, I just want to know what's common practice for number of pages submission?

Cathy C · Jun 15, 2014

Why are you starting it halfway down the page? I'd just quad space it (4 lines down from the top margin) and let it go.

Kay · Jun 15, 2014

I never did. X amount of full pages was my understanding. I think the most important thing is to grab the agent's attention before your pages are up.

Jo Zebedee · Jun 15, 2014

Most agents would say they're not that hung up about exactly 5 pages (within reason) - if you go to five and a half, it won't be a biggie. Pushing it to ten might be.

BenPanced · Jun 15, 2014

Yeah, you'll want to stop at the end of a section. If five pages cuts out in the middle of a sentence, at least finish out the paragraph. If it's only one or two words, though, fiddle with the margins on the last page.

popgun62 · Jun 15, 2014

They usually expect you to finish to the end of the page, or the chapter, depending on whether they said "the first ten pages" or "the first three chapters" or whatever.

Old Hack · Jun 15, 2014

Send the first five pages if that's what you're asked for, but make sure your extract ends at a natural break. So, if it reaches a neat conclusion at four and a half pages, send that much; if there's a better break at five and three quarters, that's what you send.

Where to start pages to agent

jorodo

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

Kay

I wish I was as cool as this cat.

Jo Zebedee

space opera-popcorn lover!

BenPanced

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

popgun62

Keeper of the pace.

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman