The Partial

Ok. Now that you've created for yourself a nice complete database of agents/ agencies to query, created an awesome query letter, and sent out a few queries, you're probably what comes next.

Like you, I was also wondering what type of feedback I should be hoping for after sending out queries. Should I log on to my email every five minutes or cling to my phone as though it were my lifeline? Where and how would these agencies contact me after reading my query letter?

The answer to these questions is pretty simple.If you've done your job right an agent's first response to your query letter will be a request for sample chapters. This type of request is called "a partial" and, although it is good news, don't get overly excited. A request for a partial manuscript, which can come via phone or email, is not an offer of representation.

Should you get a request for sample chapters, you need to make sure you have the accurate amount, properly formatted. Most likely, the agent will request the first three chapters or the first fifty pages. If the request is for a specific number of pages, it is perfectly fine to go over a FEW pages in order to make the partial end at the end of a chapter. Most agents would rather you go over a few pages than leave them hanging with an incomplete chapter.

Your manuscript's font should be Times New Roman, size 12, and page numbers should be located in the upper right corner with your last name and manuscript title in the upper left.

You should also include a title page with your name, address, phone number, and email address in the upper lef-hand corner. Centered, about one third of the way down the page you should include the title of your manuscript in all caps and two spaces below that, include "BY" in all caps and YOUR NAME in all caps two spaces below that. Check out the sample to the left if you have any questions.

Now that your partial is formatted, go ahead and send it off. This can be either via email or snail mail, but either way, you need to include a cover letter that tells the agent that you have enclosed a requested partial manuscript. Include REQUESTED MATERIALS in the subject or write it on the envelope.

Now just sit back and wait it out! Good Luck!

Conquering the Query Letter Beast

So, I introduced the concept of the Query Letter in my last post, and since then I have been attempting to research and create my own. Let me tell you though, writing this one-page letter was harder than writing the entire book.

The purpose of the Query Letter is to persuade an agent that taking you (and your book) on as a client is a FANTASTIC decision, and I'm not sure why, but this just seemed to put a lot of pressure on what amounted to four 4-5 sentence paragraphs. So, was it intimidating? Absolutely. Is it impossible? Absolutely NOT.

Everything seemed to come together after I told myself I could do it. A few positive affirmations and a little bit of visualizing myself as a published author was all I really needed--because: I'm good enough, smart enough, and doggone it, people like me :).

Ok, maybe that's not all you need. It definitely helped me to have a little more confidence, but here are a few other things you need to know:

1. Start off by writing the kicker paragraph. Sit down, and in 4-5 sentences, write the core of your book. Convince me that I want to read it. Make the last sentence your hook. Something that makes them want to know more. It definitely helps if you think of this paragraph as your "movie trailor" and the words are the script for that amazing voice-over guy that makes audiences want to see every single movie.

2. Now, write the paragraph that gives us the essence of your novel. What is your novel about? And I don't mean generic summaries. What questions does it pose? What questions does it answer? What about your novel will make readers think? Hooks like this make your work stand out will make agents want to know more.

3. Here's an easy one: The product tag. Let the agent know what you need and what you have to offer. Are you seeking representation? How long is your book? What is its title? What genre do you think it fits? What audience do you think it speaks to?

4. The Credentials. This can either be really tricky, or ridiculously simple. If you've got them, flaunt them. BUT only if they're pertinent! Mention degrees if relevant, previous published pieces if existant, and industry experience, if any. If you don't have them, keep it short. Let the focus be on your book and the effort you've put into it. You don't need to state this, because it should be evident by the obvious care and effort you've put into writing your query letter.

Now get out there and find those agents! Good Luck!

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Why Use Literary Agencies

A few days ago I posted some information about a few notable literary agencies  in New York, but looking back, I feel like I failed to mention the importance of utilizing them. Until now, I have been focusing on the mechanics and processes of writing a manuscript, but once it is complete, the literary venture has really only just begun. Depending on where you look, different advice is offered about the "correct" next step to take. Some sources believe direct contact with publishing companies is the way to proceed, but far more agree that finding an agent is the way to go.

While both of these suggestions are out there on the web-o-sphere, neither really gives you the concrete reasons for why you should or shouldn't seek out literary agent representation. So, to remedy this, I have compiled a few common reasons detailing how an agent can help. This list isn't designed to make you chose something either way, but it should give you an idea for what they have to offer:

1. Literary agents have normailly worked in the field for some time, and their experience can go a long way towards giving authors helpful and accurate advice.

2. If agents aren't able to provide specific advice, they will, no doubt, be able to introduce you to an indivual who can.

3. Because their job is to know about the literary field, they often are able to inform their clients of the important innovations and developments within the industry.

4. Primarily, agents act as the professional advocates for their client's work. Once accepted, they do their best to introduce the product to the publishers  and editors that will be most interested.

5. Within the same vein as number four, agents will also know with publishers and editors who are most diffiult to work with or have the least experience.

6. Monetarily, agents will compile offers from publishers and editors and bring them to their clients. This eliminates the added worry of publishing fee negotiations, allowing writers to focus on their job without the added stress of financial maneuvers.

7. Overall, the agent will be your advocate, connecting your work with the most relevant industry individuals while ensuring a timely response.

New York Literary Agencies

After finishing a manuscript, you might be wondering what your next step should be. Well, if this is your first book, your best bet is to find a Literary Agency to represent your work. Most agencies represent several authors and their work, so they are always looking for new clients. Geographically, there are several areas in the world where these agencies can be found, including: Canada, United Kingdom, and in the U.S. (nearly every state). To help you get started I have located ten potential agencies within the city of New York. By clicking on the map's markers you will open an information box that gives the agency's name, address, a link to their home page, and a few key bits of information (what they accept, methods of querying, fees, etc...). If you're not exactly sure how to go about querying, just search their websites, but for a more detailed list of do's and don't's check back here in a couple of weeks where I'll be posting a blog on Query Questions.


View New York Literary Agencies in a larger map

Inspirational Rules for Writing Courtesy of P.D. James

Image by jimforest via Flickr

P.D. James, award winning novelist and author of several books including The Children of Men and Innocent Blood, has compiled a list of her five "Rules for Writing," and while there are MANY of these lists out there, I found hers to be incredibly inspirational. So take them in, embrace them, or even disreguard them and create a list of your own, but appreciate the fact that there are always ways for you to grow as a writer should you take the time to do so!

1. Increase your word power. Words are the raw material of our craft. The greater your vocabulary the more ­effective your writing. We who write in English are fortunate to have the richest and most versatile language in the world. Respect it.

2. Read widely and with discrimination. Bad writing is contagious.

3. Don't just plan to write – write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.

4. Write what you need to write, not what is currently popular or what you think will sell.

5 Open your mind to new experiences, particularly to the study of other ­people. Nothing that happens to a writer – however happy, however tragic – is ever wasted.

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