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What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

Querying a literary agent is a daunting task, but it’s even worse when you don’t know where to start. Knowing what a synopsis is and how long it should be is one of the first steps to creating the perfect query pack. Find out the answers to these questions below! What is a synopsis? A novel synopsis is a description of the novel’s events. It summarises what happens in your novel to give a plot breakdown for a literary agent or publisher to read without needing to read your whole manuscript. You’ll likely not need a synopsis until you’re submitting… Read More »What is a synopsis and how long should a synopsis be?

How to get a literary agent in the UK

Representation from a literary agent is key to getting traditionally published, as most publishing houses don’t accept unsolicited or unagented manuscripts. This post covers how to get a literary agent in the UK, including top tips for perfecting your agent submission pack. If you’re looking for how to find a literary agent in the UK, my other post explains where to find literary agents accepting submissions. Do you need a literary agent to get published? If you dream of seeing your book in bookshops, or you just don’t want to deal with self-publishing, you need a literary agent. Because publishing… Read More »How to get a literary agent in the UK

An introduction to submitting to literary agents

Agent query packs – also known as agent submission packs – are essential for any author hoping to gain representation from a literary agent. Submitting to literary agents involves creating, personalising, and sending agent query packs. Aspiring authors put together agent query packs when trying to secure a literary agent. Comprised of a query/cover letter, book synopsis, and an extract of your manuscript, an agent query pack is sent to literary agents in the hope that they’ll be interested in representing you and your book. If you don’t know where to start, read on to find out more. What are… Read More »An introduction to submitting to literary agents

How to find a literary agent in the UK

For writers seeking traditional publishing, finding a literary agent is crucial. While not required, literary agents can be invaluable thanks to the guidance, support, and connections they provide. To find a literary agent in the UK, you need to know what to look for, where to look, and how to make the best impression. Here you’ll find links to some of the best websites to search for a literary agent, what an agent query pack is, and a list of some UK literary agencies with clear submissions guidelines. Where to find a literary agent in the UK There are many… Read More »How to find a literary agent in the UK

Agent query letter tips for aspiring authors

Querying literary agents can be pretty daunting, especially when you hear horror stories of how many agents people reach out to. I’ve compiled some of the best agent query letter tips to help aspiring authors impress literary agents from the get-go. There are plenty of resources out there to help you when querying, and starting with a strong query letter is essential. This is your first chance to impress and intrigue a literary agent, so it needs to be as strong as possible. What are query letters? If you’re not familiar with agent query letters, they’re also known as agent… Read More »Agent query letter tips for aspiring authors

Query letter samples for fantasy novels

Writing a perfect query letter to a literary agent is difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. I’ve written two query letter samples for fantasy writers to help inspire you on how to get started. I’ve also included a query letter template if you need a jumping off point to start drafting your own query. You can see how this leads into the two samples I wrote. All of the information in the samples is completely made up. I just wanted to give an idea of what your own query letter might look like. No query letter is… Read More »Query letter samples for fantasy novels

Query letter samples for LGBTQ+ fiction

Writing a query letter is difficult for everyone, whether they nail it from the beginning or it takes many attempts to get it right. I’ve written some query letter samples to help you draft your own query letter for your LGBTQ+ novel. Below you’ll find a query letter template designed with LGBTQ+ fiction in mind. You can use this template as written, with your own information replacing the placeholders, or you can take it just as inspiration on wording your letter. No query letter is perfect, and every agent is after something different. I hope these help you when drafting… Read More »Query letter samples for LGBTQ+ fiction

Query letter samples for romance novels

If you’ve never written a query letter before, you probably don’t know where to start. Not many published authors will share the query letter that got them agent representation. While there are lots of templates out there, having some romance query letter samples can really help you figure out how to write about your novel. I’ve written a query letter template of my own that uses all the query letter tips I’ve heard about and used myself. Then I’ve created two fake samples of letters, making up details about novels and their fake writers. No query letter is perfect, and… Read More »Query letter samples for romance novels

Free agent query letter feedback for Trans Awareness Month

Every year, I offer free agent query letter feedback for trans and non-binary writers. I do this to support under-represented writers in getting published, because we need more trans and non-binary writers on our bookshelves. Writers who identify as trans, non-binary, or both can receive supportive, constructive feedback by emailing me with their query letter and synopsis. You’ll also receive free proofreading for both to catch any typos that might distract from your otherwise amazing descriptions. Read on for more information to get the most out of this offer! What does agent query letter feedback involve? If you’re a trans… Read More »Free agent query letter feedback for Trans Awareness Month

Free feedback on agent query cover letters

In celebration of Transgender Awareness Month, I’m offering free feedback on agent query cover letters for trans and non-binary authors. It’s important to make a great first impression on a literary agent or publisher. To help, my feedback will include notes on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting, as well as bespoke tips to help you submit to agents and publishers confidently. I want to give you the best possible chance of achieving your writing dreams. Why? Because trans and non-binary people deserve to be represented more in fiction. We already come up against so many barriers, so by doing this… Read More »Free feedback on agent query cover letters

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