Concerning the novel guidelines

[xortex]

O.K., guys, I finished mine too. 36 pages and an 8 page synopsis which turns out to be still too short as I've already gone through 75% of it. I even smashed two compatable ideas (concepts) together to make it. I guess I'll have to add another concept idea that'll fit. It's like building a car.
It was an episode that I didn't want to submit to Enterprise because, one - I didn't care for the show that much, and two - I wanted to save it for my own universe but over time I finally relented to make it star Trek as it was similar to the type of stories it tells even though it's got a unique premise that might make it different.
I know episodes have been made into novels like Voyager's ' Flashback' and such so I have to start reading alot. I read music.. So how do I lengthen the synopsis to at least twelve pages? I do have alot of dialogue in it. Does it need another creative push/effort? I also realize I don't have to worry about the budget anymore. I also need to find a new agent as I don't have one now.

 

[Dayton Ward]

The guidelines suggest a synopsis of 8-12 pages, so you could probably stop worrying about that part

The questions you have to ask yourself: Does the outline accurately convey your plot(s) from A-Z? Not every last detail, of course, but from start to finish in something approaching a logical fashion. Does it describe what you intend to do with the various characters? Does it do an effective job of describing any new characters you plan to introduce and who might play major roles in the story? If you did that in 8 pages, then you don't need 12.

As for having a lot of dialogue in your outline, a review of that might be in order. If it's not there to assist in laying out the story, then it's probably not needed. That said, I sometimes include a line of dialogue here or there in my outlines to accentuate a particular point, depending on the story.

Good luck.

 

[JarodRussell]

Manuscript Submissions

Unfortunately, due to the workload of our editorial staff, we cannot accept unsolicited manuscripts. If you are seeking publication, we recommend you have an agent represent you and your work.

You can obtain a list of agents by searching the Internet for literary agents; another great source for information is Authorlink. We regret that we aren't able to recommend a specific agent, but we wish you success in finding a home for your manuscript and we thank you for thinking of Simon & Schuster.

Wondering, what turns a normal person into a literary agent? Does he need a special licence or something?

 

[Stevil2001]

You have to be bitten by another literary agent.

 

[MichaelS]

I thought you had to buy a special brand of breakfast cereal to get the Literary Agent badge.

 

[JarodRussell]

You have to be bitten by another literary agent.

LOL.

My question seems to sound silly. Let me rephrase it: what do I need to do to be my own literary agent? I understand the purpose of the agents, they are intermediaries to channel the flood of submissions before they arrive at the publisher, but at the same time I'd like to keep my own costs minimal.

 

[Rush Limborg]

O.K., guys, I finished mine too. 36 pages and an 8 page synopsis which turns out to be still too short as I've already gone through 75% of it. I even smashed two compatable ideas (concepts) together to make it. I guess I'll have to add another concept idea that'll fit. It's like building a car.
It was an episode that I didn't want to submit to Enterprise because, one - I didn't care for the show that much, and two - I wanted to save it for my own universe but over time I finally relented to make it star Trek as it was similar to the type of stories it tells even though it's got a unique premise that might make it different.

That's usually a good idea. As a rule, a Trek-tale re-written as a "non-Trek" tale is frowned upon--as it's usally obvious that it used to be a Trek-tale!

So--an Enterprise tale, you say? I must say...there hasn't been that many of those...so I wonder if that'll increase enthusiasm for accepting your proposal.

Hey, authors--is there a page limit for the sample? Because...mine's 51 pages....

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I thought you had to buy a special brand of breakfast cereal to get the Literary Agent badge.

And the literary agents did feast upon the lambs, and carp, and sloth, and orangutans, and breakfast cereals....

 

[Therin of Andor]

what do I need to do to be my own literary agent?

Reputation.

The whole idea is that the publishers and editors come to trust this person as someone who can detect literary talent, and any incoming submissions from them go to the top of the pile, rather than to the slush pile.

Most literary agents start off small. They might know one editor personally, or one publisher, and be able to say, "I have this amazing manuscript you simply must have a look at!" When that manuscript does, indeed, turn out to be amazing, reputation and networking starts to build.

For your clients, you'd also need to be trusted as someone who won't let them sign a dodgy contract.

Literary agents don't get paid until contracts get signed, books get published, and then they get a percentage of the writer's $$$$$$. So many literary agents already have a good income from elsewhere while building their reputation.

 

[JarodRussell]

what do I need to do to be my own literary agent?

Reputation.

The whole idea is that the publishers and editors come to trust this person as someone who can detect literary talent, and any incoming submissions from them go to the top of the pile, rather than to the slush pile.

Most literary agents start off small. They might know one editor personally, or one publisher, and be able to say, "I have this amazing manuscript you simply must have a look at!" When that manuscript does, indeed, turn out to be amazing, reputation and networking starts to build.

For your clients, you'd also need to be trusted as someone who won't let them sign a dodgy contract.

Literary agents don't get paid until contracts get signed, books get published, and then they get a percentage of the writer's $$$$$$. So many literary agents already have a good income from elsewhere while building their reputation.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Dayton Ward]

You have to be bitten by another literary agent.

LOL.

My question seems to sound silly. Let me rephrase it: what do I need to do to be my own literary agent? I understand the purpose of the agents, they are intermediaries to channel the flood of submissions before they arrive at the publisher, but at the same time I'd like to keep my own costs minimal.

Good agents aren't just messengers/errand boys and girls. Aside from letting them handle all the muss and fuss of contracts, rights negotiations, fees, and so on, they're also the ones tasked with keeping up with what publishers are looking for, what markets are opening up or drying up, and how to guide you into those avenues and help advance your career. They can pimp you to an editor before you even know there's an opening/opportunity to be had. Likewise, publishers will contact agents with clients they feel will suit their needs for particular projects (say....media tie-ins?).

Also, agents get to be the ones who argue with publishers and editors about your payment/royalties/contracts when that stuff runs late, and you get to keep your relationship with the editor focused on your primary job, which is the writing.

Most legit agents ask for 15% of the monies paid to you by a publisher for your work. If you've got a good agent, it's some of the best money you'll ever spend.

 

[xortex]

O.K., the cover letter. Yes,no?

 

[Dayton Ward]

Well, yeah. You want to introduce yourself to the agent/editor, right? Let them know why they've got this hunk of stuff in their hand that you sent them, and why they should care.

 

[Therin of Andor]

Most legit agents ask for 15% of the monies paid to you by a publisher for your work (and then, usually, only on novel-length work; they often don't even bother with shorter works, unless you ask them to). If you've got a good agent, it's some of the best money you'll ever spend.

Absolutely. In my (now-embarrassing case), I've had a literary agent since 1994 and none of my book projects have led to contracts, so she's never earned any money from me, and I've never paid any out. But... being part of her network has led to me helping out many other of her clients and these connections have led to me writing numerous paid articles, and even to a wonderfully paid editing job, which I did for four and a half years.

It's been exciting watching her groom her clients to huge success. But she's also convinced I'll come through with "a winnah" eventually. For both of us.

 

[xortex]

Who do I address the cover letter to again, and thanks Dayton.

 

[Captain Robert April]

This has got me thinking of expanding my SNW submissions to novel length....

 

[Dayton Ward]

Who do I address the cover letter to again, and thanks Dayton.

To whom are you sending it? An agent? Then you want to address the agent by name (Mr./Ms./etc.). It's a business letter, so use a format condusive to that type of correspondence.


Example of a cover letter template

The above template is meant to accompany a short story, but's easily adaptable for an outline/sample chapters/etc.

You may need to send a query letter first, depending on the individual agency's particular guidelines. Research your target agency/agencies before sending anything. Pretty much all of the reputable agencies have websites and include guidelines for submissions.

 

[Rush Limborg]

^Thanks.

Okay...I assume you simply remove the "previous credits" paragraph if you're a rookie...?

 

[Dayton Ward]

No, you should definitely just make up a bunch of stuff and put it there. Better yet, crib from somebody famous, but not too famous. See if the agent's paying attention. They'll probably catch on if it reads something like this:

My previous writing credits include the novels A Time to Kill, The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Client, The Chamber.....

If you have no previous credits, then just say this is your first work of novel-length fiction (or short story, or whatever). That in itself won't ding you. It's when you add the part, "....but this is the most awesomest novel you'll ever read, I swear on my mother's grave, and she's not even dead yet, but I'll kill her if it'll help my chances" which might do you in.

Just sayin'.


EDIT: I went digging in my files to see if I still had a copy of the first cover letter I ever sent, but it looks like I purged that sort of stuff. I don't remember if I actually drew attention to "I have no previous credits," now that I think about it.

 

[Rush Limborg]

Okay, okay...(deep breath)

Thanks for the tips, Mr. Ward--and I hope I'll soon speak with you from that side of the screen....