Writers Questions Time
Have you got a question to ask about creative writing? This is your chance to
find somebody to answer it for you. Or you might see a question here you think
you know the answer to, if so please share it with us. Use the E-mail below for
contact and put either question or answer (and question title) in the header.
If you don't want your full name published, please let us know.
I've recently finished a novel and done a complete edit on it and believe it's
ready to submit to an agent or a publisher. I've read 'Artists and Writers
Year Book' from cover to cover and know which agents deal with my subject, I
also know who the most likely publishers would be but to whom should I submit
first - an agent or a publisher? - RG Ellis - Salisbury
I've seen so many ideas on 'the correct' submission format that I've got
totally confused. Please, please help a lady in distress - does anyone know a
winning formula? (Incidentally, I think your Website is the best thing since
sliced bread and I don't apologise for the cliche) - Jenny - Burton on Trent.
Thanks Jenny, it's nice to be appreciated - The team
Can anybody help me? I wrote my 150,000 word novel without any problems but
I'm stuck on the synopsis. I don't even know how long it should be. You ask
for 500 words, most agents and publishers just ask for 'a synopsis'. Is there
anybody out there who can tell me how long and how it should be written? - Joe
Scurvy (Not my real name) - Devon.
This looks good for an article to us! Has anyone written one they'd like to
share
with us? - The Team
Found your site today - 'just surfin'. It looks like it's going to be
great news for writers. As regards the synopsis question. I haven't an
article I can give you but I'll tell you what I always do. I make a selection
of agents or publishers and send a query letter with a one paragraph synopsis
in it to each on my list (don't forget the SAE). If they like it they ask for
more and a
quick phone call to the contact
name and they tell me how they like their synopsis. It all saves money on
postage and printing as well.
Name and address supplied
Thanks for the kind words - we certainly aim to be among the best there is.
Thanks to for the tip but we'd still like an article on the subject.
Is there an industry standard font type/size used in manuscripts for submission
to publishers - as there is for screenwriting?
Many thanks
Jeremy
There is no actual industry standard for publishers but it is essential to use
nothing fancy, to show plenty of white paper and use an easily read font with a
good pitch size. We suggest Arial or Times New Roman at 12 pitch.
Use no italics (any words that should be in italics, underline and type or
write neatly 'ITAL' in the right hand border) and always use black ink.
