Rochester Writers Association

At the moment I'm preparing to submit my novel to a small press and they ask for 15-50 pages of the novel included with the submission. My intuition says the first 50 pages (or less) should be sent. Yet, I wonder if its acceptable to say, send 50 pages from the middle of the novel? Opinions or ideas?

Send the beginning. They're looking to see if your work hooks them from the beginning. If you don't think it will, then re-write it before you send it out with a stronger hook. Let me know how it goes!

Susan,

I'm new to the club and I have just finished my first YA book. I was wondering if anyone in the group helped with query letters and polishing up of a manuscript?  Thanks for any help. Kelly Mooney

Samantha at 01:28PM on Nov 06, 2009

At the moment I'm preparing to submit my novel to a small press and they ask for 15-50 pages of the novel included with the submission. My intuition says the first 50 pages (or less) should be sent. Yet, I wonder if its acceptable to say, send 50 pages from the middle of the novel? Opinions or ideas?

Always send from the beginning of the book. They want to check your"hook", your writing style, etc. The advice given to authors fromeditors,  "If you think your book doesn't get good until page 45, then start your novel on page 45 and ditch the earlier pages."

Kelly Mooney at 11:46AM on Feb 09, 2010

Susan,

I'm new to the club and I have just finished my first YA book. I was wondering if anyone in the group helped with query letters and polishing up of a manuscript?  Thanks for any help. Kelly Mooney

First advice, if your manuscript is polished, then start learning about query letters. There are lots of websites and local workships at Writer's and Books that can teach you the basics.

If it's not polished, you need to find a critique group and start working on the first, of many, re-writes until it is as polished as you can make it.

Jacqueline Battisti at 01:39PM on Feb 10, 2010

Kelly Mooney at 11:46AM on Feb 09, 2010

Susan,

I'm new to the club and I have just finished my first YA book. I was wondering if anyone in the group helped with query letters and polishing up of a manuscript?  Thanks for any help. Kelly Mooney

First advice, if your manuscript is polished, then start learning about query letters. There are lots of websites and local workships at Writer's and Books that can teach you the basics.

If it's not polished, you need to find a critique group and start working on the first, of many, re-writes until it is as polished as you can make it.

Excellent advice Jackie, on both topics. Hopefully we'll see you at one of the up and coming meetings. I've missed your sense of humor!