Tips about Submissions

Hi guys. I'm starting to subscribe to publishers with my novel Dreams of Redemption. I've tried before and got a contract, but I didn't feel the novel was 100% ready. So, basically after a bunch of editing (taken on board my Harper Collins Review) I'm going to try again. Here are a few quick questions:

1. Synopsis: How long should it be? Do you include the sub plots? 2. Is it true a YA novel must be between 80,000-90,000 words? Mine stands at 108,500 at present. 3. Letter of application: Other than a quick synopsis of novel and your writing career, what else do you need? 4. Should I attach my HC review to the submission? (Even though it does suggest changes to make, which I have done.)

I'd be super grateful if someone could help me out. Happy to critique work in return. Thanks Guys :D

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@xIrishDaydreamerx

Read the submission requirements for every publisher and agent, and submit exactly what they ask for.

Yes, 108k is very long for a YA novel. YA starts at 50k and goes up, but generally not past 80k or so. Even JK Rowling kept the length under control until HP got popular.

The synopsis should be as long as required and no longer. If you have a complicated plot, you need a longer synopsis. But the shorter and more concise you can make it, the better. If your synopsis runs to novella length, the publisher will conclude that you can't write very well. Include subplots if they are essential to the main plot. If they are not essential, consider deleting them. You have lots of room to cut out a plot strand or two.

Polish your synopsis. It's the first thing the publisher reads, and it will be used to judge your ability to write. Don't blow your chance with a messy, badly thought-out synopsis.

Your cover letter should be short, businesslike and to the point. Ideally, three paragraphs, one saying why you are approaching this particular agent/publisher. One dealing very briefly with the book, really just outlining the genre, length, target audience, state of novel, and one line about the central core of the novel. And one paragraph about you, who you are and what you've written.

Do not mention the HC review unless it says you have written the best novel of the 21st century.

If you are subbing to O'Brien, they accept paper subs only. Little Island will take e-subs.

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@Ctyolene That's fantastic. That's ever so much for all your help. I had my story written and I'm chopping big time as we speak. I thought novels had to be 80 K which is what I'm aiming for at present.Thanks especially for the letter basis. It helps to have an idea what to write. I guess I've my work cut out for me yet, but I'm determined, so fingers crossed. :D

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There are some really good resources out on the net on writing synopses and cover letters. as Ctyolene says they need to be really polished and professional. There are as many opinions about what to include in the synopsis as there are publishers. If the publishers you want to submit to have any information about requirements or what they are looking for, read everything they have posted. It is a good idea to read a few of the books they've published as well so you know what kind of story they are looking for.

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@AlexMcGilvery Thanks Alex. I will defiantly start browsing again. Its the though of writing the synopsis that is getting to me I guess. It reminds me of English class or something back in the days of school...where you were asked to tear apart novels which always seemed like such a shame. I've researched the requirements already and read some of the books by all companies, so there is nothing left to do but write the letter now I guess. Hopefully, some day my name will sit beside you and Ctyolene on the bookshelves :D

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@xIrishDaydreamerx If you want, send me the synopsis, and I'll rip it apart, and tell you want you need to add or omit or change to make it effective.

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@Ctyolene Oh Wow! That would be amazing. As soon as I'm satisfied with it, I might just take you up on that offer. Thanks.

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@xIrishDaydreamerx You might not thank me when I do it! But it's better to get the ripping done before you submit.

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@Ctyolene That is true. No point in learning after the horse has bolted!

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