Querying Tips Series: #1 Always follow submission guidelines

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Having read the last of my full manuscripts that I requested in my first open submissions window this year, I will be reopening to queries again soon – yay!

But before I do, I wanted to offer a series of tips for any writers heading into the querying process based on things I've seen in the submissions I've received.

Some of these might seem like obvious tips to some of you, but I can tell from the submissions I receive that these points are not always widely known!

Today, let's dive into my first tip in this Querying Tips Series.

Tip #1: Follow submission guidelines

Each literary agent or agency will have their own submission guidelines. These are there for a reason so make sure you follow them.

Some agents will ask for you to send your materials via email, while others will use a contact form on their website or QueryManager. In emails, some will ask for attachments while others will ask for your submission all in the body of the email. Some agencies use a shared submissions inbox and you'll need to address your query to the right agent, either in the subject line or in the email itself.

As for materials, some agents or agencies will ask for a query letter and the opening pages; some will ask for a query letter and a synopsis; some might only want a query letter; some might want the full manuscript straight away.

The combinations of materials, channels, and even subject heading formats are endless, so pay attention to them.

Whatever the agent's or agency's preferences, make sure you follow their guidelines. I cannot stress this enough. We don't want you to fail at the first hurdle!

Where can you find these guidelines?

Submission guidelines are usually found on a literary agency's website under a section like "Submissions" or "Contact", or they can sometimes be found under each individual agent's profile on a literary agency website.

Alternatively, agents may include their submission guidelines on sites like manuscriptwishlist.com and their personal pages as well (like I do).

Why you should follow submission guidelines

When it comes to reasons, speaking from experience, my guidelines help me process the large volume of queries I receive. They work for me so help me out here!

It's hard to read through upwards of 1,000 queries in a month, and I know some agents will send an automatic rejection if their submission guidelines are not respected.

No links, please

Within your query, don't use links and tell me to click to read more about your book.

I won't.

I want you to tell me about your book in your query letter directly, in whatever format or through whatever channel I've specified in my submission guidelines.

It’s a partnership

The relationship between a literary agent and an author is a partnership. A collaboration.

You need to be able to work together, so following submission guidelines shows you can be professional. It also gives the agent a good idea of what your collaboration might look like: if you're willing to adapt to guidelines, you'll be willing to adapt during revisions and accept feedback.

Boost your chances!

The querying process can be long and demoralising for writers, especially since there's so much about it that you cannot control.

But you can control how your submission reaches an agent. That means providing the exact materials they ask for, in the way they've specified.

Doing so can only help boost your chances of success, and every little detail helps when querying.

Stay tuned for more posts soon in this Querying Tips Series!

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Thanks, and see you soon!