We handle very little sci-fi/fantasy/spec fiction of any
kind. And we definitely DO NOT handle anything that has profanity or graphic
sexuality. We each also have particular genres that we prefer to see. We ask
that authors follow our non-fiction or fiction guidelines and then submit to
us.
And yet…I continue to get erotica, fantasy, erotic fantasy…well,
you get the picture.
We also spell out exactly how we would like submissions to
come to us. In a proposal with specific information included as well as sample
chapters…the first three sample chapters. And still, I get the first chapter,
the last chapter, and the “one that’s really good”!
Editors and agents spell out what they want to see for a
specific reason. We can move through them much more easily if they all are in a
specific format. They is nothing that hurts the eyes more than to be on
submission 20 for the day, and have it come through single-spaced, Arial-10pt.
At that time of the day, I’m lucky to still be able to see double-spaced, Times
New Roman-12 pt. But at least my eyes are used to it, so I can still see well
enough to do what I think is a good job responding.
It is never good or professional to send proposals to all
of the agents in one agency, even worse to blanket the entire industry of
agents with the same email. All of us listed for each other to see.
When a professionally done proposal per agency guidelines
is sent to one agent at a time (and I’m fine with authors sending out multiple
submissions; I wouldn’t want you waiting before sending another), we can take
those proposals more seriously. A well done prop gets your foot in the door.
The more professionally done, the better.
Think about whether or not you would want your instructions
followed; it opens the door immediately. And even if the writing isn’t quite
there yet, an agent will probably be willing to have a second look if you followed
the instructions the first time.
Do your homework. Know what the agents are looking for. Don’t
‘assume’ anything. If you follow the guidelines on agency sites, the chances
are you are already ten steps above most.
Good luck, best wishes, and follow those instructions to a
‘t’.
