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Careers: Writing/Presentation when submitting chapters

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Expert: - 4/14/2008


Question
Hi Cathy,
When submitting  chapters to an agent or publisher, is it advised to start each chapter half way down on the page, the way it is when it is finally printed and published?

Many thanks,
Davina, United Kingdom

Answer
Hi, Davina!

Actually, the answer depends on whether you're approaching agents/publishers in the UK or here where I am, in the US. First, keep in mind that many publishers will want a query letter FIRST. Once you've been requested to send chapters, then you'll need to worry about the manuscript format.

Over on your side of the pond, the common format (if the agent/publisher doesn't specify a preference on their website---which is ALWAYS where you should start) is to start each chapter 1/3 of the way down the page. You'll also need a cover sheet on the sample that contains: Your name (plus any pseudonym/pen name you're planning to write under), your address, your email, your daytime telephone, the title of the book, and the word count.  Here in the States, the cover page isn't needed and chapters either start 1/3 down the page, or quad spaced from the top margin (two double-spaces.)

A great format to look at is in the "Writers and Artists Yearbook," if your goal is a UK publisher, which is a terrific source of guidelines for agents and publishers. But Bloomsbury Publishing has a pretty good website with information that can get you started if you want to take a look:

http://www.bloomsbury.com/WritersArea/Get_Published.asp

Hope that helps a little and good luck! :)

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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