Um, I'm a bit past that now, but that's what my agent said she'd do for me. And believe me, I'm the one who has really experienced all the labour pains.I have had a few miscarriages with my manuscripts. I have come close, but failed at the committee level. Unlike a baby coming whether ready or not, our little novel babies require a great deal of perseverance and hard work to actually bring the delivery to pass.
First a well written query, then if accepted comes the BOOK PROPOSAL which causes most authors to shudder. It's very demanding. In it you must persuade an agent, then a publisher why they should read a chapter or two of your book.
Here's what I wrote and maybe you can use it as a guide:
Title: The Testing of Taylor Jones Historical Romance with Quest
subplot
Hook: A venture into the unknown. A step of faith or an
incalculable blunder?
Late 1890s: As members of a covert
expedition in search of a creature thought extinct, Dr. Garrett Steele,
veterinary professor of the New England Museum of Natural History and reporter,
Miss Taylor Jones, are thrust to the limits of their courage and endurance in
the rugged outback of Australia. He wants to make the find of the century and
she wants to write an account that will make her a household name. When
betrayed by a rogue team member, danger escalates their passionate clash of
personalities into a relationship neither had bargained for. Will each find
what they crave, or will they fail the final gut-wrenching challenge?
Then follows a one or two page SYNOPSIS, PROMOTION, MARKETING and COMPETITION
Uniqueness:
v
The fascinating subject
of cryptozoology: the study and search for animals thought to be extinct. Many
naturalists were involved in this well over a century ago.
v
The huge but
elusive Burrunjor has been depicted
in cave paintings, rock carvings, and in reports by early Australian colonists.
And bones of large carnivores have been located in remote Outback caves. Also
the fascinating, mysterious Aboriginal culture.
v
Along with her
speleologist brother, Rita has been on a few caving jaunts and these
experiences gave her real insight into the feeling of aloneness in the cave
depths.
This is followed by ENDORSEMENTS, CHRISTIAN THEME, INTENDED READERS, and the MANUSCRIPT STATUS - length and whether completed.
A full AUTHOR BIO, PUBLISHING CREDITS and FUTURE PROJECTS.
I was also urged to get a TWITTER a/c. Would you also like to follow me? @RitaSGalieh
Even at this stage with my agent promising to spread it around her editor contacts, I can only continue praying my novel will eventually find the right home.
So, as soon as you can, begin working on your Hook and Synopsis for your Book Proposal. It helps by planning ahead.* Rita Stella Galieh is a scriptwriter and co-presenter on Vantage Point, a 5 minute program broadcast throughout Australia. She has contributed to several US Anthologies by Adams Media and has two Historical Romances published by Ark House Press. Each year she and her husband minister in Buddhist Government schools, prisons, hospitals & churches in Thailand
