"Send a query and the first ten pages." "Query, synopsis and the first three chapters." "Query only; we will request more." Every agent and publisher defines their own submission package, and getting it wrong is an easy way to be rejected without anyone reading your writing. A submission package is the set of materials you send: usually a query letter, sometimes a synopsis, usually some sample pages, and occasionally a full manuscript or a proposal. This guide explains what each item is, how to prepare them, how to organize your submissions, what to do when you get a request, and how to produce the manuscript file in Quillen. For the query letter itself, see how to write a query letter.
The short answer
Read the agent's guidelines and send exactly what they ask for, in the format they ask for. Prepare four things in advance: a query letter, a one-page synopsis, your opening pages in standard manuscript format, and the full manuscript. Keep a record of what you sent to whom. In Quillen, the Agents and publishers export produces a correctly formatted manuscript in Word or PDF for the sample pages and the full manuscript.
What is in a package
| Item | What it is | Typical request |
|---|---|---|
| Query letter | A one-page pitch | Almost always |
| Synopsis | A summary of the whole plot, including the ending | Sometimes, often one page |
| Sample pages | The opening of the manuscript, such as the first 10 pages or first chapters | Often, pasted or attached |
| Full manuscript | The complete book in standard format | On request |
| Proposal | For nonfiction: overview, market, platform, outline, sample chapter | Nonfiction |
| Bio or author information | Short author details | Sometimes separately |
The exact mix differs from agent to agent, and from publisher to publisher. There is no universal standard, only common patterns. This is why the guidelines come first.
Read the guidelines
Every agency's website has a submissions page. Read it carefully and note:
- What to send: query only, or query plus pages or a synopsis.
- How to send it: an email, an online form or the post. Some agents want text pasted in the body of an email and no attachments; some want a file.
- How much: the number of pages or chapters, and any word-count limits.
- Format: Word or PDF, font, spacing and file naming.
- Which agent: whether you query one agent at an agency or the agency as a whole.
- Response time and policy: how long they take, and whether they respond to rejections.
- Simultaneous submissions: whether you may query others at the same time.
Preparing each item
The synopsis
A synopsis is a summary of the whole plot, beginning to end, including the ending. Unlike a query, it does not tease. Write it in the present tense, in the third person, focusing on the main character's journey and the cause and effect of events. Keep it to one page (single-spaced, roughly 500 words) unless the agent specifies otherwise, and have a shorter version ready. Cut subplots and minor characters, and name only the ones the reader needs.
The sample pages
These are the opening of your manuscript, in standard manuscript format, cut at a natural point. If an agent asks for the first ten pages, end at the end of a paragraph or scene, not mid-sentence. These pages do most of the work, so spend your editing effort here. Read them aloud, remove filler and make sure the first page earns the second.
The full manuscript
Keep a clean, finished, proofread copy ready to send within a day of a request. A prompt reply reads as professional. Before you send it, check the title page, the word count and the page numbering. See how to create a submission-ready title page.
Keep a submission log
Track every submission in a simple table. It protects you from querying the same agent twice, helps you spot patterns, and shows you when to follow up. Record:
| Column | Example |
|---|---|
| Agent and agency | A. Reyes, Harbour Literary |
| Date sent | 12 November |
| What was sent | Query and first 10 pages |
| Their response time | Typically 8 weeks |
| Status | No reply yet; follow up in January |
| Notes | Requested full on 3 January |
When an agent asks for more
A request for the full manuscript is good news. Reply promptly and politely, attach exactly what is asked for, and keep the email short. If other agents have your query, it is courteous to tell them you have an offer, if and when you receive one, and many writers also notify others who have the full when they receive interest. Do not follow up before the agent's stated response time has passed.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sending more than asked | Ignores the guidelines | Send exactly what they request |
| Wrong format | Wrong file type or style | Check the guidelines every time |
| Cutting sample pages mid-sentence | Looks careless | End at a natural break |
| A synopsis that teases | Not what a synopsis is for | Include the ending |
| No record of submissions | Duplicate queries | Keep a log |
| Following up too soon | Annoys the agent | Wait for the stated response time |
Do it in Quillen
Quillen's Agents and publishers export produces your manuscript in standard format, for the sample pages and the full book.
- Open your book and click Export in the header, then Agents & publishers.
- Fill in the title page form. Add the name for contact details (which can differ from your pen name), address, phone, email and an optional extra line. The word count is filled in from your manuscript and rounded; you can overwrite it.
- Check the preview. The export uses standard manuscript format: Times New Roman 12 point, double-spaced, US Letter, one-inch margins, a running head with your surname, a short title and the page number, and each chapter starting on a new page.
- Choose Word or PDF and click Export. Word is the safer default unless the agent asks for PDF.
- For sample pages, open the exported file and cut it at a natural break, or copy the pages into an email if the agent wants them pasted in the message.
- Keep the full file ready, and note that the app says to follow an agent's own guidelines over the general standard.
Checklist
- Guidelines read for each agent.
- A query letter, a one-page synopsis, sample pages and a full manuscript ready.
- Sample pages cut at a natural break.
- Formats matched to what each agent asks.
- A submission log kept up to date.
- Follow-ups timed to the stated response time.
Common questions
What is a submission package?
The set of materials you send an agent or publisher: usually a query letter, sometimes a synopsis, usually sample pages, and on request the full manuscript or a proposal. The exact mix varies by agent.
What should a synopsis include?
The whole plot from beginning to end, including the ending, in the present tense and third person, usually about one page. Unlike a query, it does not tease.
How many pages should I send as a sample?
Whatever the agent's guidelines say, commonly the first ten pages or the first few chapters. End at a natural break.
How do I export a manuscript for agents in Quillen?
Click Export, choose Agents & publishers, fill in your contact details, check the word count and export as Word or PDF. It uses standard manuscript format.
Should I keep track of my submissions?
Yes. A log of agent, date, what was sent and status prevents duplicate queries and shows when to follow up.