No Second Chances
There is a commercial that states that you never get a second chance at a first impression. This is never more true than when you submit your work to a literary agent. Your goal is to pique their interest to the point where they will want to see the rest of your book. Typically an agent will want to see anywhere from the first ten pages to the first three chapters of your manuscript. If your story really picks up on page 100 you might be in trouble. Remember, agents want to read a good to great manuscript whether you’re an unknown or an established writer. This is what they live and breathe for. Don’t forget that they read a lot of trash and poorly presented material so unless you’ve published a few books they will approach your work with an appropriate level of skepticism. I can’t say as I blame them. Their love for the written word is a double-edged sword and their time is precious. They will want to find greatness in your writing but they won’t expect to.
So after you’ve typed your last page you still have work to do. Set your work aside for a week and then separate out the first three to five chapters. Read them from an agent’s point of view. Would you be excited by what you’re reading? Do you want to turn the page to see what happens next? Does the author leave you wanting more so that you absolutely have to see the rest? If you’re not sure then rework it. Have a friend read it. Tighten it up so that you can see yourself as an agent wanting to sell your book. I’m not saying it’s easy but it could be the difference between a request for more materials or a rejection letter.
If the first ten pages does not pique an agent’s interest then its guaranteed that page 11 won’t be read.
Recommended Reading:
Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent
Image courtesy of Katertot
Posted with input from Robert Griffin
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That’s how I feel about promoting my canyon. If my website or pamplet can’t raise their heart rate, they aren’t going to spend the money to have me come to their school.