Too often, I see great submissions that aren’t complete. Why not include everything when you first submit? Here are a few tips:

1. What will happen in the novel? We need a book summary, even when you’re submitting a complete manuscript. Yes, I know seeing the ending ahead of time may be a spoiler for a reader; but as an agent, I’m accustomed to reading spoilers. I even enjoy spoilers as a reader! I’m odd that way.
2. What will you cover in nonfiction? We need a list of chapter headings to tell us what information and inspiration you will share with your readers. By learning this, we can better discern the marketability of your proposal. Readers will often skim chapter headings to decide whether to buy a book.
3. Who are you? We need to know who you are as an author and as a person. A short biography is helpful. You can brag, and your pesky brother-in-law can’t complain about it!
4. Who do you know? Do you have a couple of friends who might endorse your book? If not, that’s fine. But if you do have connections, let us know.
5. Where can we find you online? Links are beneficial, especially if you share a name with other businesspeople, you’re a writer involved with another business, or another author bears your name. Sometimes, we wonder if this author is the same person who runs a real estate office in Atlanta. Yes, no, maybe? Or is she a hairdresser in New York? Or did this author used to write fantasy novels and is now hoping to break into romance writing? Who can tell? If you need to update your website and other social media, now’s a good time to do so.

While a formal proposal is more involved, the points above should be covered so we can review your proposal in less time. After all, you don’t want to wait any longer than you must, and neither do we. Happy submitting!