| Landolt & Associates LITERARY CHECKLIST Printer friendly version BELOW IS A CHECKLIST FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE WHEN CONTACTING ATTORNEYS OR AGENTS. CLICK HERE TO READ THE SPECIFIC SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDOLT & ASSOCIATES. |
SUBMISSION - OVERALL:
1. Materials formatted correctly (proper font, spacing, page numbers, chapter pages, professional appearance, no
"gimmicks" such as multiple colors or overly-flowery sales pitches)
2. Edited and spell-checked; there are no errors or typos
3. SASE with proper stamps if you want materials returned to you
4. Materials are addressed correctly with attention to the correct person
5. Your complete contact information is included
6. Submission Guidelines or instructions have been followed as set out on website or in email
QUERY LETTER:
1. Correct format including return address, phone number, and email address
2. Salutation is to the correct person
3. First paragraph contains:
Reference to any previous communication or information regarding who referred you
Hook into the story (optional)
Title of your book and the theme
Approximate number of words or pages
_ Whether it is fiction or non-fiction; particular genre.
Confirmation that the ms is completed
4. Second (and third) paragraph contains description of your book, like a mini synopsis
5. Subsequent paragraph includes background information about you
Published before and details
Education
Experience related to the topic of the book
Indicate if you are wanting to publish the book pseudonymously
Other
6. Closing
Complete contact information including email address, mailing address, and phone number (if not provided above)
Indicate if you would like the materials returned to you and if it is okay to write on your submission.
FICTION SYNOPSIS:
1. Proper number of pages as requested, or if not specified, up to 10 pages, double spaced, with name, brief title
with "Synopsis", and page number on each page in right top corner.
2. Written in present tense and in third person, even if your book is written in first person.
3. Introductory paragraph: hook, setting the scene for your book, leading from general concept into specific theme
or themes
4. Paragraphs presenting the plot and sub-plots, main characters, conflict, and resolution/conclusion of story
5. Conclusion paragraph
NON-FICTION PROPOSAL:
1. Cover page with your name, title of the book, approximate number of pages, and contact information
2. Format: double-spaced; all pages should have your name, a brief title, and a page number (top right corner
preferred)
3. Overview paragraphs: like a synopsis; write the overview as if this is the only paragraph (or paragraphs) a
reader will ever see about your book.
4. Biographical information: your professional information, writing credentials (list titles and publication details),
education (degrees and school names), and other information to show you are the best person to write this book. (Note:
this should be very factual with specific details, not be a sales pitch or like the "blurb" on the back of a book.)
5. Target Market: The demographics for the readers who will want to buy your book
6. Competition analysis: Other books on the same topic and how your book is different or similar
7. Promotions and marketing: Unique things about you, your circumstances, and what you can do that will help
sell the book to readers
8. Chapter Outline: 2-3 sentences about each chapter
9. One to three sample chapters, plus the book's Introduction (The book's Introduction is about the entire book,
including the ending, written in present tense.) If sample chapters are hard to distinguish, include the first 50 pages.
1. Materials formatted correctly (proper font, spacing, page numbers, chapter pages, professional appearance, no
"gimmicks" such as multiple colors or overly-flowery sales pitches)
2. Edited and spell-checked; there are no errors or typos
3. SASE with proper stamps if you want materials returned to you
4. Materials are addressed correctly with attention to the correct person
5. Your complete contact information is included
6. Submission Guidelines or instructions have been followed as set out on website or in email
QUERY LETTER:
1. Correct format including return address, phone number, and email address
2. Salutation is to the correct person
3. First paragraph contains:
Reference to any previous communication or information regarding who referred you
Hook into the story (optional)
Title of your book and the theme
Approximate number of words or pages
_ Whether it is fiction or non-fiction; particular genre.
Confirmation that the ms is completed
4. Second (and third) paragraph contains description of your book, like a mini synopsis
5. Subsequent paragraph includes background information about you
Published before and details
Education
Experience related to the topic of the book
Indicate if you are wanting to publish the book pseudonymously
Other
6. Closing
Complete contact information including email address, mailing address, and phone number (if not provided above)
Indicate if you would like the materials returned to you and if it is okay to write on your submission.
FICTION SYNOPSIS:
1. Proper number of pages as requested, or if not specified, up to 10 pages, double spaced, with name, brief title
with "Synopsis", and page number on each page in right top corner.
2. Written in present tense and in third person, even if your book is written in first person.
3. Introductory paragraph: hook, setting the scene for your book, leading from general concept into specific theme
or themes
4. Paragraphs presenting the plot and sub-plots, main characters, conflict, and resolution/conclusion of story
5. Conclusion paragraph
NON-FICTION PROPOSAL:
1. Cover page with your name, title of the book, approximate number of pages, and contact information
2. Format: double-spaced; all pages should have your name, a brief title, and a page number (top right corner
preferred)
3. Overview paragraphs: like a synopsis; write the overview as if this is the only paragraph (or paragraphs) a
reader will ever see about your book.
4. Biographical information: your professional information, writing credentials (list titles and publication details),
education (degrees and school names), and other information to show you are the best person to write this book. (Note:
this should be very factual with specific details, not be a sales pitch or like the "blurb" on the back of a book.)
5. Target Market: The demographics for the readers who will want to buy your book
6. Competition analysis: Other books on the same topic and how your book is different or similar
7. Promotions and marketing: Unique things about you, your circumstances, and what you can do that will help
sell the book to readers
8. Chapter Outline: 2-3 sentences about each chapter
9. One to three sample chapters, plus the book's Introduction (The book's Introduction is about the entire book,
including the ending, written in present tense.) If sample chapters are hard to distinguish, include the first 50 pages.
| LANDOLT & ASSOCIATES 5601 Bridge Street, Suite 336 Fort Worth, Texas 76112 (c) 1992-2005 Lisa A. Landolt This checklist may be reproduced as long as copyright holder is identified on all copies. Do not repost on the Internet without prior written permission from copyright holder. |