This chat was held in the America On Line Chatroom "Field of Dreams" on June 17, 2003, exclusively for the members of the America On Line Community's WRITING RIGHT members.
Elizabeth Delisi, a professional author, is one of the Hosts.

Also read: The Importance of the Query or Cover Letter.

The links within the text of the chat for Query, and Synopsis, and Guidelines locate articles within the School. Use those links instead of the ones for Ms. Delisi's website.

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OnlineHost: Please visit KW: Career Talk. We also recommend using Notify AOL, the Ignore feature and be kind to fellow chatters.
FaithfullSpirit2: hi! are you the guest speaker today?
KMacLEOD323: Yes
HOST WPLC Rosa: Good Morning
KMacLEOD323: Good morning everyone.
SarahStNy: hello Rosa!
FaithfullSpirit2: what's our topic? I know KMac is the speaker.
HOST WPLC Rosa: Karen is going to share with us about Query Letters and Synopses
KMacLEOD323: Well, Mme. Liz's website had a whole bunch of stuff I wrote that was supposed to be background to that.
FaithfullSpirit2: I remember the workshops because I have them posted on post-its on my computer.
Timefiredeath: so what do you guys talk about?
HOST WPLC Rosa: We'll give folks a little extra time. MmeLiz had a funeral and I'm not sure she will be here today.
KMacLEOD323: Exactly where I keep my reminders :-)
HOST WPLC Rosa: Time, this is a writer's chat and today we learn about Query's and Synopsis.
FaithfullSpirit2: Liz!!
KMacLEOD323: Mme. Liz plans to be here today. I believe the funeral is tomorrow.
HOST WPLC Rosa: Welcome Mme Liz.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Hi, sorry to be late, things have been very crazy here.
Timefiredeath: writing or writers
FaithfullSpirit2: writing
FaithfullSpirit2: we are writers
KMacLEOD323: Understandable. We haven't started yet, Mme.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, we can get started shortly. We had a death in the family, plus my granddaughter is here today as her babysitter never showed up. So I may be in and out but will try to stay put. :-)
HOST WPLC Rosa: We learn about writing as well as what it takes to be published Time.
KMacLEOD323: We can keep a loose protocol. I'm not much of a stickler on that. I'm logging, as well.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, sounds good. So, has everyone checked out our guest's article on my website?
FaithfullSpirit2: uh, no, sorry I think I either missed that or forgot. Forgot more than likely. Sorry.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Well, if you want to read it later, you can go to www.elizabethdelisi.com and then click on the Monthly Articles button at the bottom.
FaithfullSpirit2: ok, thanks.
KMacLEOD323: when you get a chance later, check it. Lots of background on Query letters and related information.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: So, we might as well get going, eh? Our guest today is Karen MacLeod,and she's going to talk to us about query letters and synopses. Welcome, Karen! Why don't you start by telling us a little about yourself and what you do, and then just launch into your topic when you're ready.
FaithfullSpirit2: Liz, are we in protocol?
HOST WPLC Rosa: Welcome to Writing Right. Today our guest is Karen MacLeod.. Topic: Query Letters and Synopses We are in protocol.
KMacLEOD323: I'm a freelance book editor, who got her start in amateur publications. I now edit for Simegen.com (Jacqueline Lichtenberg) Novel Books, Inc, and other publishers.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: But whenever Karen is ready for questions, we'll just go ahead with them.
KMacLEOD323: I've been doing this in some form or other since 1977. Questions are welcomed.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Has anyone read the articles on my website? "Raise your hand" if you have.
HOST WPLC Rosa: Please remember to post a ! for a comment and a ? to post a question after being called upon.
HOST WPLC Rosa: me
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, then maybe you can reiterate a bit of the info about query letters, Karen.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: What should go in one?
KMacLEOD323: First thing you need to find out is what the publisher is looking for, and offer your work to them, if they publish your genre. Don't offer something they won't want.
KMacLEOD323: Rosa did you have a question?
HOST WPLC Rosa: No. Just posting a reminder
KMacLEOD323: Once you find out what a publisher wants then provide exactly what their specifications request.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: So, how do you find out what the publisher wants, Karen? KMacLEOD323: You can go to a publisher's website -- usually found through Google. Some of them have guidelines for submissions. Examples of that are on Mme. Liz's website.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: So, first step is to determine which publisher wants what you have to offer, right?
KMacLEOD323: Then you write a polite business letter (Word/Office has format examples) and give them a brief outline of what your work is about. Depending on what they want you to send, you may be asked submit a few chapters, or only your outline.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Then what's next?
KMacLEOD323: Faithfull?
FaithfullSpirit2: how do you find out the names of the publishing companies?
KMacLEOD323: Search through Google, which you can put in BOOK PUBLISHERS and possibly the Genre you want to publish. I know of some, but no doubt only a partial list.
FaithfullSpirit2: (geez I've been doing it by looking on the title page of books I love)
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: That's a great way too, Faithfull. :-)
KMacLEOD323: That's another way -- but some publishers are out of business. I can name one: Playboy Books.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: So, what do you put in a query letter, i.e., what kind of info should you put in?
KMacLEOD323: Let them know of the type of work you offer. A brief two paragraphs maximum SYNOPSIS of your plot. Let them know what you send is disposable copy. Be polite. Tell them you would like to get your book published.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Experience you have? Publications? Um....special talents?
KMacLEOD323: If you've published prior works, even in an amateur matter, yes, include that. If you have expertise of some kind that relates to your book, include as well.
KMacLEOD323: Sample is on Mme. Liz's website -- the book named there is pending publication now. A brief bio, any awards you've won, could also be mentioned in a line or two.
FaithfullSpirit2: so I should include that I have lived in a small town much like my fictional one?
KMacLEOD323: Not necessarily..... unless you think it would get your book sold. I've lived in both big cities and small towns. Is that information vital to tell the publisher? If it isn't IMPORTANT, leave it out of your letter.
FaithfullSpirit2: I would think that I do know what such a small town is like would be important.
KMacLEOD323: You could leave it to the publisher's imagination -- and let them believe you crafted a fine small town without knowing you live in your "example."
FaithfullSpirit2: well I don't anymore, but I did once.
KMacLEOD323: I usually use my life experiences, and the knowledge of a list of people who have various expertise in helping me edit. Friends who are chemists, botanists, plane pilots, etc. So youdon't have to prove you have a background as long as you research well.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, so you've sent out the perfect query letter, and the editor asks to see, say, the first three chapters and a synopsis.
KMacLEOD323: A good author does research -- a good editor has experts to help them, too. You also have to send out the perfect x-number of chapters they want.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: So the panic sets in. ;-) What do you put in the synopsis...and how do you write it?
HOST WPLC Rosa: :-$
KMacLEOD323: The synopsis, in my opinion is a few paragraphs that represent what your manuscript is about. Perhaps no more than a page, SEPARATE from your query letter, enclosed with it. Then the 3 or so perfect chapters would be sent when the editor asks for them.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, so enclose a short 1-page synopsis with your query. HOST WPLC MmeLiz: How do you write it? i.e., present tense? What info about the book do you include and what do you leave out? Do you include any dialogue? Do you tell the ending? Etc.
KMacLEOD323: The example on your website has no dialogue, but does give an idea that the book is based on a historical time period, yet is also speculative science fiction. I like leaving the ending open, so they want to see what else you have. Lead them to the conclusion, but don't give it away.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Anyone who wants to see a sample query letter and sample synopsis that did the trick,after the chat, go to my website at www.elizabethdelisi.com and click on the Monthly Articles button at the bottom.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Comment, Faithfull?
FaithfullSpirit2: I was told by an editor that you should give them the ending in the synopsis.
HOST WPLC Rosa: the website has a couple of articles there, in detail.
KMacLEOD323: Each editor has their own advice. Perhaps that works, your example.
Nsummers882: I read several website about the synopsis they all said to giveaway the ending that is not right?
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: (Nsummers and Faithfull are on the same track.)
KMacLEOD323: My personal preference is not to give away the ending, but to give information the publisher would want to tease them to read your three chapters.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: I think it may also depend on when you send the synopsis-- i.e. if you sent a short synopsis with the query, then maybe you don't want to tell the end, but if you send a fuller synopsis with the chapters, then you would tell the end.
FaithfullSpirit2: (I was told that they can not judge an entire story idea without knowing the ending)
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Does that sound right, Karen?
KMacLEOD323: That could be done...yes.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Comment, Rosa?
HOST WPLC Rosa: This could be why I am not published, but I thought/think it is a good idea to lead them to the end without say that JoJo and Sami married, lived happy and died.
KMacLEOD323: I also have an example URL I can give you as to why Meisha Merlin publishing is re-releasing the Sime~Gen novels after 20 years. Nod, you never truly know what a publisher looks for.
HOST WPLC Rosa: I think that if they are lead to know it without the details of how it happens is what counts.
KMacLEOD323: Mme. Liz, what was your experience. You've sold some novels. And here's that URL about Meisha Merlin: http://www.simegen.com/writers/simegen/simegenwhyacquired.html HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Well, my experience has been to send a query first, and then they have asked me for the first 50 pages and a synopsis of the rest. I've always included everything in the synopsis including the ending, but of course you don't tell every detail, though you do let them know in general how it turns out.
KMacLEOD323: nod....and that has worked for you -- so is another type of advice. And if you look at my example , you'll see we do give them an idea of where that novel goes in the synopsis.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: But you're right, it can depend on what the publisher wants. So visiting their website and/or getting a copy of the guidelines is VITAL because they will tell you what they want to see. ;-)
KMacLEOD323: Absolutely. Never submit anything "blind" to a publisher...it may end up in the "trash," unread.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Any other questions so far?
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Faithfull,
FaithfullSpirit2: what would you do if a publisher wanted two synops, one only two pages and one longer more detailed the query, and the full mss all at once?
KMacLEOD323: Most publishers NEVER ask for the full manuscript. That's very rare in my experience.
FaithfullSpirit2: This is my experience, that's just what the publisher wants, two synops, the query and the full mss all up front.
KMacLEOD323: You send what they ask for -- if the publisher wants the whole thing, by all means send it. KMacLEOD323: Each publisher is different. There's an example of guidelineson the website Mme. Liz posted.
FaithfullSpirit2: Two synops?!!! one is bad enough.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: LOL!
KMacLEOD323: They want TWO, you send two. I've never heard of it, but you do what is asked of you if you want them to consider your manuscript.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Yes, definitely, give them what they want and ONLY what they want. I.e., if they ask for the first 50 pages, don't send the whole book!
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Comment, Duffer?
KMacLEOD323: Agreement with Madame Liz!
TheDuffer: If you think writing a single page synopsis is hard, try writing a single sentence 'logline' for a movie script. LOL
ChildrensWriter5: I love writing. Anybody got published here. How do you write a Query Letter to a agent or publisher.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: We're in protocol, Childrens, so please send a ? if you have a question, and wait to be called on. Thanks!
KMacLEOD323: Movie scripts are a "whole different animal." Sorry you arrived late, Children's, but there are examples on Mme. Liz's website. Check there, for some help.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: We've discussed query letters already, but if you e-mail me after the chat, I'll send you the log.
ChildrensWriter5: okay, bye.
KMacLEOD323: Questions?
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Do you always do a synopsis in present tense, and if so, why?
KMacLEOD323: I've never thought of the tense, because I EDIT the synopsis if the author wants me to. Everything you send should be as perfect as possible to showoff your writing skills.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Okay, this is not about a synopsis, but if they ask for 50 pages with your synopsis, and that leaves off in the middle of a chapter, do you suggest still sending only 50, or sending a few more to take you to chapter's end?
KMacLEOD323: I'd send the whole chapter to the end, but explain you did so to not leave them hanging....not to disrespect their guidelines.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Politeness is definitely vital! Any more questions, anyone?
KMacLEOD323: Absolutely. Unless you note "chapter continues past page 50" at that point, and strictly send that 50.
HOST WPLC Rosa: This could be off topic... Is NBI accepting submissions?
KMacLEOD323: Yes.... they are right now.
HOST WPLC Rosa: thank you.
KMacLEOD323: check their website for guidelines..... (NBI closed in January 2005) http://www.novelbooksinc.com
KMacLEOD323: They've changed what they're looking for.... a new direction for them, I believe.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Check it out. NBI is great to work with!
KMacLEOD323: They are one of the better e-publishers -- who also does print.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: And the print books are lovely. So, if there are no more questions, then a round of applause for our guest!
TheDuffer: Excellent, Karen.
KMacLEOD323: Thank you for having me. I hope I've given some insight.
FaithfullSpirit2: :::::applause::::::
KMacLEOD323: Please check out the material I provided Mme. Liz earlier. You may find it helpful.
HOST WPLC Rosa: Thank you for sharing Karen <><><><><>><><>
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Visit my website: www.elizabethdelisi.com and click on the Monthly Articles button to check out the sample query letter and synopsis, and sample guidelines.
KMacLEOD323: The book it mentions was sold to PUBLISH AMERICA and is in pre-order (discount) now.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Next week, Lori Soard, author of the upcoming Thorndike release HOUSEBREAKING A HUSBAND, will talk about "Freeing Your Muse FromBondage." Hope to see you all there!
HOST WPLC Rosa: See everyone next week.
KMacLEOD323: I hope to see you again here, sometime. I appreciate the invitation.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Thanks so much, Karen.
TheDuffer: Goodbye all. Good writing and good luck.
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Do you have a website?
KMacLEOD323: My bio page is on Simegen.com www.simegen.com/bios/klbio.html It is relatively current with my entire editing credentials and past work history of all kinds. You can also find me in Google search :-)
HOST WPLC MmeLiz: Thanks, Karen. Check it out, everyone! See you next week, right here.