If you’re planning to submit your manuscript to a literary agent, you’ll need to have a compelling agent query letter (email) as well as a synopsis (in the case of fiction writers) or chapter outline (for nonfiction writers).

And if you’re already submitting query letters but not hearing back, then perhaps you need some feedback on why that might be the case.

Why not get a book publishing professional to review and edit your agent query letter and synopsis or chapter outline?

As a former literary agent, a traditionally published author, an in-house editor and a structural editor for many writers published in the US and Australia, I can provide the sort of insider feedback you’ll never receive from a supportive friend or writers workshop — along with constructive suggestions for how to address any areas that might need work. 

Literary agents want to read great query letters. I know how to write them.

You can write one too, with a bit of insider feedback.

You’ve put so much time and effort into writing your manuscript or book proposal — why not give yourself the best possible chance of grabbing your ideal literary agent’s attention?

How it works

The Debut package contains several steps:

1. Following payment I’ll send you an email setting out the specific information about your project I need to help you. 
2. Please send me the requested information (and/or your draft query email if you’ve already written one), and your synopsis or nonfiction chapter outline in a Word or Google Doc. 
3. I review your draft agent query email and synopsis, providing my comments, suggested edits and questions via annotations using Word mark-up. This is the first draft.
4. You respond to my suggestions via email with additional information.
5. When you provide any outstanding information, I will revise your agent query email and synopsis, making further refinements and suggestions. This is the second draft.

Your outcomes

• You will have a professional query letter and synopsis, ready for submission to literary agents when your project is publisher-ready.
• You will have a connection with a publishing professional who has experience as a traditionally published author, an editor, and former literary agent.

You get one chance to impress a literary agent. Why not make sure you’re doing everything possible in your submission to maximize your project’s appeal?

In addition to writing/rewriting your agent query email and synopsis, as I do in all my packages, the Bestseller offers my personalized feedback on your first ten pages and a 1:1 conversation about your project.

From a prospective agent’s point of view, I will provide constructive feedback on your manuscript. What’s working? What’s missing? What could be stronger?

Then we have a conversation dedicated to your project, answering your questions about the publishing process.

PLUS you get my tailored agent research of the top 25 agents in your genre, style, or subject.

Maximize your chance of success by getting professional feedback on your literary agent submissions materials — and a list of agents looking for work like yours — before you send them out for consideration.

How it works

The Bestseller package contains several steps:

1. Following payment I’ll send you an email setting out the specific information about your project I need to help you. 
2. Please send me the requested information (and/or your draft query email if you’ve already written one), your synopsis or nonfiction chapter outline, and the first ten (double-spaced) pages of your manuscript in a Word or Google Doc. 
3. I review your draft agent query email and synopsis, providing my comments, suggested edits and questions via annotations using Word mark-up. This is the first draft.
4. We have an 1:1 conversation of up to 30 mins between your first and second drafts by telephone, Zoom or WhatsApp.
5. In the meantime I annotate my thoughts/suggestions on the first ten pages of your manuscript.
6. You respond to my editorial suggestions and matters arising from our conversation via email.
7. When you provide any outstanding information, I will revise your agent query email and synopsis, making further refinements and suggestions. This is the second draft.
8. In the meantime I provide your literary agent research report in a Google Sheet with the names and agencies of the top 25 US agents for your individual project.
9. You come back to me when you’re ready with further revisions and additions, which I review and edit. This is the third and final draft.
10. I will read and comment on any revisions to the first ten pages you undertake in response to my suggestions within 30 days.

Your outcomes

• You will have direct access to an experienced publishing professional as a sounding board for your questions and concerns about the publishing process.
• You will have a professional query letter and synopsis, ready for submission to literary agents when your project is publisher-ready.
• Your detailed agent research report will make the submissions process more efficient.
• You will have a connection with a publishing professional who has experience as a traditionally published author, an editor, and former literary agent.
• You will have a clear understanding of what if any further development is required to maximize your project’s appeal to an agent.

How can you substantially improve your agent submissions without the insider’s perspective of someone who knows what agents are looking for?

Having worked with many published writers as an agent and editor, I know what agents are looking for — and what things are an instant turn-off.

Save yourself time, frustration and heartache by getting the feedback you need — before you make one (or one more) submission.