They wouldn’t spend so much time with you if they didn’t believe in you.

Ahhh, as you can see, am having a crow day.

Kailey, cheers for your lovely comments. 🙂 As to the synop, well, after the last R I asked if I could forward just a synop to get their opinion. I didn’t want to spend a lot of time on a story that wasn’t going to work. I think I was able to do this because, as Maisey says, I have been working with an editor. I wouldn’t be able to do this if I hadn’t.
Anyway, not sure how long it will take for them to get back to me. This is actually a story that I have written – but will require substantial rewriting.

Maisey, yep, you got it. I did ask the ed if I could do this and she was happy to, which is good. I’m hoping a synop won’t take as long to consider but who knows?

I know I’m not Jackie…but I’m chipping in my two cents. Typically, the M&B eds ask that you not query on unfinished MSs…however, they also make provision for the fact that it might be unfinished when they do full requests, they just give you a deadline.

As for synopsis only, again, I think they generally want the synop and first three chapters, but as Jackie is working closely with a specific ed she probably has permission to do the synop (just guessing…)that way they can get an idea of your voice, which is very important to them. They really are lenient if your MS isn’t finished though, but I would send the partial to give them a chance to see what’s unique about your writing.

Of course, publishers other than M&B are a different beast entirely, and my only experience is with M&B.

Hope that helps some!

Maisey

How long do they typically take to respond to a synopsis? I have never thought of subbing that way; with just a synopsis done BUT I guess it’s a good way to get feedback on the premise before committing all that time to completing the project. I always thought editors preferred to know the work was completed. Is it because they know you that this works for you? I’m not sure I could plan it out in advance so well so kudos to you on that! Best wishes!!

Maisey, thanks. Yep, I know what you mean about the phone! London mornings are our nighttime and when I had my full there… Sadly not to be. But I know what you mean with the inbox. Mornings are tough. 🙂 I think it was a good synop – at least, it’s the best I could do at the time. But as far as the editors are concerned, who knows? Ah well, trying to forget about it now. Ha!

Kudos on hitting send, Jackie. Hopefully you’ll be able to relax (ahahahahaha) while you’re waiting to hear back.

I’ve been waiting on my new full for over 16wks and everytime the phone rings at night (Richmond work day is 1AM-9AM my time) which it does, and it’s always a fax, I have a heart attack. Then with shaking hands I check my inbox when I get up.

So, that’s what NOT to do. You relax and bask in a job well done. 🙂 Here’s hoping this is the one for you! I really, really hope so!