Sample Chapters:

 

Let’s talk just a moment about Sample Chapters.

 

Every proposal package includes sample chapters for the story you are proposing. Even if

you are a multi-published author, you will have to write sample chapters for new

contracts with new publishers, so it is wise to learn how to write them now.

 

There are so many elements to writing decent sample chapters, and we’ve covered most of those topics over the past year, but I felt we needed to touch on them in order to fully cover the proposal package.

 

When new authors read “Sample Chapters” in the submission requirements of an editor or publisher’s website, sometimes they are tempted to think… “I’ll pick my BEST chapters…chapter one, chapter eight, and chapter twenty-two.”  Delete that thought.  Editors DO NOT want to see a set of random chapter.  They want to see the FIRST THREE CHAPTERS.  They want to see how the story flows, along with your voice and developing characterization.  So, when you see the words Sample Chapters, think: The First Three Chapters.  (Although, if you have a SHORT prologue, you can include it.  If, however, you have a prologue that is five pages long (and, really, you shouldn’t, but that’s another discussion), include it as one of your First Three Chapters.) It shouldn’t be much more than 10,000 words.

 

The point of Sample Chapters is to stir enough interest for the editor/agent to ask for the FULL MANUSCRIPT!   By chapter 3 you should have jump-started your plot and have the h/hn already engaged in conflict. Think of the synopsis as your editor’s first introduction to your writing…the teaser, so to speak. The sample chapters are where they fall in love with your style, your voice. 

 

You want to make sure your characters are compelling, your story riveting. Refer to your threads and be sure to throw in that first obstacle, and hint at their darkest fear. Most of all, leave the editor wanting more.

 

When you prepare your sample chapter, refer to the publisher’s guidelines as to format.

Some want a specific type style and margins. Always put a header on top with your name

and the name of the ms and page number in upper left hand corner.

 

I usually spend at least two weeks polishing my sample chapters. It pays to take the time to get it

right. Usually a good proposal takes me a month…1 week for market research, 2 for sample

chapters, and 1 for synopsis/query and polish. Don’t rush it. Once they review your work,

if they turn it down, it is hard to get a second chance.

 

Every proposal package includes sample chapters for the story you are proposing. Even if

you are a multi-published author, you will have to write sample chapters for new

contracts with new publishers, so it is wise to learn how to write them now.

 

  

First Chapter Checklist:

 

ü  Have you created sympathy for your character so we love them?

ü  Have you shown us your character’s home life, so we know where their journey begins?

ü  Have you shown us your character’s competence, and their identity?

ü  Have you given us a glimpse of your characters greatest dream?

ü  Have you given us a hint of your character’s greatest fear?

ü  Have you given us a hint at your character’s spiritual lie?

ü  Have you set the mood of the book (suspense/mystery/fantasy, women’s fiction, rom-com, romance, etc). 

ü  Have you delivered the story question that will drive us through the book?

ü  Do you have crisp, interesting dialogue?

ü  Have you honed your hook to include the Who, What, Why, When and Where’s of the story?

ü  Do you have sufficient storyworld?

ü  Have you used the five senses?

ü  Have you shown us the story in active voice? 

ü  Have you used specific nouns and vivid verbs to add emotion to the story?

ü  Finally, have you ended the scene with a disaster, or something that makes the reader want to turn the page? 

Now you’re ready to send it in.  Don’t forget to spell the agent’s name right.  And give them time to read through your submission.  Remember that pile of proposals they have to read through? 

In the meantime – go start another book. 

I mean it. 

What are you still doing here? 

Go. 

Have a great weekend!  I’m going dancing – hopefully, you are too!

Susie May