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Writer's Room => Chapter Books, Easy Readers, and Middle Grade (MG) => Topic started by: sami-scripter on March 28, 2021, 02:31 PM

Title: Sumitting chapters to a publisher question
Post by: sami-scripter on March 28, 2021, 02:31 PM

A publisher is asking for three sample chapters. Is there a standard? Must they be the first chapters, or ones in order from anywhere in the manuscript, or even non-consecutive chapters? Is there a norm?

Title: Re: Sumitting chapters to a publisher question
Post by: Mrs. Jones on March 28, 2021, 03:57 PM

Generally it's a good idea to use the first three chapters. I once heard some good advice: If your first chapters aren't your strongest, then make them stronger. Otherwise, why are they there?

I've found that to be very true. So if you're hesitating to send your first three chapters, try to understand what the problem is. Do they really belong there? Could they be cut? Is your story beginning in the right place?

Those first three chapters are critical, and the first sign that that something is off is that you'd rather send others.

Title: Re: Sumitting chapters to a publisher question
Post by: Pons on March 28, 2021, 04:46 PM

I agree with Mrs. Jones. First three chapters. Make them as strong as possible.

Title: Re: Sumitting chapters to a publisher question
Post by: Vijaya on March 28, 2021, 05:45 PM

Definitely the first chapter. But if you're particularly fond of a later chapter, I don't see a problem submitting it as part of your packet, esp. if they've not specified. This is often true with nonfiction, but with fiction, it's best to stick to the first three chapters. Good luck!

Title: Re: Sumitting chapters to a publisher question
Post by: HaroldU on March 30, 2021, 04:28 PM

When I was working in-house, I definitely wanted and expected the first chapters or first x number of pages in this situation...