Resource-The elements of a good fiction pitch - Query letter, synopsis, manuscript, marketing plan

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket

A practical guide to crafting an effective fiction pitch for publishers, covering the full submission package end to end. It explains how to research the right contact and write a query letter with clear book details, author background, and fit for the press, including notes for simultaneous submissions. It then outlines how to write a concise third-person synopsis with a complete arc, format manuscript samples to publisher specifications, revise the requested pages for impact, and build a marketing plan by identifying audience, leveraging credible connections, and promoting responsibly.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Query Letter

Synopsis

Manuscript

Marketing Plan

1. Query Letter When pitching a fiction manuscript to a publishing, your first task is research: familiarize yourself with the publisher’s website, beginning with determining who you should address your query letter to. If someone’s title or pronouns are not expressly declared on a website or social media, open the letter with their full name (e.g.,“Dear Sam Gallant”) rather than a potentially incorrect “Mr.” or “Ms.” In the letter itself, include one paragraph that describes your book (include title, genre, and word count), one paragraph that describes you (your background, previous publishing credits, why you wrote the book), and one paragraph that describes why you think this publisher would be a good fit for your work. If this is a simultaneous submission, the query letter is the place to let them know this and that you will notify them if the book receives another offer. As with all of these submission elements, there are many resources and sample query letters you can find online. Just be sure that you personalize each pitch according to each publisher’s stated specifications, which will be clearly outlined on their website. 2. Synopsis A synopsis should be brief (about a page), set up the book’s premise, introduce the important characters, and clearly outline the protagonist’s growth arc. Be sure to explain the beginning, middle, and end of the book. Now is not the time for cliff-hangers. Focus on big brush strokes: what is the major conflict, who are the important players, how does the conflict resolve? No need to mention the mailman that shows up on page 94 for one paragraph and never appears again, or the protagonist’s emotional support cat who doesn’t really have anything to do with the plot. And stick to an objective, third-person description—don’t write your synopsis in the voice of a character. You’re simply boiling down your story to a one-page pitch, so make every word count and focus on using clear, concise language. 3. Manuscript Make sure to note what length and type of manuscript sample the publisher is looking for. Do they want to see your entire book? The first fifty pages? Any fifteen? Be sure to format your submission to their exact specifications if they ask for a particular font, margins, or spacing. Don’t assume your work is “so good” they won’t care that you haven’t followed their instructions. This goes for your entire submission package. Attention to detail shows that you are someone who a publisher can work with, who will listen to edits, and who will act professionally. A properly formatted submission will stand out simply because many authors don’t take the time to do this. Give the publisher no reason to toss your submission on a technicality, but use your attention to detail to guide them to the work itself. Rework the first fifty pages of your sample to ensure they don’t lack oomph or character development. Don’t try to explain away a slow start in the notes by promising the publisher a more interesting chapter five. If they’ve asked for a first chapter, that’s what they want to see, so make it sizzle. If they simply ask for 5,000 words or fifteen pages, you can mix and match from different sections of the book to give them an idea of character development or style. In this case, just consider how the various scenes fit together and make sure you’re sending them a manuscript sample that follows the length guidelines exactly. 4. Marketing Plan While not all publishers require a marketing plan with your pitch, it is increasingly common. This is perhaps the most daunting element for many writers. After all, most of us aren’t PR professionals or marketing directors. We just want to write and leave the book promotion to the publisher! As nervous as you might be, know that a marketing plan is also a tremendous opportunity for you to show that you have knowledge of the publishing industry and would be an asset to the book’s promotion rather than a liability. First things

FAQs

What should a fiction query letter include?

Address the correct person, include a paragraph describing the book (title, genre, word count), a paragraph describing the author (background and credits), and a paragraph explaining why the publisher is a fit. If submitting simultaneously, mention it and state you will notify them about other offers.

How long should a synopsis be and what must it cover?

Keep the synopsis brief (about a page). Set up the premise, introduce important characters, and clearly outline the protagonist’s growth arc by explaining the beginning, middle, and end without cliff-hangers.

How should you format and revise a manuscript submission?

Follow the publisher’s exact specifications for sample type, length, and formatting (font, margins, spacing). Rework the requested pages to ensure strong character development and avoid promising different future chapters instead of delivering the requested material.

When do you need a marketing plan and what should it address?

Some publishers increasingly expect a marketing plan, and it helps demonstrate knowledge of the industry. Identify the target audience, reference relevant comparisons from the publisher’s catalog, leverage allowed connections, outline your own promotion ideas, and ensure your online presence is professional.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket