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Manuscript Submission Checklist.

Run this before every submission, not just the first one. Formatting mistakes and missed guidelines are the easiest reasons for a pass.

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1. Formatting essentials

Industry standard, unless an agent's guidelines say otherwise.

12pt standard serif font
Times New Roman or similar. No decorative fonts. Double-spaced throughout 1-inch margins on all sides Header with surname, title, and page number First-line indents, no extra space between paragraphs New chapters start on a new page No colour, images, or decorative formatting in the file

2. Submission package

Query letter written and tailored to this agent Synopsis prepared at the length this agent asks for Sample pages or chapters match this agent's exact spec Author bio finalised Comp titles chosen
Recent (last two to five years), same genre, same age category.

Writing Desk tip Keep each agent's guidelines and your submission tracker in the Reference Folder, right alongside the manuscript they belong to, so nothing gets checked against the wrong requirements.

3. Research and tracking

This agent's submission guidelines re-read immediately before sending
Guidelines change. Don't rely on what you read last month. Agent represents this genre and is currently open to submissions One genuine, personalised line included in the query Submission tracker updated
Agent name, date sent, materials requested, and their required response time. Simultaneous submission policy checked
If you're querying more than one agent at once.

4. Final check before you hit send

Manuscript file named exactly as the agent requests Correct attachments included, nothing extra Email subject line matches the agent's required format Query letter proofread separately from the manuscript Sent, logged, and you've moved on to the next agent

Manuscript Submission Checklist.

1. Formatting essentials

2. Submission package

3. Research and tracking

4. Final check before you hit send

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