13 Comments
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Dan Croutch's avatar

So no ending spoilers in query letter synopsis to Mr. Ivan. Is this a common sentiment among agents? If so, whoops!

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TheLunaGrove's avatar

I wonder what you thought of an author who was simultaneously writing and adapting their draft chapters into an audio-play?

https://thelunagrove.substack.com/p/from-the-stars-chapter-3-electrostatic

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Saving Sylvia Plath's avatar

Interesting. I'm trying to work out how this relates to your 200 word synopsis request for submissions. Does your preference not to know the endings mean you want a synopsis less like a list of events and more an over arching impression?

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Lucy's avatar

Now this is interesting- as far as I’m aware most UK literary agents insist on a synopsis complete with spoiler! That makes you something of a rarity-but you know that already:-) So question for you, how does an author navigate that thorny issue?

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Helena's avatar

Would you consider reading my work if it's 5 chapters out of 20? There would be no end spoilers definitely:)

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Joyce Reynolds-Ward's avatar

Thanks. And…useful, even though I’m selfpub and unlikely to change that status.

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Lorna French's avatar

That’s because it’s the name of a famous playwright. Sadly I am not she! 😂 tho I do have an author name of Bella Frances for when I wrote Mills and Boon. I would love to come up with a wonderful collection of syllables to grace a cover. Is there story to your name? I do love it.

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Colin Macleod's avatar

Brilliant. I started out writing in advertising. The last line should always connect to the headline. My hope is that my reader finishes the last page then goes straight back to the prologue. The clues are in there. Kinda like the first kiss.

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Lucy's avatar

Summed up brilliantly 👍

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Posy Churchgate's avatar

That has made me sit back and think - thanks for this perspective

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Literary Agent Helps Writers's avatar

Thank you Posy. Comments like these are disproportionately encouraging. Ivan

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Apr 3
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Lorna French's avatar

If buy a book on the basis of your name Ramona Moth!

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