WHen is it time to query?

on June 8 2007

I was advuised as follows

You should have a synopsis of the whole of the book and a sample of the writing that is as polished as you can make it, and typed font 12 double spaced. The first chapter is usual. Make sure you put as much work into the synopsis as you do to the rest. If you can, find out local house rules about presentation and of course about the sort of work they usually promote. You will get well used to recieving rejection letters. Sometimes you'll be lucky enough to get a bit of feedback too, but neither expect nor request this.

As to who to approach - its a chicken and egg thing. Most publishers get vast quantities of unsolicited work so if you send it to a publisher it could be MONTHS before you hear from them, if ever. On the other  hand work submitted by an agent will be read sooner (and they will probably negotiate a better price that you could yourself too) so maybe you should submit to an agent? The problem is that agents are more likely to take on previously published novelists. Not many unknowns get an agent before publisher. So maybe you should find a publisher first?

The best suggestion I have is pull all the strings you can. If you know someone who knows someone and you have a good relationship then see if they can put in a word for you. But that takes you back to the beginning - make sure your work is as polished as you can make it or they won't help you again and you could destroy a perfectly good frienship