In your proposal, send a cover letter, a synopsis and a sample of your manuscript/complete manuscript depending on the length (see Submission Guidelines).

The cover letter
The cover letter is our first sample/example of your writing skills—make it count! It should be professional and informative.

• try to keep your letter to one page (one and a half maximum)
  
• use format and layout for a professional letter
  
• use plain font, size 12, single spacing (for presentation reasons use the same font for all aspects of your submission)
  
• very briefly introduce yourself
  
• describe your work in two/three sentences
  
• state genre and audience you are aiming at
  
• where applicable, name book titles similar to your own (three maximum) and/or explain how your manuscript differs from similar works on the market
  
• let the agency know if you have submitted your manuscript anywhere else
  
• proofread your letter, if you are not good at proofreading, have someone else help you

The manuscript
Follow the submission guidelines as closely as possible. Black print on white paper, double spaced, make sure each page is numbered etc. (Refer to Submission Guidelines for Freestyle LA.)

Send by regular mail or express post; don’t make us sign for the parcel.

Do not send original; send a copy.

Attachments
include a synopsis of the complete book—about one page in length*
if you are submitting non-fiction, include a chapter outline—keep it brief and manageable
include publishing history and/or experience relevant to your writing

(We do not ask for chapter summaries at this stage. If chapter summaries are ever requested, write three to four sentences per chapter.)

Synopsis

A synopsis is an over-view of your entire manuscript/novel. A great synopsis is imperative in today’s market as it is a selling tool. Do not discount the importance of the synopsis.
Format

• write your synopsis in the same format used for the manuscript
  put a header on each page with your book title in the upper left corner, your last name (or pseudonym) and page number in the right corner
  
• centre the title of your novel at the top of the first page; below that, centre the word ‘synopsis’
  
• write your synopsis using black print on white paper, plain font, size 12, with double spacing for ease of reading. (There is no general agreement with regard to single or double spacing for the synopsis. Freestyle LA asks for double spacing for ease of reading and proofreading/editing, if required.)
  
• do not include word count, genre information etc., that information is placed elsewhere in your submission.

• your synopsis should be written in the third person, present tense, using the same voice and writing style as your manuscript: all synopses are written in the omniscient present tense.
  
• it should be seen as something like a short story, not just a summary.
  
• as a writer, you give thoughtful consideration to your first sentence and paragraph in your manuscript/novel, so too must you give careful thought to the first sentence and paragraph in your synopsis. The opening of your synopsis must ‘hook’ the reader and ensure that s/he continues to read your story. (You did this for your manuscript so don’t forget to do this for the synopsis.)
  
• it provides a thematic overview by introducing your characters, explaining the main plot (and major subplot) and resolution logically, concisely and in chronological order
  
• it details the struggle with specific examples of the protagonist’s efforts and the antagonist’s counter-measures
  
• it should describe the final crisis, how the protagonist succeeds/fails in relation to the story goal, what is the state of the world for the protagonist after the climax, does (s)he resolve to change as a result? (What is the point of the novel?)

On reading the above you may shake your head and wonder how in the world you will manage this in about two pages (double spaced). It can be done!

You may complete this task almost at first go! You may start of with a much longer version and then edit it down or you may start off with a couple of paragraphs and then add. Try both approaches if you are having some difficulty completing this aspect of your submission.

Your style of writing will strongly influence the synopsis; however, the above offers critical guidelines. We hope they help! (You may contact us for additional information.)

Address correspondence to:

Freestyle Literary Agency
P O Box 580
Launceston Business Centre
Tasmania 7250