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How to Perfect Your Submission: The Agent Query Process Explained
ESSENTIAL READING FOR AUTHORS SUBMITTING THEIR BOOKS TO AGENTS OR PUBLISHERS
'If I could give you one bit of advice, it’d be to shut up and listen to everything he has to say.’ Caimh McDonnell, bestselling author of The Dublin Trilogy
Publishing veteran Scott Pack offers sensible, practical advice on how to create the perfect submission. Based in on his sell-out Guardian Masterclasses, this short guide provides aspiring authors with the tools they need to avoid the classic mistakes made by so many, and to ensure they give their work the best chance possible of being read, considered and published.
Covering all aspects of the submission process,
How to identify the best places to submit your workWriting the ideal query letter (including a template you can copy and use)Perfecting your pitchCreating an effective synopsisThe differences between submitting fiction and non-fictionStrategies for submission
THIS BOOK CONTAINS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR SUBMISSION RIGHT
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THIS BOOK IS INCLUDED AS A CHAPTER IN TIPS FROM A PUBLISHER, AVAILABLE SEPARATELY ON AMAZON.)
‘Scott knows the publishing industry inside-out and whenever I work with him, I know my authors are in good hands.’ Charlotte Seymour, literary agent
‘Scott has championed me from the very start of my self-published writing career. In 2011 he quoted that I was as good, if not better, than any traditionally published romcom author. As I sit at #1 in the Kindle bestselling chart, I guess he knows what he’s talking about.’ Nicola May, No1 best-selling author of The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay
‘Few people in the publishing world can claim to have such wide and varied knowledge and experience of so many aspects of the industry. As a publisher, bookseller, author and speaker (not necessarily in that order), Scott not only has the breadth and depth of experience to impart but he does so forthrightly and with great humour. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to give me advice, he really knows his stuff!’ Valerie Brandes, founder, Jacaranda Books
‘Scott has unrivalled experience as a book buyer, editor and publisher; he’s seen and done it all from across the business. If you want to know about any aspect of the book world, what he says really does matter and will make a huge difference.’ Michael Bhaskar, co-founder and publishing director, Canelo
‘Scott is a rare beast who combines pragmatic commerciality with creative flair and sensitivity, all wrapped in a no BS, tell-it-how-it-is persona. His short cuts on how to win are invaluable guides not only on how to get published but also how to sell books. Unfortunately if he thinks your magnum opus is crap he will happily tell you so.’ David Roche, former Chief Executive, Borders UK & Ireland
‘Not only is Scott Pack the best editor I’ve worked with, but as a publisher, he’s erudite, passionate and creative – must-have qualities every successful publisher should combine.’ Ray Robinson, author of Electricity and The Mating Habits of Stags
'If I could give you one bit of advice, it’d be to shut up and listen to everything he has to say.’ Caimh McDonnell, bestselling author of The Dublin Trilogy
Publishing veteran Scott Pack offers sensible, practical advice on how to create the perfect submission. Based in on his sell-out Guardian Masterclasses, this short guide provides aspiring authors with the tools they need to avoid the classic mistakes made by so many, and to ensure they give their work the best chance possible of being read, considered and published.
Covering all aspects of the submission process,
How to identify the best places to submit your workWriting the ideal query letter (including a template you can copy and use)Perfecting your pitchCreating an effective synopsisThe differences between submitting fiction and non-fictionStrategies for submission
THIS BOOK CONTAINS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR SUBMISSION RIGHT
(PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONTENT OF THIS BOOK IS INCLUDED AS A CHAPTER IN TIPS FROM A PUBLISHER, AVAILABLE SEPARATELY ON AMAZON.)
‘Scott knows the publishing industry inside-out and whenever I work with him, I know my authors are in good hands.’ Charlotte Seymour, literary agent
‘Scott has championed me from the very start of my self-published writing career. In 2011 he quoted that I was as good, if not better, than any traditionally published romcom author. As I sit at #1 in the Kindle bestselling chart, I guess he knows what he’s talking about.’ Nicola May, No1 best-selling author of The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay
‘Few people in the publishing world can claim to have such wide and varied knowledge and experience of so many aspects of the industry. As a publisher, bookseller, author and speaker (not necessarily in that order), Scott not only has the breadth and depth of experience to impart but he does so forthrightly and with great humour. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to give me advice, he really knows his stuff!’ Valerie Brandes, founder, Jacaranda Books
‘Scott has unrivalled experience as a book buyer, editor and publisher; he’s seen and done it all from across the business. If you want to know about any aspect of the book world, what he says really does matter and will make a huge difference.’ Michael Bhaskar, co-founder and publishing director, Canelo
‘Scott is a rare beast who combines pragmatic commerciality with creative flair and sensitivity, all wrapped in a no BS, tell-it-how-it-is persona. His short cuts on how to win are invaluable guides not only on how to get published but also how to sell books. Unfortunately if he thinks your magnum opus is crap he will happily tell you so.’ David Roche, former Chief Executive, Borders UK & Ireland
‘Not only is Scott Pack the best editor I’ve worked with, but as a publisher, he’s erudite, passionate and creative – must-have qualities every successful publisher should combine.’ Ray Robinson, author of Electricity and The Mating Habits of Stags
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Published March 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 10, 2020
This is the honest advice your best friend would give you if they were in publishing
I have been a freelance “writer for hire” for 50 years and there isn’t a single bit of advice in this book I would disagree with. Scott Pack knows exactly what he is talking about and tells it exactly as it is.
I have been a freelance “writer for hire” for 50 years and there isn’t a single bit of advice in this book I would disagree with. Scott Pack knows exactly what he is talking about and tells it exactly as it is.
September 17, 2017
Surprisingly funny.
January 13, 2020
A very handy little guide to submitting a pitch to a publisher - this book doesn't just apply to books, it can cover articles, essays, even a thesis or dissertation.
Pack offers practical solutions and valuable insights from his years in the publishing industry. I still use it as a point of reference after several years contributing (and yes, being rejected by) various publications.
Pack offers practical solutions and valuable insights from his years in the publishing industry. I still use it as a point of reference after several years contributing (and yes, being rejected by) various publications.
September 23, 2017
A quick concise read that every author seeking agent representation or a publisher should read. Scott Pack provides clear guidance with humour, making it an easy read. I will be recommending it to those I know starting this process.
September 15, 2019
A quick concise read that every author seeking agent representation or a publisher should read. Scott Pack provides clear guidance with humour, making it an easy read. I will be recommending it to those I know starting this process.
November 26, 2019
Excellent
I enjoyed Scott’s guide to perfecting your submission. I’ve reached that point on my first book, so it gave me some sound advice on what to avoid and a heads up on the next steps of the publishing process
I enjoyed Scott’s guide to perfecting your submission. I’ve reached that point on my first book, so it gave me some sound advice on what to avoid and a heads up on the next steps of the publishing process
December 31, 2020
A great stand alone guide to manuscript submission. However, I would actually suggest reading Scott's book "Tips From A Publisher" as it, essentially, contains this book within it, and a whole lot more.
September 6, 2025
A must-read if you want to begin the process of publishing your book.
March 6, 2017
Helpful, succinct and practical.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews