The Key Things to Include in your Novel Submission Package

Submitting your novel to an agent can feel like navigating a maze. Knowing exactly what to include in your submission package increases your chances of catching an agent’s attention and moving closer to publication, and a well-crafted package shows professionalism and respect for the agent’s time. This post breaks down the essential components of your novel submission package: the cover letter, the synopsis, and the first chapters of your manuscript. Each part plays a unique role in convincing an agent that your novel deserves a closer look.

What your cover letter should include

The cover letter is your first impression. It’s a brief, professional introduction that should be clear and focused. Agents receive hundreds of queries, so your letter must stand out while also sticking to industry guidelines.

• Personalise your letter

Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Agent" - use their name and spell it correctly! Make reference to why you're contacting them specifically - normally this can be a reference to what they've stated they want on their agent page, but could also be something they've put on social media.

• State the meta-data

Mention the title of your novel, its genre, and word count right away. For example:

I am submitting my 85,000-word contemporary mystery novel, The Silent Hour, for your consideration. While it might not sound eye-catching, it lets the agent know you you know the genre conventions and that it's a right fit for them. This is also where to put your comparison titles - recent books that are similar to your own.

• Briefly introduce your novel

Short paragraph hook that captures the essence of your story. Not as short as a blurb, but something that will convey the central story to the agent. This is not the synopsis but a teaser that highlights the unique angle or conflict.

• Author biography

If you have writing credits, awards, or relevant experience, include them succinctly. If you don’t, include a bit about yourself and use this as a chance to show your personality a bit. You could also highlight something that makes you particularly able to tell this story, for example if you're a lawyer writing a legal drama.

• Thank the agent for their time

A polite closing shows professionalism.

Keep the letter short - 250 to 350 words is plenty.

How to write a strong synopsis

The synopsis is a summary of your novel’s plot, characters, and main conflicts. It shows the agent you understand your story’s structure and can communicate it clearly.

• Keep it concise

Most agents want a synopsis between 500 and 800 words. Check submission guidelines carefully.

• Cover the entire story arc

Include the beginning, major turning points, climax, and resolution. This is the place for spoilers!

• Focus on main characters and conflicts

Avoid subplots unless they are crucial to the main story, and don't include the names of too many characters.

• Use clear, straightforward language

Avoid flowery prose or excessive detail. The goal is clarity.

• Showcase your novel’s tone

If your book is humorous, let some humour come through. If it’s suspenseful, keep the synopsis tight and tense.

What your first chapters should accomplish

The first pages of your manuscript are your chance to hook the agent with your writing style and story voice. These pages often determine whether the agent will request the full manuscript. Make sure you follow the submission guidelines for what exactly the agent wants - it can vary from word count (e.g. 10,000), page count (e.g. 50) or number of chapters (e.g. three) , or be flexible. Focus especially on the first page - many agents can tell if they want the novel just from the first paragraph!

• Start with a strong opening

Begin with action, dialogue, or a compelling scene that raises questions. Avoid long backstory dumps or cliches like waking up.

• Introduce your main character quickly

Readers should know who the story is about and what’s at stake early on.

• Set the tone and mood

Whether your novel is dark, lighthearted, or suspenseful, the first pages should reflect that. If it's historical fiction you need to make sure that's clear straight away.

• Show, don’t tell

Use vivid details and active scenes rather than exposition.

• Keep formatting clean and professional

Use standard manuscript format: double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman or similar font, 1-inch margins - but also check submission guidelines as this may vary.

• Proofread carefully

Typos and grammatical errors can turn agents away immediately.

Final tips for a polished submission package

• Follow submission guidelines exactly

Every agent has specific requirements. Ignoring them can get your query rejected before it’s read.

• Use a professional email subject line

Include the word “Query” and your novel’s title, e.g., Query: The Silent Hour by Jane Doe.

• Keep your tone professional but engaging

Show enthusiasm for your novel without sounding desperate.

• Save files with clear names

Use your novel’s title and your name, e.g., SilentHour_JaneDoe_Synopsis.docx.