When I request a manuscript, I ask you to send it to me as an attachment.
That means you have to title it.
Here are some of the things I've seen recently in addition to the correct title and author name
final draft
(date) draft
and the one that sets my hair on fire:
First draft
When sending a manuscript to a prospective agent, don't shoot yourself in the foot.
Name the file: TITLE by author (you)
Only exception: if the requesting agent asks you to call it something else.
Bottom line: avoid using the word "DRAFT" in your file name.
Any questions?
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| Honestly, why this isn't called Agent Tears Out Her Hair, I do not know |
21 comments:
I have about twenty drafts of my manuscript in a folder devoted to that book. I could see how an over-excited author might choose the wrong draft when getting a bite from the shark. Note to self "put finalized manuscript in its own folder for full and partial requests".
Good reminder.
But...but...what if it's a historical novel set during New York's 1863 Draft Riots.
Couldn't be "The Draft"
Concerning other titles, would you write?
Mr. First Husband
Mrs. Former Wife
Ms. What am I really?
Miss Single and sad or happy and glad.
“Only exception: if the requesting agent asks you to call it something else.”
Title: First Draft
1778 to 1973 a first to final exploration regarding the historical significance of the military draft and has it ever really ended.
This is exactly why I don’t use draft #s for versions. I don’t put my name on any file names until final version, so if it has my name, it’s final. Although, final is n e v e r final.
In 1960, Tommy Mason played halfback for Tulane. His kid brother Jimmy was a numbers runner for Shark-tooth Thomson. In a back alley in South Boston a deal is brokered, Jimmy’s indiscretions are forgiven if he gets Tommy to play ball. Chosen in the first round, with the second pick, Tommy’s taken by the then Boston Patriots. When one mans word goes against a brother’s honor…The NFL, which stands for; Not For Long.
The final score is not always determined on the field.
FIRST DRAFT…out in bookstores in time for the Super Bowl.
Janet - you ought to have known there would be those who would be clever and come up with creative ways to thwart that answer.
Of course I have to offer my own First Draft story.
"I was fifteen, underage, when I first tasted that golden, crisp beverage with a slightly malty flavor after sneaking into The Player's Retreat."
Shall I go on?
NO???
So FIRST DRAUGHT is okay, then? ;)
Yup yup my most current draft is always named the title. If I start another draft, the original gets renamed "[title] draft #" AND THEN ALSO gets dragged to a subfolder called "drafts"so there's no confusion. I have another subfolder called "query package" with all my bits and pieces of copy-paste email text.
So, THIS IS THE LAST ONE, PINKY SWEAR probably isn’t what I should have sent then?
Lord preserve us an protect us
We've been drinking whiskey before breakfast
But then we stayed up all night wish'n pray'n and hop'n
I can see how it would happen, always check twice before crossing the street too.
There had never been a problem before …
Everything seemed perfect. After dinner, all the campers remained in the uninsulated mess hall for Macramé, then Song and Swaying.
No one could have foreseen it. Not this early. There was still another three weeks until the nudist camp closed for the season.
Suddenly, the sound of a roaring wind! Goosebumps! Shivering!
FIRST DRAFT
You guyz (collective noun) crack me up.
Amy Johnson ... I am dying laughing. Sounds like a great camp. Except for the nudity part.
Janet ... Are you telling me there are people out there who would send an agent a draft titled Draft, yet they were able to write a query and pages sufficiently professional and intriguing to garner a draft request?
Not sure if that is frustrating or inspiring.
Adam grinned toothlessly, perspiration glistening in the sun.
"Come on girls, it can't be that hard. Just a little walk in a field, eh?"
Daisy and Dobbin eyed the makeshift plow with suspicion. Daisy flicked her tail and lowed. Dobbin kicked.
Seth suddenly wondered why Dad hadn't volunteered to ride the plow.
FIRST DRAFT
OT: Had the baby. It's a boy!
For our latest vacation to Disneyland, we took advantage of their Fast Pass system. When I got home, I stole--sorry, borrowed--their idea for my WIP.
Now I start on my Fourth Draft. Really cuts down on the editing. And even when you screw up, the worst you can do is send an agent your Fourth Draft.
NLiu:
Really? Congratulations!!!
Jennifer Mugrage: yes really! And thanks! He is utterly tiny and adorable. (My 3yo is utterly unimpressed. Her initial reaction: "Throw him in the bin, Mummy!" I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry!)
NLui -- congratulations! Rest up and enjoy.
NLui, Congrats for the baby and the feisty 3-year-old :)
NLiu: Congratulations! What an especially special time for your family!
Jennifer Mugrage: Thanks! Glad the story worked for ya.
Thanks Beth, Cecilia, Amy. Sending you all virtual newborn cuddles!
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