You’ve poured heart, soul and probably several litres of coffee into your manuscript. Now comes the next step: preparing it for submission to literary agents. But if the thought of querying makes you break into a cold sweat … don’t worry! This practical guide will help your work rise to the top of an agent’s to-be-read pile.

Why Manuscript Preparation Matters

Literary agents receive hundreds of submissions every week. And before an agent even gets to your (brilliantly) twisted plot or dazzling dialogue, your manuscript might already be headed for the reject pile. Why? Sloppy presentation.

Presentation may not be glamorous, but it matters. Think of it as dressing your manuscript for a job interview. It needs to look sharp if you want it to get noticed.

Understanding Literary Agent Expectations

Professional Standards in the Industry

Literary agents look for manuscripts that meet industry standards. These rules might seem fussy, but there is a reason they exist. They help agents read, assess and ultimately pitch your work to publishers with ease. If you’ve come this far, why fail to draw the sword from the stone (or representation from an agent) over something as fixable as following standards?

Key Expectations Include:

• Clean, consistent formatting

• Error-free text

• Appropriate length for your genre

• Compelling opening pages

• Complete narrative arc

Researching Agent Requirements

Before submitting, take the time to research each agent’s specific requirements. They often differ from one another. Most agencies outline their submission guidelines clearly on their websites. Some common variations include:

• File format preferences (DOC vs. PDF)

• Synopsis length

• Sample chapter requirements

• Query letter specifications

• Additional materials (author bio, marketing plan)

Create a spreadsheet to track different agents' requirements to ensure you're customizing each submission appropriately.

Manuscript Formatting Essentials

Basic Formatting Guidelines

Before your manuscript sizzles with subtext, it needs to look the part. First impressions count. And yes, agents do judge a book by its spacing. Your manuscript should follow these standard formatting guidelines:

• Document Format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) unless otherwise specified

• Font: 12-point Times New Roman or similar serif font

• Spacing: Double-spaced

• Margins: 1-inch on all sides

• Page Numbers: In header or footer, including your last name (e.g., "Smith 1")

• Chapter Headings: Start new chapters on new pages, centered or left-aligned

• Paragraph Indentation: 0.5 inches for first line of each paragraph

• No Fancy Formatting: Avoid colored text, decorative fonts, or images
  

Title Page Requirements

Your manuscript’s title page doesn’t need to impress anyone with design flair. It just needs to say, “Here I am, and here’s who wrote me.” Your title page should include:

• Your complete manuscript title (centered, in all caps)

• "By [Your Full Name]" (centered)

• Word count (rounded to nearest thousand)

• Your contact information (lower right)

Headers and Footers

A clear header ensures your name stays attached to your work, one numbered page at a time. Headers should include your last name, a shortened title, and page number. For example: "SMITH / MIDNIGHT JOURNEY / 1"

Content Polishing

Structural Editing Checklist

Before your manuscript struts off to meet an agent, make sure it’s not trailing plot holes or wobbling on uneven pacing. Ensure your work is structurally sound:

• Plot: Does your story have a clear beginning, middle, and end?

• Character Development: Are your characters consistent and well-developed?

• Pacing: Does the story move at an appropriate pace?

• Point of View: Is your POV consistent and effective?

• Show vs. Tell: Have you shown rather than told where appropriate?

• Dialogue: Is your dialogue natural and purposeful?
  

Line-Level Editing Focus Areas

Structural edits build the house. Line edits fluff the cushions, hang the curtains and get rid of that weird stain on the rug. Here’s how to get your prose in top shape:

• Grammar and Punctuation: Ensure correct usage throughout

• Sentence Structure: Vary sentence length and structure

• Word Choice: Replace weak words with stronger alternatives

• Passive Voice: Convert to active voice where appropriate

• Adverbs: Reduce unnecessary adverbs

• Clichés: Replace with original language

• Repetition: Eliminate redundant words and phrases

How AI Can Enhance Your Editing

AI editing tools like Editrix can significantly improve your manuscript's quality by:

• Identifying structural inconsistencies

• Highlighting grammar and punctuation errors

• Suggesting stronger word choices

• Detecting POV shifts and tense inconsistencies

• Analyzing pacing problems

• Providing objective feedback on common writing issues

Editrix combines human editorial expertise with AI efficiency, making it particularly valuable for writers preparing submissions for literary agents. The platform's specialized prompt library specifically addresses issues that literary agents commonly flag in submissions.

Creating Supporting Materials

Writing an Effective Query Letter

Writing a novel is hard. Summing it up in one page? Somehow harder. But with the right structure, your query letter can spark interest in an agent! Your query letter should be no more than one page and include:

1. Introduction: Hook, title, word count, genre, and comparison titles

2. Synopsis: Brief 1-2 paragraph summary of your book

3. Bio: Relevant writing credentials and personal information

4. Thank You: Express appreciation for their consideration

Sample structure:

Dear [Agent Name],

[Personalized opening showing you've researched them]

[Hook sentence that captures your book's essence]

[Brief synopsis]

[Your relevant writing background]

[Thank you and closing]

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Crafting a Compelling Synopsis

Summarizing your entire novel in two pages might feel cruel, but it’s a rite of passage. And remember, agents actually read it. Your synopsis should:

• Be 1-2 pages (unless otherwise specified)

• Summarize the entire plot, including the ending

• Focus on the main characters and storylines

• Maintain your unique voice

• Be written in present tense

• Highlight the stakes and conflict

Author Bio Essentials

This is your moment to say, “Here’s who I am, and why I know what I’m doing.” No need for your life story, though. Your author bio should:

• Be written in third person

• Highlight relevant writing experience

• Mention relevant education or expertise

• Include platform information (social media following, website)

• Be brief (1-2 paragraphs)

• Show your personality

Submission Process Best Practices

Tracking Your Submissions

Submitting to agents? Great. Forgetting who you sent what to? Not so great. Create a detailed submission tracking system that includes:

• Agent/agency name

• Date submitted

• Materials submitted

• Response timeframe

• Response received

• Notes for follow-up

Handling Rejections Constructively

Rejection stings, but it’s also part of the game. Even the greats got told “no” more than once. When you receive rejections:

• Note any personalized feedback

• Look for patterns in rejections

• Revise your materials if needed

• Continue researching new agents

• Maintain a professional attitude

Following Up Appropriately

It’s natural to want updates, but agents don’t love being chased. A well-timed, polite follow-up is the way to go. If you haven't heard back:

• Check the agent's stated response time

• Wait an additional 2-4 weeks

• Send a polite follow-up email

• Mention the original submission date

• Keep it brief and professional
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Content Issues That Trigger Rejections

Agents are quick to pass when they see certain red flags, especially in the opening chapters. These content issues often trigger immediate rejections:

• Opening with a dream sequence

• Clichéd openings where characters wake up, clear their throats, stare at the ceiling or, worse, look into the mirror

• Excessive backstory in opening chapters

• Passive protagonist

• Unresolved plot threads

• Head-hopping: This happens when your story can’t decide whose perspective the reader should follow. One moment we’re deep in Sarah’s heartbreak, the next we’re inside Tom’s head wondering what’s for lunch. Stick to one perspective at a time. Remember, you can have chapters written from perspectives of different characters in a book. Just make sure your readers know who they should be following.
  

Submission Etiquette Mistakes

You might have the next bestseller, but bad querying behavior can shut doors fast. Avoid these submission etiquette mistakes:

• Asking for a quick call: Agents won’t hop on a call with you unless they’re convinced about representing your writing. Also, if you can’t win them over with your words on the page, what chance do you have over the phone?

• Sending to multiple agents at the same agency

• Ignoring submission guidelines

• Submitting incomplete manuscripts

• Following up too frequently or too soon

• Responding negatively to rejection

• Addressing queries to "Dear Agent" rather than by name

Conclusion: Your Submission Journey

Getting your manuscript ready for literary agents takes patience, research and a sharp eye for detail. By following industry standards and tailoring each submission to the agent’s guidelines, you give your work a far better shot at standing out in the slush pile.

Remember that Editrix streamline this process, providing you with professional-level editing that addresses the specific issues literary agents look for when evaluating manuscripts. With its AI-powered tools designed by publishing industry professionals, Editrix can help you polish your manuscript to meet the high standards literary agents expect.

The road to publication starts with a strong, well-prepared submission. Put in the time to get it right, and you’ll be one step closer to seeing your book on the shelves.