Can you send in a sample of your book to a publisher BEFORE its actually finished?

Question

I know the whole process takes ages, with many rejections.

This being the case can I get away with sending in the synopsis and three sample chapters (which is what is usually asked for) if the rest of the book is unfinished?

I've written 25,000 words so far and it will end up being around 100,000, rather than wait around can I get away with sending the final draft in now? How will the publisher react if they show interest but then I tell them its not finished? Wouls they take it as a plus as they could say what they would hope to see or would they get funny and refuse to look at it when it was eventually finished?

Answer 1

Most publishers I have found want first time authors to have completed the manuscript. They really have no reason to trust your word that you'll finish it, and don't have time to waste on the possibility of something they're pushing not coming to fruition. Especially only having 25% of it done. Perhaps if it was over 90% done and you know you work well, it would be worth it to send the query letters given the time it takes to get responses.



These other answerers didn't quite understand your question. I know you're not asking about *sending* the whole book, but it should be mostly finished for the reasons I already gave.

Answer 2

David,



What you do is get yourself a copy of Writer's Market 2008. If you haven't finished your manuscript, you will write a book proposal to the literary agent you decide to go with. You'll need to get a few books from the library on how to write query letters and book proposals.



These letters need to be error free. If not, you'll end up being rejected before you even get started. They feel, if you can't write a simple letter, how can you write a novel. Don't take that as a remark directed at you, it's not. It's just the plain and simple facts of writing.



In your book proposal, you'll give them a synopsis of your story and how far into it you are. Also, how long it will take you to finish. (what I call a guesstimate)



You never send anything directly to a publisher unless you find one who does accept manuscripts. If a literary agent is interested in your proposal they will let you know. Also, make sure you include an SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) with your letter if it's going snail mail. They will not return anything back to you without it.



In some cases, Writer's Market will show that some agents do accept proposals and queries via email. Even so, your letter goes in the body of the email and is formatted exactly like an actual letter.



Get those books, David. Do it right and give yourself a better chance at getting your best foot forward.



Best of luck!

Answer 3

You should actually finish the book before even beginning the submissions process. You can't promise a manuscript to a publisher if you don't have a completed manuscript to deliver. You'll most likely be asked for the first three chapters, and they can tell from those three chapters whether or not they would like to read more of your work. When, and if, they do ask for it, you'll be ready. Editors will not wait for you to finish, no matter how good your work is. If you can't make a commitment to complete your book, it's rather telling of how you may be with other commitments (author tours, meeting due dates for editorial reviews, etc.).



And, honestly, if you really wanted to be published, you'd throw yourself into it and finish the book. To an editor, if you can't do that, you must not want it badly enough.

Answer 4

It's perfectly alright to send a synopsis and smaple chapeters of a book to a publisher before it is finished, although many people prefer to go to an agent rather than straight to publishers (many will only accept work sent through an agent nowadays)



Mention, of course, that it isn't finished, but if they like what they read (and even if it's finished you'll only be sending a synopsis and sample chapters) they will probably ask you to finish it before going any further.



if they don't like it (and rejection is fairly common in this industry) then at least you can be still writing while you send it on to someone else. Rather than sitting on your thumbs.



Hope this helped. Good luck!

Answer 5

Yes. Remember the Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Luard? He not only got a publishing contract but sold the film rights to Robert Redford before he'd actually finished writing the book.



Not that this will work for everyone, of course.



But don't send your stuff to a publisher; try to get an agent interested instead.

Answer 6

No publisher would ever want to get the full book. There is no way they would have the time to sit down and read it! What you need to do is send in the first few chapters with a synopsis of the way the book pans out and an outline of the characters and any twists the book has, also how it ends.

If you send a publisher a full book they will reject it out of hand!

Also, this way the publisher can never be accused of stealing your book, and if he steals your ideas you have proof in the copy of the synopsis you sent!

Answer 7

Actually, they only want rough drafts. If you send them the finished book, it'll end up on someone's desk (or in the trash) for ages left unread. They're very busy people that get hundreds of books a week with very little time to go through the "big" ones You want them to WANT to notice yours, be different from the bunch, keep your draft short and to the point.

If you google things like "process of publishing a book" (or anything similar) you'll get a great amount of 'how to's and what to do's'....And rough drafts, are very important.

Besides, sending a finished unpublished story, leaves dangerously wide open doors for other writers to steal your work.



good luck, congrats on your ackomplishment.

Answer 8

that's best to discover an agent to positioned up the incomplete manuscript to a writer. If the editor likes what's you have examine, you will get fortunate sufficient to get a publishing deal, and then artwork with an editor for the duration of the writing.

Answer 9

Not recommended.

Most publishers speed read the copy and will not want to be left in suspense with an unfinished story. He/she probably has hundreds to read and won't bother with half finished manuscripts.

Answer 10

Often publishers will ask for sample of your work before considering it,but,unless this specified,send the full manuscript.Find out if they want a query letter as well,but don't send one if it's nor specifically asked for. I know,I know,it sounds so anal,but that's what they want

Answer 11

100,000 is really long... send em a few chapters and work with an editor (if it's even accepted) on the final length.

Answer 12

Definitely, yes. Publishers prefer you not to have written the whole book. They certainly will not read it...

Answer 13

yes of course if the publisher likes what he see's so far he will sign you up

Answer 14

I wouldn't recommend it. It is always best to go through an agent.

Answer 15

u should just finish it first!

Answer 16

I think you can, there's no harm in trying though!

Answer 17

i dont think so.... mayb.... check it out