Man. I can't believe how much Word blows.

However! I have a new poll:

[link]

Question: you can send out multiple queries correct? But if they ask for a book proposal (not yet), then one publisher at a time, cause evaluating a book proposal is major work for editor and publishing staff - true?

TB, yep - that's the way it works in fiction, at least.

Our basic is, initial query can be multiple, but if they want to see more or ask for an exclusive, the rules change.

This blog is mostly about fiction, but answers a ton of questions about dealing with agents (and some about publishers, too): [link] I'm not trying to sell a book, just obsessed with advice columns.

That link aalso says that synopsys in a query should be single spaced not double spaced. The refererence work I own on how to write a book proposal say everything should be double spaced, but I do see how the synopysis could be an exception. So the question is where to I go to get a really reliable guide to proper formatting for a book proposal. I gather that there is not absolute rule; that there are varietions. Still is there some way I can get less of the marketing 101 more of the basic mechanical formatting as "no more than x words" , x format. Right now I'm just doing everything double spaced 12 point Times Roman font 1 inch margins. Anything besides the synopis that should be an exception to this? Anyplace that is a good nuts and bolts source for this?

Also this articles says skip the query, go right to proposal. I'm guessing that may be one of the differences between fiction and non-fic.

I think most people you're going to submit to will have submission guidelines available, no? The real rule seems to be, follow that. And don't do anything wacko, and you should be OK. My impression is that the proposal is the query, for non-fiction.

For non-ficition the way most books suggest is a one page query letter explaining why they should look at your proposal in a few paragraphs.

Based on this you can hope for a request for a proposal that includes an extensive synopsis, sample chapters and a bunch of marketing stuff. All the reference books mention that some agents suggest skipping the query and going straight to the book proposal.

Ah, I didn't realize the proposal would be so long and detailed. I would just make sure you know what the specific agent you're going after wants.

Heh. I gave my dad the link to the GWW LJ post with my most recent entry, because I really wanted him to read it. This is what he replied with:

Sometimes the bleak lasted longer than it should have, and I got a little anxious. Sometimes hope was an awfully small candle, providing only a firefly's glow in a downpour of doubts. Sometimes I had to contemplate the risk of being the surviving half of two, providing a safe haven so the future could happen. And there were even times when self was a moment away from dissolving into tears.
But I'm the parent! She's looking to me for everything!
Quick -- think of a ring, fall through it --
(warm smile and nod)
"Everything's going to be OK, punkin, it's just going to take a little longer. Did I ever tell you about when I worked for a potato rancher in Idaho, herding the spuds to market and protecting them from rustlers carrying potato mashers? No? Well, it was like this..."

Thanks for being my kid.
Love, Dad

Your dad? Awesome. He's not looking to adopt a 33 y.o., is he?

Allergies are acting up but thanks for sharing that, Jilli.