Susan, just to chime as someone who used to read synopses daily, when I was acquiring, I was always happy with double-spaced. Unless, like Deb said, it's a one- or possibly two-page thing, double-spaced is really going to save an editor's eyes.

But then I was also never one to quibble about format, unless a manuscript came in single-spaced, or in some really weird font.

Aaaand, AmyLiz nails it. My computer actually defaults to MS settings in Word. So with synopses - and I do stress, all of mine are the kind you could put on a book jacket, because I don't think a synopsis and a book summary are the same thing, and it sounds as if what they're asking for is more of a summary - I actually have to remember to change from double to 1.5, and not to indent paragraphs, the way I do in novel or short story format.

I've already marked this series of posts, just in case I ever kick my terrified muse in the head and make her finish that original novel.

Deb, did you see my post in Books the other day? I'm printing out chunks of Matty now because it's taking so long with the baby to read on-screen, but I will have comments soon, I promise!

After I read AmyLiz's post, I did a little research. It looks like short synopses are single-spaced, but longer ones like this contest requires are double.

So, must now write the thing around Annabel's naps. I'm entering two contests through Romance Writers of America chapters where the judges for finalists in the historical category are editors from houses that'd be decent fits for my book. I figure I have nothing to lose. Judging is anonymous, so I'm not going to give myself a bad name with anyone I'd like to impress. If I make the finals, my work gets read by someone with the power to buy it. And if I don't, at least I'll get some feedback from the first-round judges.

After that, I'm going to send out some query packages for Lucy (the first novel) to some likely-looking agents. And then, it's back to work on Anna (the new novel).

Amy, I've been gone (DC, NY, and from later today until Monday I'm at BayCon), so I've been skimming and skipping - very spotty compurter access.

'tis all cool.

You're not entering the Golden Heart, Susan? You should -- just based on your posts here, I'm positive you've written a lovely Regency. That's why I loved so many of my Regency authors -- they're smart, well-read, and generally some of the nicest authors going.

Don't forget, I'd love to beta anything -- as someone who used to buy Regencies, and love the genre, I know what they're looking for. And I know two people who are buying Regencies at one of the last houses that still publishes them.

Unless I've gotten this all wrong, and this is a Regency-set historical, with sex scenes. Although, scratch that, 'cause I still know people who buy those at the house where I used to work (which is the same as the publisher in the above paragraph).

Lunchtime for Sara. Back later.

I'm too late for the 2004 Golden Heart, but I'm planning to enter next year. Unless, of course (she says hopefully), I've sold the novel by then and am therefore ineligible!

I'm writing Regency-set historicals, though with something of a traditional Regency/historical novel feel, if that makes any sense. I'm trying hard for historical accuracy, and a tone and voice that fits the era.

Thanks so much for the offer to beta! I don't suppose you'd be willing to look over my opening chapter and synopsis as soon as I have it ready?

Susan, I'll keep fingers crossed for the ineligibility.

And certainly, I'd be happy to look at the opening chapter and synopsis. Is that all the contest requires? Away all weekend starting tomorrow, but the profile address is good...and I just remembered you haven't written the synopsis yet! Whenever you're done, just shout.

Is it OK if I go ahead and send you the first chapter? It's something I essentially rewrote from scratch over the last month--the novel has been finished since September, but I got some comments on pacing problems, and when I went back and looked, it was obvious the opening was way too long and leisurely. I've got it trimmed to the point the hero and heroine now meet on page 25 in Ch. 2 rather than page 64 in Ch. 4, but now I'm worried that it's too abrupt, too much info all at once.