Before you start querying agents, you will need the following:
- A query letter pitching your book that includes data such as word count and genre. -> more about query letters
- A synopsis that details the entire plot of your book, including the ending, usually one page single spaced (~500-1000 words). -> more about synopses
- A five to ten page sample of your completed manuscript (the opening pages). Some agents ask for no sample pages, some ask for more than ten, others somewhere in between–make sure to check the agency’s guidelines. Ten pages or the first chapter is the most common.
- A partial manuscript (“partial”), usually the first 50 pages. Partials are sometimes 30 pages, 100 pages, or the first 3 chapters. The agent will specify when they request your work.
- Your full manuscript–the entire, finished book, completed and polished (unless you’re querying a nonfiction proposal).
- A list of agents to query and a means of tracking your submissions, such as QueryTracker or a personal spreadsheet. -> more about researching agents
One other word of advice: it’s great practice to create a separate email specifically for querying as a tool for managing your mental health.
The Querying Hub 