What is the deadline for uploading my files?
Files must be uploaded no later than one week (7 days) before the session. We cannot guarantee that any late files will be received or reviewed by your chosen agent.
What will I need to upload?
You will need to upload three separate Word Documents. For fiction submissions, this should be your query letter, your synopsis, and the first 5,000 words of your manuscript. Please see the FAQs below for guidance on non-fiction proposals and picture books.
If you do not want to submit a requested file (e.g. if you do not yet have a query letter), it is important that you let us know at 121@jerichowriters.com so we can ensure your files will still reach your chosen agent. How do I upload my files?
After booking your session, you will see an upload form at the bottom of your booking page. First, click Step 1 to open your device's file explorer. After you have selected the correct file and returned to the booking page, click Step 2 to upload it. After completing both steps, you will see the name of your file displayed on the page. You will need to do this for each of the three requested files.
I’m an author of subject-led non-fiction – what should I upload?
Non-fiction agents will usually be happy to receive a book proposal in place of a synopsis. However, as book proposals are typically longer than fiction synopses, please be aware that your chosen agent may adjust how much they read of the proposal/sample chapters accordingly.
As a general rule, we would recommend submitting a total of 6,000 words across the book proposal and sample material.
If you would rather leave this section blank, please let us know at 121@jerichowriters.com so we can ensure your files will still reach your chosen agent. I’m an author of picture books – what should I upload?
Picture book agents will usually be happy to receive a second picture book text in place of a synopsis. To allow your chosen agent to give focused feedback on the material submitted, we kindly ask that you do not submit any more than two picture books for review.
If you would rather leave this section blank, please let us know at 121@jerichowriters.com so we can ensure your files will still reach your chosen agent. Your documents will need to be in Word Document format (.doc or .docx)
We recommend limiting your query letter to one side of A4, and your synopsis to 500-800 words.
While we won't reject documents based on how you've formatted the text, we recommend making your documents clear and readable. A simple 12pt font and double spacing is recommended!
Is it okay if my manuscript is over the 5000-word limit?
We understand that you may need to continue your manuscript extract to the nearest sentence end, paragraph end or natural break point. For this reason, we won't reject documents if they are longer than 5000 words.
However, we strongly recommend following the word limit as closely as possible. Your chosen agent will be able to see the total word count of your documents, and following submission guidelines always helps to make a good first impression. In addition, please be aware that agents may choose to stop reading at the 5000-word mark.
Can I change my files after uploading them?
Yes, as long as you are outside the one-week deadline for submitting files. Please contact 121@jerichowriters.com to let us know which file(s) you would like to replace, and we will delete any outdated files so that you can reupload.
Alternatively, you can send your updated files as email attachments and we will upload them on your behalf.
Where can I find advice about writing a query letter, synopsis or book proposal?
You can find free advice on our blog:
- Read A Sample Literary Agent Query Letter, With Hints & Tips – Jericho Writers
- How To Write A Novel Synopsis (With An Example) – Jericho Writers
- How To Write A Non-Fiction Book Proposal: A Guide – Jericho Writers
My question hasn't been answered here – where can I find more help?
We have plenty more advice in the Agent One-to-One Help Centre, depending on what you're looking for:
- General help and troubleshooting
- Purchasing and booking your Agent One-to-One
- How to change your session or contact details after booking
- What to expect during your call and how to prepare
- Support after you've had your Agent-One-to-One call