What is the difference between a query and a proposal?
A query is a letter that introduces yourself to the editor, provides information about your writing history and published works, gives a brief synopsis of your story: emphasizing the lesson, motivation and major conflicts. It will also include a statement why you think the novel fits the editors line, and a statement whether or not the manuscript is complete A proposal is a cover letter including a one sentence story summary, your writing background and published work, why you think this editor would be interested in your story, and a statement whether or not the manuscript is complete and a date when you expect it to be complete. You will include a complete 5 – 10 page synopsis of the story stressing the main characters goals, motivation and conflict. Avoid detailed information about secondary characters and do not use dialogue in your synopsis. Cut out all unnecessary words and information not needed by the editor to understand the story. Include three chapters. I use the first three
