[Birol]

Originally Posted by Lord Mureth

Okay, I'll try to keep this short. Unlike my manuscript... which is my first question. The story is approx 205k words; is this unpublishably long for a debut author? I'm guessing it is... to the point where I've pretty much convinced myself that it needs to be split into two books (fortunately, I've got a good break at 120k, which gives me the luxury of expanding the second part - which I'd love to do anyway!) Anyway, is this the correct assumption? I know that it'd be damned hard to get something of this length published in its entirety, but is it impossible?

Nothing is impossible, but it is incredibly unlikely that a 205K novel would be published by a first time author. Definitely consider splitting it, especially since you indicate you easily can.

Secondly, I'm pretty confused about a certain submission point. Since most agents/publishers want the MSS double-spaced on submission, how does that apply to the number of pages they would want? If they ask for the first 50 pages, do I send in MY original first 50 pages and then double-space them; or do I send in the fist 50 double-spaced pages?

All manuscripts are double-spaced. If someone asks for a certain number of pages, they're talking about double-spaced, 1-inch margins, in 12-point TNR or Courier New font.

There's no need to run conversion equations on any of the requests you might receive.

Finally, what about presentation? I've sent a few submissions off already, with the first three chapters unbound save for an elastic band; a stapled two-page synopsis, a covering letter, CV and header sheet for the MSS itself (with of course an SAE!) - in a gold garment bag, which is conveniently A4 sized. The bags are something my business uses on a regular basis, and look nice; plus they're free...

Er. Sounds like you're making the agent's life difficult. Have you checked the guidelines of the agent you're submitting to?

Just wondering if anyone else has any better ideas for their submissions? Am I doing anything that might annoy an agent with my packages?

Almost all literary agents have their guidelines -- what they want to receive and how they want to receive it -- on their websites. Find them. Read them. Follow them.