The Place For My Writers Notes

Original posting 23 May 2010

Writers' Digest, October 2004, pages 26 to 33, has a collection of short "nuggets of wisdom" related to getting published. Maria Schneider is the author of the compilation. Take a deep breath, and here we go:

"Some book publishers do ask for queries first, but most want a query plus sample chapters and an outline or, occasionally, the complete manuscript. Include the essentials about yourself -- name, address, phone number and publishing experience. And only the personal information related to your story." 2004 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market

I wonder if they included this because they are, after all, Writers Digest? Personally, I'd recommend checking what the guidelines are, and following those. But the notion that you don't need to go overboard is a good one. Tell them what's really relevant, and leave it alone.