Submission packages
for authors submitting their writing to literary agents
If you’re thinking about submitting your writing to literary agents, I can help with your submission package. I’m signed with a literary agent and published by Hodder, an imprint of major publishing house Hachette. It took me a long time to get published, so I know what a struggle it is to get your work noticed. I can help you strengthen your query letter, refine your opening chapters, and nail down your synopsis.
Some of the authors I’ve worked with have gone on to sign contracts with literary agents, have been shortlisted for awards, and have landed deals with publishing houses. While nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the publishing industry, I’m here to help you put your best foot forward so you have a stronger chance of getting your work noticed.
Please note that I only offer these submission services for fiction.
Opening chapters
Flat fee: £450 (approx $620)
I’ll assess your opening chapters (up to 10,000 words) and guide you in strengthening them for submission to literary agents. My editorial report will cover your hook, target market, plot, characters, your setting, and wider elements of writing craft – helping you shape chapters that are smooth, engaging, and compelling. We’ll focus on making sure your chapters are well-positioned to attract an agent’s attention.
Query letter editing
Flat fee: £140 (approx. $190)
I’ll provide you with professional feedback and edits on your query letter to make it more snappy and engaging, with a focus on your hook and building in a compelling, clear main plot. I’ll remove any redundancies and repetition to tighten up the letter, and fix any errors in spelling and grammar. I may also suggest changes to your author bio and provide ideas for comp titles. You’ll finish up with a polished, professionally edited letter.
Premium submission package
Flat fee: £499 (approx $670)
We’ll cover your complete set of submission materials so you can approach literary agents with confidence. You’ll receive feedback on your opening chapters, two rounds of query letter editing, and an edit and notes on your synopsis. Synopsis-writing is a skill many writers struggle with and is something you’ll return to throughout your writing career – I’ll guide you in shaping a clear and concise summary. You’ll be well-placed to start querying literary agents with a polished set of materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
can you write my query letter for me?
I only offer query letter editing – I do not write the query letter for you. If you don’t have one, please draft this before you get in touch with me. It can be a rough draft, and I will help you shape and hone it. Writing pitches is something all authors have to do, even when they land an agent and a publisher, so getting into the habit of writing your pitches yourself is an important skill to learn. My query letter edits are often heavy, so we may do major rewrites together to ensure you have the best pitch possible.
Can you refer me to your literary agent or publisher?
No, sorry! I don’t do referrals.
Can you guarantee i’ll get an agent and/or a publisher after we work together?
This isn’t something any editor can guarantee, unfortunately! The submission process is incredibly competitive, and although I can help you craft a strong, compelling submission package, so much of writing and publishing is subjective and dependent on the market. It’s impossible to say whether a manuscript will get picked up. Literary agents don’t just look at good writing and ideas, but the existing market, if they have something similar already, and what type of books are selling well.
The best thing you can do is focus on writing the best manuscript and submission package that you can.
Don’t give up if you don’t find an agent for your first manuscript, either – it often takes multiple attempts. It took me several years to finally sign with an agent, and another five years to get a book deal. If traditional publishing is what you really want, keep going!
still unsure?
What other writers are saying
Surpassed my expectations
Working with Rachel surpassed my expectations because of her thoroughness and attention to detail. Rachel finds the positives in your work and offers practical and constructive feedback that genuinely shapes your manuscript into something so much better. Her advice has helped, not only for this book, but it will undoubtedly feed into my future work. Her communication and professionalism is faultless. Deadlines were clear and upfront, making her incredibly easy to work with. I would not only recommend hiring Rachel, but would definitely look to work with her again.
Amazing
If you ever need an editor, Rachel is AMAZING. She’s so nice, professional, and understanding. Working with her has been great!
In capable hands
You are amazingly thorough. I love your process and your level of detail. And your enthusiasm for the story means everything. THANK YOU so, so much for levelling this manuscript up. I knew it was in capable hands. I don’t feel any anxiety around looking at these edits, and trust me that is an enormous feat.
