We represent only commercial fiction, including women's fiction, cozy mysteries, and romances of all sub-genres, and negotiate with all the major publishers in North America. We do NOT handle children’s picture books, YA, science fiction, horror, thrillers, short stories, memoirs, screenplays or any non-fiction or self-help projects. Please also note that we are no longer accepting new young adult fiction clients.

Step 1: Submit a query via email

Please note that everyone must begin the submission process with a query email. If you send us any part of your completed manuscript without first querying us, we will return it unread.

Although there is no one right way to prepare a query email, we would like to see a single-spaced letter, about 1 printed page long, giving an overview of what your story is about -- that means a BRIEF summary of the main plot and characters. We recommend that this summary be patterned after the back cover copy you might see on a published book. If you are previously published, a contest winner, or have other information specifically relevant to the work you are pitching, you may include that information in the query. For prior publications, please give the name of the publisher and the date of publication.

Do not include any attachments with your email query. All material you want us to consider must be in the text of your email. Also, do not expect us to review a website or other links to gather information about your project.

Queries may be sent via email (with no attachments) to queries@elaineenglish.com. You can expect to see a response from us within one month of submission of an email query. Queries may also be sent by regular mail with an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), although the response time may be longer.

Step 2: If, based on your query letter, we ask you to send a partial submission

If we like your story concept, we will send you a reply email or letter requesting a synopsis and the first three chapters of your manuscript. Please send only the requested materials. If your chapters are particularly long or short, please send no more than 50 pages.

We now allow authors to submit their partials online. Please follow the instructions in the email/letter for how to submit. You may only submit one file, so make sure it includes both the first three chapters of your manuscript and your synopsis.

We recognize that it takes a very different set of skills to write a synopsis as opposed to a novel, so here are some tips. Again, there are no hard and fast rules for a synopsis, but here is, generally, what we hope to see:

  • Approximately 3-5 pages, double-spaced (If you synopsis is a little longer or a little shorter, this is fine. But if it's as long as your first chapter, there's a problem.)
  • A synopsis is NOT a chapter-by-chapter outline of your project
  • Make sure you include an overview of the main plot from beginning to end. Don't try to hide the ending.
  • It's often a good idea to have someone read and critique your synopsis before you send it.

Often what seems clear to the author can be very confusing to one not so close to the story. Your synopsis should make sense.

Other tips for sending in your partial submission:

  • Partials or full manuscripts should be submitted ONLY if requested by us. We have a secure database for all submissions and we will send you detailed instructions on how to submit when we ask to see your work.
  • All submissions must be DOUBLE-SPACED and typed in a clear, readable font, such as New Times Roman. We prefer nothing smaller than size 12 font. If your synopsis is one page or shorter, it may be single spaced.
  • If you send other materials and want them back, you must include a large enough envelope with sufficient postage. The materials will otherwise be recycled.

Generally it takes us 10-12 weeks to read and evaluate your partial submission. If our back-log is large, it may take longer. Once we have read your submission, we will send you an email. We do our best to respond to every submission that comes in, provided you have given us correct contact information. Our letter will either pass on the project or ask you to submit the full manuscript.

Step 3: If we like your partial and ask to see the full manuscript

Once we ask for it, please send us your completed manuscript. If you are in the process of revising it when you see our letter, just let us know that and wait to send in the full manuscript until you have completed polishing it. Generally it takes us 3-4 months to read and properly evaluate completed manuscripts.

Here are some tips for submitting your completed project:

  • Again, please remember to include a cover letter with your contact information. We don't have the time or staff to coordinate this submission with any earlier materials you may have sent.
  • If sending a paper copy of your manuscript, please include an SASE with sufficient postage for a response. If you want your manuscript returned, you must include a large enough envelope with sufficient postage. Otherwise, the materials will be recycled.
  • If we decide to pass on your project at this stage, we will explain our decision and offer a few suggestions. We, however, are not able to provide a full critique.