I wrote a book agent representative company, they referrred me to a publisher who's interested in my work?

but I've only described it, it's only 70% done as I said, but they said they want something to review in 10 days!!!





It's not a novel or fiction, it's science and based on much research. I wrote an abstract, is that enough? Do they want a sample of actual book text?


I'm a dry scientist, I admit it...but this book I want to appeal to the lay person for their personal application.


Should I write the abstract straightforward or catchy? I can write "Did you know that...etc." catch lines and introduce concepts, or I can write, "The purpose of this book is to articulate for the lay health consumer ways to..."





Help? I'm new to this. Thank-you.

I wrote a book agent representative company, they referrred me to a publisher who's interested in my work?
Did "they" say exactly what they want to "review"?


It's more common to get a request for either a synopsis or a few chapters. Hmm.





It seems to me you should ask your agent.


He/she/they (whoever actually represents you) could and should be able to answer this question for you... regarding whether it is a synopsis or chapters 'they' want.


That is what agents do, how they make their bit of the pie.





If "they" want a synopsis, I suggest a trip to a library to look in "The Writer's Market 2008" (or a book like it that a reference librarian recommends) and study their samples of book synopses (the 'good' and the 'bad')...and just read everything you can on how to write a good one.





Then take a description of your work down to as bare-bones as possible, to a paragraph even --and begin to build your synopsis from that. A good synopsis is usually just one page, and that includes addresses and whatnot.





By the way... Congratulations. You seem to be on your way.


I wish you luck now.





PS. If this science book is for lay people, I'd write a synopsis that lay people would surely understand. So I suggest that.


If that's what "they" want.


Keep in mind it may be some chapters instead... You need to find out from the people you're dealing with. More luck.
Reply:I don't know jack about non-fiction, but I know about an excellent writers' website which has quite a few published nonfic writers, some of them academics, who've walked the path you're starting and can probably answer your questions and give you additional advice you don't yet know to ask for. See the Writing NonFiction Books board at


http://absolutewrite.com/forums/index.ph...
Reply:Have you checked these people out through the usual sources? Preditors and Editors? Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks? Check carefully before you send anything to anyone. Normally a book proposal is what you first show an agent or a publisher for a non-fiction book.There are many books out there that teach you how to write one. Invest in one. But if you don't find the name on the Writers Beware lists, write to Dave K at Preditors or Victoria Strauss and James MacDonald at Absolute write and ask for advice. They are the people at the forefront of the Writers Beware scene. Pax-C