Your sample chapter gives the editor reading it a lot of insight into your project. Just to list a few examples, it can show:
- How you approach your topic
- If your text delivers on the benefits that your concept is promising
- How authoritative you are
- How you talk to your audience
- Whether your text is appropriate for the audience you’re talking to
- Your writing voice
- How much editing you’re likely to need
- If your images (if you’ll be providing them yourself) will work for a book
- If you have directions or instructional text, how thorough and detailed it is
- How cool your projects/recipes/etc. are
- Whether you understand Oxford commas*
Probably the most common mistake that I see when it comes to sample content is a prospective author using their introduction as the sample. I completely understand why you might want to do that: begin at the beginning, right? But in most cases, an introduction won’t get to the actual content that an editor wants to evaluate. If you must include your introduction, include it in addition to a further sample (and just be aware that I might skip it at first).
For your sample, use something that’s representative of the full content of your book. Generally speaking, pick something from the middle. And if you will feature projects or recipes of any sort, it’s vital to include examples.
How long should your sample be? It depends a little on how big your manuscript will be; sometimes a longer, more complicated book requires a longer sample. You know your writing, so trust your gut. Include enough that the editor will be able to get a good idea of your project and your writing. You don’t want to include the whole book; in fact, check the submission guidelines to be sure you aren’t sending too much. (My company requests that it be less than 30 pages, for example.) And hey, if I end up needing to see more, I’ll ask…assuming there was enough there to get my interest.
Perhaps this goes without saying, but do choose a sample section that lets you shine! And polish it all you can. Make it irresistible; I know you can do it!
You may not have written the entire book yet, and that’s absolutely fine. (Here’s more on timing your book proposal.) Don’t skip the sample, but if you have previous books, a blog, or other writing, feel free to link to them as well. Although it doesn’t help with an editor’s project-specific questions, it does provide a sense of your writing style.
And if you haven’t written the entire book, you’re in a fantastic position to refine your concept. Show your sample to as many members of your audience as you can and get their feedback. Send it to recipe testers, beta readers, tech editors, your mother,* or whoever you can. Then listen to them. Can you make your awesome book even better?
Tiffany Hill, Editor 