Emailing an entry to a writing contest...?

Question

I'm entering a contest put on by a group of literary agents where you email in a 300-word-max "hook" for a book you've written. This may seem trivial and obsessive, but I want to get it right so I'll ask anyway...

Right now the hook I wrote is in a MS Word file. Should I copy it and make it be the body of the email I send in to the contest? Or should I send them an email saying "Attached is my hook for the contest" and then include the Word attachment?!? Perhaps it doesn't matter, but if it is part of the body of an email, I wonder if it might be received with screwed up margins or too much space between the paragraphs. I'm leaning towards an attachment. Any opinions?

The contest is an opportunity to have literary agents review your hook/query. The "winner" doesn't receive a prize or anything ... rather they get valuable inside input. (And the chance of having more of their work critiqued by "insiders"!) It's a no-cost contest that the illustrious Miss Snark mentions on her blog.

The guidelines just say where to email your entry. They don't say as an attachment or in the body of the email. That's why I am left guessing their preference.

Answer 1

I agree an attachment seems more idunno professional. But try including a personalish message in the body of the message and BE creative so that they can see your personality a touch.

Answer 2

I would include it in the body of the email, especially since it is only a 300-word hook. Most agents I have heard from do not like attachments. I would not worry about the formatting-- just make it the best you can within the email.

Answer 3

It very much does matter. You should do it exactly the way the submission guidelines tell you to do it. Have you read the guidelines thoroughly? BUT before you do anything - have you checked this contest out at Preditors and Editors and Absolute Write Water Cooler's Bewares and Background Checks to make sure its legit? MANY contests are fakes and ripoffs. Pax - C.

Answer 4

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