I'm nervous about the sample chapters, writers say. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that seeing my work out of context might prejudice a literary agent or editor against me. I mean, it seems so artificial to submit just a chapter or two. Is this really necessary?

Common concerns, all of them. But the answer is that you definitely do need those sample chapters. And you shouldn’t be nervous about writing them. Literary agents and editors read book proposals every day. They’re used to looking at sample chapters out of context. Don’t worry about the fact that your chapters aren’t surrounded by the entire book. Seeing just a few chapters can whet an editor’s appetite and make her want to read more, which can lead to the sale of your book.

WHICH SAMPLE CHAPTERS SHOULD I INCLUDE?

“Shouldn’t I just include the Introduction and Chapter One?”

No, this is a mistake. Editors and agents find the introduction and first chapter too, well, introductory. They would prefer to see two chapters from the middle of your book. And don’t worry about jumping right into the middle of your argument by submitting middle chapters. This is normally what editors look at, so there’s no need to include prefatory material explaining how you got to this point. Just jump right in and submit the middle chapters. Besides, your chapter-by-chapter summary will give all the orientation material a reader needs to put your chapters in context.

“Do the chapters have to be consecutive?”

No, you can submit chapters that are nonconsecutive. It doesn’t matter whether they are or aren’t, as long as you don’t submit the Introduction and Chapter One.

“Can I submit the last two chapters?”

You can, but again, the last chapter may be the wrong one to include because a final chapter usually has a conclusory tone. Better to select any two middle chapters. These middle chapters will give editors a feel for your style and they’ll also show how you plan to cover your subject.

Here’s an insider tip that may help you when writing your sample chapters. Since you’re the expert, dig deep into the heart of your subject and don’t be afraid to use technical language or explanations. The people reading these chapters may not understand everything in them; they certainly won’t have the expertise that you have. But don’t write down to them. Remember the book is aimed at your market, at people who are interested in your subject. Aim your chapters at these people, don’t try to write it for your literary agent or editor.

WHAT ARE LITERARY AGENTS LOOKING FOR?

Your prospective literary agent will be looking for good writing in your sample chapters. This doesn’t mean you need to be another Herman Melville or Joseph Conrad. But it does mean that all your sentences should be well formed, your paragraphs tight, your prose grammatically correct, and your arguments sound.

The second thing an agent is looking for is information. Make sure your argument is strong. Don’t be wishy-washy. Books that take a strong stand are more likely to appeal to an agent or editor. So if you’re writing about a controversial issue, don’t hesitate to come right out and state your case. A book entitled ‘Why America Should Get out of the War’ should not hem and haw about the matter but instead should take a strong position in favor of U.S. withdrawal from whatever conflict you’re describing.

In the final analysis, your sample chapters should be your best writing, aimed at your book’s market audience. Write them that way and you’re likely to get a message from an editor saying, “We want to publish your book.”