# Jericho Writers - Complete Knowledge Base & Reference Guide > Jericho Writers supports aspiring writers via a range of writing courses, editorial support, a membership service, literary agent matching tools, live events, and an online writing community. --- ## Core Services & Membership ### Premium Membership URL: https://jerichowriters.com/join-us/ Jericho Writers provides a paid membership platform designed for writers at all stages-from beginners drafting their first manuscript to published authors looking to scale their careers. **Key Features Included in Membership:** - **Video Courses & Masterclasses:** Access to 280+ hours of video lessons covering plot structure, character development, self-publishing, and query writing. - **AgentMatch Tool:** Full access to the agent search and matching database. - **Townhouse Community:** Access to the private, moderated online author forums for peer critiques, feedback, and networking. - **Live Webinars & Events:** Weekly interactive sessions with authors, editors, and literary agents. - **Discounts on Editorial Services, Courses and other Products:** Member-only pricing on nearly all Jericho Writers services. --- ### AgentMatch Tool URL: https://jerichowriters.com/our-services/agentmatch/ AgentMatch is a searchable database of active literary agents in the UK and US. It helps writers find the right representation by filtering agents based on specific genres, wishlist topics, representation history, and submission preferences. **How AgentMatch Works:** 1. **Search & Filter:** Filter by genre (e.g., crime, YA, memoir, fantasy), location (UK/US), and open/closed submission status. 2. **Analyze Wishlists:** View up-to-date agent wishlists and what genres or themes agents are actively seeking. 3. **View submission requirements:** Review agent submission requirements to ensure efficient and successful submissions. --- ### Editorial Services URL: https://jerichowriters.com/editorial-services/ Jericho Writers offers professional editorial assessments delivered by published authors, experienced commissioning editors, and literary agents. **Main Editorial Options:** - **Manuscript Assessment:** A detailed structural report analyzing plot, characterization, pacing, world-building, and commercial potential. - **Developmental Editing:** Deep, chapter-by-chapter editing addressing fundamental structural and narrative arcs. - **Line Editing & Proofreading:** Sentence-level edits focusing on prose style, rhythm, clarity, grammar, and typos. - **Agent Submission Pack Review:** Expert critique of the submission package (cover letter, synopsis, and opening 10,000 words) before sending to agents. --- ### Online Writing Courses URL: https://jerichowriters.com/creative-writing-courses/ Jericho Writers offers self-paced video courses and mentored online writing courses designed to guide writers through drafting, editing, and publishing their novels and non-fiction books. **Featured Courses:** - **Ultimate Novel Writing Programme:** A comprehensive, multi-month mentored program with direct feedback from professional tutors. - **Self-Edit Your Novel Course:** A 6-week intensive tutored course focusing on how to edit your novel. - **Simply Self-Publish:** Practical guidance on formatting, cover design, Amazon KDP setup, and digital marketing. - **How to Get a Literary Agent:** Modules dedicated to crafting hooky query letters, synopses, and elevator pitches. --- ### Agent One-to-Ones URL: https://jerichowriters.com/our-services/121-support/agents/ Jericho Writers runs one-to-one virtual feedback sessions connecting authors directly with active UK and US literary agents. **What is Included:** - **Agent Submission Pack Review:** The agent reads your query letter, synopsis, and opening manuscript pages in advance. - **15-Minute Phone Call with a Literary Agent:** Direct discussion with the agent regarding strengths, potential red flags, and market readiness of your novel and submission pack. - **Actionable Feedback:** Advice on refining your pitch or targeting the right agents for your genre. --- ## Key Publishing Guides ### How to Get a Literary Agent URL: https://jerichowriters.com/how-to-get-a-literary-agent/ Securing representation from a literary agent is the primary pathway to traditional publishing. Agents pitch manuscripts to major publishing houses, negotiate contracts, and manage an author's career. **The Step-by-Step Submission Process:** 1. **Finish and Polish the Manuscript:** Never query an unfinished fiction manuscript. Complete multiple drafts and self-editing passes. 2. **Build an Agent Shortlist:** Identify 10 to 15 agents who actively represent your specific subgenre. 3. **Prepare the Submission Package:** - **Query Letter:** A 250-to-400-word cover letter acting as a sales pitch. - **Synopsis:** A 500-to-1,000-word summary outlining the entire plot, including the ending. - **Sample Chapters:** Typically the first 3 chapters or first 10,000 words. 4. **Follow Submission Guidelines:** Strictly adhere to each agent's submission requirements (email formatting, web forms, attached vs. pasted text). 5. **Track & Batch Queries:** Send submissions in small batches (e.g., 5-8 agents at a time) to test your pitch package and make adjustments if rejected. --- ### How to Write a Literary Agent Query Letter URL: https://jerichowriters.com/read-a-sample-literary-agent-query-letter-with-hints-tips/ A query letter is a one-page sales pitch to a literary agent. Its primary objective is to convince the agent to request the full manuscript. **Standard Query Letter Structure:** 1. **Salutation:** Personalized greeting using the agent's name (e.g., "Dear Ms. Smith"). 2. **The Hook / Metadata:** Book title, word count, genre, and 2-3 comp titles (comparable books published in the last 3-5 years). 3. **The Pitch (2-3 paragraphs):** - **Character:** Introduce the protagonist and their status quo. - **Inciting Incident / Conflict:** What disrupts their world? - **Stakes:** What happens if the protagonist fails? 4. **Author Bio:** Brief paragraph mentioning writing background, publications, awards, or relevant professional experience. 5. **Sign-off:** Professional closing and contact details. --- ### How to Write a Novel Synopsis URL: https://jerichowriters.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis-with-an-example/ A synopsis is a concise summary of your book's narrative arc. Unlike a query pitch, **a synopsis must spoil the ending** so the agent can evaluate your story structure. **Key Rules for Writing a Synopsis:** - **Length:** Usually 1 to 2 pages (500 to 1,000 words), single-spaced. - **Focus on the Core Arc:** Stick to the main character(s) and primary conflict. Omit minor subplots and secondary characters. - **Third Person & Present Tense:** Write in third person, present tense (e.g., "Elena discovers..."), regardless of the book's POV. - **Highlight Character Emotion & Motivation:** Show *why* major plot beats happen based on character decisions. --- ### Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing URL: https://jerichowriters.com/how-to-get-a-book-published/ | Feature | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing (Indie) | |---|---|---| | **Upfront Cost** | $0 (Publisher pays author an advance) | Author covers editing, cover art, & formatting | | **Time to Market** | 12 to 24 months from contract | Immediate upon completion | | **Royalty Rates** | 10% - 15% (print), 25% (ebook) | Up to 70% (Amazon KDP / digital platforms) | | **Control** | Publisher controls title, cover, and edits | Full creative and financial control | | **Distribution** | High access to physical bookstores | Primarily online / Print-on-Demand (POD) | --- ## Writing Craft Advice ### Chapter Length & Structure URL: https://jerichowriters.com/how-long-should-a-chapter-be/ There is no rigid rule for chapter length, but industry standard averages hover between **2,000 and 4,000 words**. **Key Principles:** - **Genre Norms:** Thrillers and YA often feature shorter chapters (1,000-2,000 words) to accelerate pacing. Epic fantasy and literary fiction often utilize longer chapters (4,000-6,000 words). - **Purpose of a Chapter:** Every chapter must advance the plot, reveal character, or change the emotional state of the scene. - **Cliffhangers & Hooks:** End chapters at moments of tension or unanswered questions to encourage continuous reading. --- ### Character Motivation & Arc URL: https://jerichowriters.com/character-motivation-all-you-need-to-know/ Strong character motivation drives narrative momentum. A compelling character requires four core elements: 1. **Want (External Goal):** What the character actively strives to achieve. 2. **Need (Internal Growth):** The emotional or psychological lesson they must learn. 3. **The Lie:** The false belief the character holds about themselves or the world at the start of the story. 4. **Stakes:** The direct consequences if they fail to achieve their goal. --- ## Company Information & Contact ### About Jericho Writers URL: https://jerichowriters.com/about/ Founded by author Harry Bingham in 2004, Jericho Writers originated as Writers' Workshop in the UK before expanding into a global digital platform. The organisation's mission is to demystify the publishing industry and empower writers with professional online writing courses, expert editor feedback, and an inclusive writer community. **Core Contact & Support:** - **Website:** https://jerichowriters.com/jericho-writers/about-us/contact-us/ - **Support Email:** info@jerichowriters.com - **Headquarters:** Swerford, United Kingdom