First Three Chapters

We know how agents and editors think.

Katharine Miketic, our founder, worked on both sides of the aisle.

As the editor of award-nominated fiction at a regional publishing house, our founder took over the once-a-year unsolicited submission bag that yielded thousands of hopeful letters. It was a thrilling and sad process, but most of all it was a learning experience. She had started her career at a literary agency, where she learned what sells and also read the unsolicited submissions. With this and other publishing industry and marketing experience under her belt, she’s an expert at knowing what makes a submission shine through the dross.

She’s also an expert at teaching authors how to make their books more marketable—as well as dragging out the talent lurking in the confusing plots. 

Why the First Three Chapters Matter

The publishing field is more crowded and confusing than ever, as traditional publishers raise their standards even higher, ebooks gain traction, and self-publishing becomes more and more possible.

What hasn't changed? That a book needs to start well to be read. Katharine's focus is helping writers carry readers into their novel. A great beginning is as crucial now as it has ever been.

That's why publishers and agents only request the first three chapters. Polishing your beginning can help you reach your dream of publication in a traditional publishing house, or attract and keep readers if you chose a vanity press for your project.

Katharine Miketic in brief

• Mom, of a busy toddler, 2010
  
• Founder, First Three Chapters, 2009
• Editor of Carlson Magazine, 2004-2008
• Judge, Minnesota Book Awards
  
• Publishing consultant and editor, 2000-2004
• Editor, Lerner Publications, 1997-2001 of Edgar-nominated fiction and a massive list of nonfiction
  
• Assistant Agent, MPD Inc., 1994-1997
• Runner-up, Hicks Prize for Fiction
• Published in various magazines and journals