Agents and editors receive dozens of queries and manuscripts each week. They can't possibly read every word. But they do take a quick look. An enticing first page makes all the difference.

Does the first page of your non-fiction book manuscript leave the reader wanting more? Find out at the First Pages session. This event offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how book publishing's gatekeepers make their decisions. A dozen or so first pages from conference attendees' books-in-progress will be read aloud to an expert panel. They'll share their frank impressions with the audience and the authors (who will remain anonymous).

If you plan to attend the session, you can submit the first page of your book manuscript. This isn't a contest! Pages will be selected to represent a variety of styles, subjects - and flaws. We can't promise that your page will be among those read to the panel; nor can we notify you in advance if yours is chosen. However, we expect writers to find the session fascinating and illuminating whether or not their own work is discussed.

The panelists

• Adam Chromy, literary agent, Artists and Artisans
• Ellen Geiger, senior agent, Frances Goldin Literary Agency
• Nancy Hancock, senior editor, Touchstone/Fireside
• Ted Weinstein, literary agent, Ted Weinstein Literary Management

Submission instructions

To submit the first page of your non-fiction manuscript for consideration, send a text email message - no attachments - to Sarah Wernick, First Pages panel moderator, at sarah@sarahwernick.com. Please use the following format:

• Use the subject heading ASJA FIRST PAGES.
• At the beginning of your message, write your name and email address; this is for correspondence purposes only - writers will not be identified to the panelists or to the audience. All submissions will be acknowledged within a few days.
• Include the title (or a working title) of your non-fiction book.
• Add a brief - no more than 25 words - description of the book. The title and brief description will be read to the panel. If your description is longer than 25 words, please cut it to the requested length.
• Copy the first 250 words of your manuscript and paste it into the message. Please check the word count and cut to 250 words. Extra material will not be read.
• Before sending, please proofread your message to make sure the format and content are correct.

These strict word limits will allow us to read as many first pages as possible. But the required format is not merely a response to the session's time constraints. Throughout the life of your book - from the proposal stage, to the description in the publisher's catalog from which booksellers select their inventory, to the moment when a potential customer eyes the book jacket - its fate will be determined by similarly brief statements.

Submission deadline: Monday April 17, 2006.

Questions about First Pages? Email Sarah Wernick at sarah@sarahwernick.com.