Cooking up a query
What are the ingredients for a good query letter? I’ve pretty much nailed being able to do it for freelance articles and essays. It’s a bit more formulaic, plus, at this point I have relationships with editors and can just “be myself.” I’m past the point of taking rejections for articles and essays personally, because it’s a numbers and timing game. The right piece for the right publication at the right time. Right?
But I’m participating in an online query workshop at Backspace. Never been there? That site rocks and is worth the price of admission if you’re into the networking and message boards. There are aspiring authors and published authors all interacting and sharing info. I don’t participate as much as I used to because I like the more personal atmosphere of the blogs I love and this one that I write. But — access to experts is something fabulous about Backspace not offered anywhere else. For this opportunity I’ll post my query and not get feedback from anyone but real live, breathing, working literary agents. Their role is to critique the queries. Only 20 Backspace members “got in” through what I imagine to be choosing numbers out of a large hat filled with numbers. There are over 700 Backspace members and I’m sure more than 20 applied. So I feel fortunate.
I’m also fortunate to have some amazing people on my side and in my corner giving me really great advice. Because I’m obsessive about these things, I won’t post my letter (I’ll get the agent feedback next Monday and Tuesday) until I think it’s in tip-top shape and of course I’m getting help with that. Who wouldn’t?
I’m a firm believer that too many cooks in the kitchen is not a good thing…but you all have so many good ideas not to tap you too. Plus, everyone who reads the blog will benefit.
My advice is to get to the heart of the matter right away. I wonder about queries that start with the author saying they are looking for representation for their work. NO SHIT, SHERLOCK. I think this also applies for freelance queries as well. Don’t lure the agent or editor in — knock him or her over the head so they’re compelled to keep reading.
Give me — us — your best query advice.
Well, I have no idea. I’ll say that up front. But if you apply regular rules of writing, and writing with the reader and purpose in mind, I would, as you say, put the hook up front. Then make the rest short and snappy.
I can’t bear to read most of the query letters out there. There are simply too many words. I would try, at all costs, to prevent the eye-glazing effect.
(Every time I write “too many words,” I think of the Amadeus movie with the “too many notes” scene and just crack up.)
I am clueless…. I have never even got to the point of writing something to be published… soooo, but I love the tips and I love your blog!!
Spy: I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. The purpose of a query is to get an agent to want to read a partial. The partial needs to lead to the full. Baby steps. Oh, and of course, no eye glazing.
Jamie: Just file away the information and all the advice from my readers…and if you’re writing then you are on your way to where ever you want to be! So, keep us posted!
Amy
Unfold the query like courses of a fine meal…leaving ‘em hungry for more. *wink* Now, after I hear back from ya, I’ll do the twice-over on that item.
Be fearless.
Ooh, Amy, good luck! I saw they were doing that but didn’t have my query ready. I might have to pop in and see how that goes.
I’ve read so much advice in so many places that in my head, it all makes sense. As for writing it, ha! Definitely hook ‘em in the opening, and none of that seeking representation crapola. IMO. Mine won’t cause eye glazing because I have no publishing record and therefore no third paragraph, lol.