Agents and Authors (Part 1)

The first chapter, “Queries,” is published here. Enjoy … there are more to come!

Queries

The worst query is the one sent before you really understand what a query is, what queries contain, and the proper method for submitting queries.

Agents are busy. Their days are full of reviewing manuscripts, contacting editors and publishers, answering calls, writing letters, and endless duties. Reading a sloppy, inappropriate query is a waste of time for the writer and agent.

First, a query is a brief letter of introduction requesting permission to submit further material. The query consists of a few paragraphs that get to the points: what, how, why, and who.

Ask yourself:

• What is going on in the story?

• How does the story end: its beginning, conflict, and resolution?

• Why is this story worthy of publishing?

• Who will buy this story?

Conclude the query with sufficient information for the agent to make contact, if interested, and always include an SASE.

Now, you may be thinking, “That’s what I put in my query, but it was rejected.” It is not simply the format, but the formatting. For example, there are methods for print/postal mail and e-mail queries. Professionalism is the key in both. Many writers assume that e-queries can be less formal. Wrong. I expect the same level of professional content and formatting in an e-query.

To illustrate my point, I have included actual queries received (names removed to protect the ignorant).

Bad query #1:

Dear Mr. Williams, (I am a woman)

I have written a book for children. I want to send it, but do not know the way to send this information. I would appreciate your help. (They found my email; therefore, I assume that submissions guidelines were nearby.)

Sincerely,

John Q. Writer

Tips: Research ways to send letters to agents before making contact. Research and study to learn answers to your questions before submitting a query. Agents are busy and do not have time to teach writers what to say, do, and write.

Bad query #2:

Dear Literary Agent: (Always address queries to a specific person)