Lessons Learned from #QueryDay

I admit that I have not been able to do much while following #Queryday on Twitter this morning. But it’s time well spent. There is so much information there, thanks to the generous agents and editors who are participating today. Here’s a summary of the precious nuggets I’ve gleaned so far:

• Do your research before querying. Make sure you have the agent’s name (spelled correctly!).
• Read and follow submission guidelines.
• The best source of information for submission guidelines is the agent’s website.
• Platform is important, particularly for non-fiction. Examples of a good platform include a blog, articles, and speaking engagements.
• Treat the agent with respect.
• Young adult or middle grade books should be written from the protagonist’s point of view.
• Vampires are getting old.
• Writing a good query should be secondary to writing a great book (ie., good writing, good plot, good voice). Develop your craft.
• Finding an agent is like finding a job. Be professional.
• It’s ok to query several agents at a time, and you don’t have to tell them. But tailor the query to each agent.
• Accept rejections gracefully. It will keep the door open for you.
• Don’t bug editors and agents.
• Polish your work before querying.
• Read examples of good synopses and queries.
• Continue to write while waiting for responses. Start a new project.
• Don’t resubmit material that’s already been rejected by the same agent.
• Don’t chase trends. In other words, don’t write about topics that are hot right now.

In your query:

• Use proper titles and formal address. Best practice: Mr. or Ms. Lastname.
• Don’t say that you “just completed” your manuscript. It might give the impression that you didn’t spend time editing and re-writing.
• Don’t mention that you’ve edited your work, or that you have a writer’s group. It’s assumed.
• Don’t mention that you’ve written a series.
• Get straight to the point. Get rid of fluff.
• Don’t say that there has never been any book like yours before. Because there has!
• Don’t say that your book is the next Harry Potter or Twilight. It’s not.
• Do mention the target audience. If it’s the Harry Potter set, it’s OK to say so (just read the previous point again).
• Ditch the “this meets that” comparison.
• A lightly humorous query is fine. You might get the agent’s attention with a good laugh.
• Don’t say that “the book gets exciting in chapter X”. Hook the reader from the first page.
• Know your genre.
• Present a brief overview of the plot.
• In the synopsis, include only 3-4 characters at most.
• Don’t include irrelevant info, like hobbies, and the phrase “life-long dream”.
• Include word count, even if it’s approximate. Page counts are useless.
• Proofread. And proofread again.

Manuscripts:

• Use dialogue.
• Pacing is more important than chapter length.
• Even when writing with a series in mind, the first book should be able to stand alone.
• If submitting manuscripts simultaneously, let the agents know.
• Keep within the suggested word counts for your genre and the submission guidelines.
• Don’t send cover art with your manuscript.

I will update this list as #QueryDay progresses.  That’s it for this edition of #Queryday for me. You can read more here. And feel free to add your own list (or a link to it) in the comments.

Tagged as: #queryday, query letters, writing