Five Common Query Mistakes
As a writer, we're always querying. Whether it's a pitch to a potential client, a chapter submission peddling your manuscript or a short story offering, querying is an integral part of the writing process. While I write about these common querying mistakes, let me say, I'm guilty of all of them. I'm not proud, but I have to admit, it happens. More often than I'd like. So here goes.
Credit: someecards.com
1. Misspelt name of agent/ editor
You know those days where you're staring at your Excel and you have to hammer out all those queries for short stories, articles, blogs, agents and then some. You go through MSWL's, submission websites, see your requirements and check your sheet again. Then if you're super organized like me, you've got twenty agents or editors with the same first name. I've queried Katie as Kate, and its easy to commit this mistake. (I hang my head in shame) Its very easy to get a wrong name on your address. Most of us have become anal about finding the name. We even agonize over whether first or last name? and without knowing it, you send that query with the name misspelt or to the wrong person. Well, you screw up.
Suggestion: I would advice doing a single query at a time. Don't go crazy looking at your sheet and then multitasking. There's plenty of room for error there. Look at the editor's website and finish writing your query, tailoring it for said person. Write the name last, comparing it to the website. Do not trust Twitter and MSWL for a full name. A Query is still a professional letter and the name has to be written to that standard. Even better, query one project a day.
2. Word count
I'm signed on Agent Query and every week, my digest is filled with people who write super long queries, like two pages long. Even I know that these are newbies, (and I'm not a literary agent or editor). A query is like a teaser. Think of the trailer of the movie. All of us can spot a bad one, where you can guess the entire movie just by watching the trailer. A good query whets your appetite for more.
Suggestion: Keep writing different queries as you write your drafts. Save them. Make sure they're about a page long. If they're crossing that limit, then you're including too much information. I've seen successful and long queries on Chuck Sambuchino's page. But the rule of thumb is always a page long. It has to be precise, every word has to be selected carefully. You'll get better at each draft. If you're doing it while you're drafting your novel, you won;t have too much trouble when your manuscript's done.
3. Typos
Its important to read through the query numerous times before you hit 'send.' I know the sense of urgency I get when I'm almost done with a query. But when I tailor queries, it does happen that by the end of the process, all I want is to be done with it. Enough frothing over the name, the commas, the address, the first three chapters, the formatting and all that.
Sometimes the tailoring work, leaps out of nowhere in the paragraph, has no continuity or is missing a comma or has been hastily written, albeit with typos that a tired eye can't see. Typos can come across as unprofessional. An editor might wonder if you can actually speak English, if your sentences are littered with errors.
Suggestion: Don't use a draft or query that's been tailored the same day. I've put myself through the wringer with this, almost training myself not to submit a query the same day or week(if possible) its tailored. So I usually craft a query and then tailor another and another. Then, a few days later, read it and look for typos. They're easier to spot with a fresh mind and eyes.
4. Not doing the research
Researching editors and agents can be a timesuck. Searching for their submission guidelines, sometimes after multiple clicks and links is really strenuous. Reading about their interests and their wishlists, well it can be painful. But it makes a big difference. Imagine spending a month only writing queries, half of which would be rejected because you didn't read the genres they represent, or because an editor prefers Arial typefont.
Suggestion: At the end of a writing day or even while you're taking a break, research your editor or agent. The guidelines(font, spacing), genre, requirements(synopsis, three chapters). Make a list and set aside something like how you prep before you'd cook. Come querying season, you don't have to start from scratch and it's less overwhelming.
5. Forgetting Contact details.
This one I'm still guilty of. Because I travel so much, sometimes I'm not really sure which address to add and so its one of the things I leave for the last moment, only to forget it completely. Email, phone and address, is very important, in case a publisher or editor wants to speak to you. Especially today with a lot of online forms for submission, it becomes very important to add in contact details. Sometimes email addresses are flagged or can't be seen by editors with all their filters. It helps tremendously to have your contact details at the end of your query.
Suggestion: Create an automatic signature for queries, with your books or website, and contact details. It helps to get all the relevant information across. Or create a basic template for your query with all these pre-filled details, when you're querying, you won't sweat about these minor, but important details.
Querying is a long drawn process. Not everyone is successful, but these basics can get you across a few hurdles. Happy Querying
For more querying advice, check out Queryshark or Miss Snark.
Song on my playlist: Sam Hunt- Leave the night on
Credit: someecards.com1. Misspelt name of agent/ editor
You know those days where you're staring at your Excel and you have to hammer out all those queries for short stories, articles, blogs, agents and then some. You go through MSWL's, submission websites, see your requirements and check your sheet again. Then if you're super organized like me, you've got twenty agents or editors with the same first name. I've queried Katie as Kate, and its easy to commit this mistake. (I hang my head in shame) Its very easy to get a wrong name on your address. Most of us have become anal about finding the name. We even agonize over whether first or last name? and without knowing it, you send that query with the name misspelt or to the wrong person. Well, you screw up.
Suggestion: I would advice doing a single query at a time. Don't go crazy looking at your sheet and then multitasking. There's plenty of room for error there. Look at the editor's website and finish writing your query, tailoring it for said person. Write the name last, comparing it to the website. Do not trust Twitter and MSWL for a full name. A Query is still a professional letter and the name has to be written to that standard. Even better, query one project a day.
2. Word count
I'm signed on Agent Query and every week, my digest is filled with people who write super long queries, like two pages long. Even I know that these are newbies, (and I'm not a literary agent or editor). A query is like a teaser. Think of the trailer of the movie. All of us can spot a bad one, where you can guess the entire movie just by watching the trailer. A good query whets your appetite for more.
Suggestion: Keep writing different queries as you write your drafts. Save them. Make sure they're about a page long. If they're crossing that limit, then you're including too much information. I've seen successful and long queries on Chuck Sambuchino's page. But the rule of thumb is always a page long. It has to be precise, every word has to be selected carefully. You'll get better at each draft. If you're doing it while you're drafting your novel, you won;t have too much trouble when your manuscript's done.
3. Typos
Its important to read through the query numerous times before you hit 'send.' I know the sense of urgency I get when I'm almost done with a query. But when I tailor queries, it does happen that by the end of the process, all I want is to be done with it. Enough frothing over the name, the commas, the address, the first three chapters, the formatting and all that.
Sometimes the tailoring work, leaps out of nowhere in the paragraph, has no continuity or is missing a comma or has been hastily written, albeit with typos that a tired eye can't see. Typos can come across as unprofessional. An editor might wonder if you can actually speak English, if your sentences are littered with errors.
Suggestion: Don't use a draft or query that's been tailored the same day. I've put myself through the wringer with this, almost training myself not to submit a query the same day or week(if possible) its tailored. So I usually craft a query and then tailor another and another. Then, a few days later, read it and look for typos. They're easier to spot with a fresh mind and eyes.
4. Not doing the research
Researching editors and agents can be a timesuck. Searching for their submission guidelines, sometimes after multiple clicks and links is really strenuous. Reading about their interests and their wishlists, well it can be painful. But it makes a big difference. Imagine spending a month only writing queries, half of which would be rejected because you didn't read the genres they represent, or because an editor prefers Arial typefont.
Suggestion: At the end of a writing day or even while you're taking a break, research your editor or agent. The guidelines(font, spacing), genre, requirements(synopsis, three chapters). Make a list and set aside something like how you prep before you'd cook. Come querying season, you don't have to start from scratch and it's less overwhelming.
5. Forgetting Contact details.
This one I'm still guilty of. Because I travel so much, sometimes I'm not really sure which address to add and so its one of the things I leave for the last moment, only to forget it completely. Email, phone and address, is very important, in case a publisher or editor wants to speak to you. Especially today with a lot of online forms for submission, it becomes very important to add in contact details. Sometimes email addresses are flagged or can't be seen by editors with all their filters. It helps tremendously to have your contact details at the end of your query.
Suggestion: Create an automatic signature for queries, with your books or website, and contact details. It helps to get all the relevant information across. Or create a basic template for your query with all these pre-filled details, when you're querying, you won't sweat about these minor, but important details.
Querying is a long drawn process. Not everyone is successful, but these basics can get you across a few hurdles. Happy Querying
For more querying advice, check out Queryshark or Miss Snark.
Song on my playlist: Sam Hunt- Leave the night on
No comments have been added yet.
