How to Write a Query

Here’s the thing about writing tips and why I often shy away from them. First, a lot of the blogs/sites/pages/posts go on and on with a lengthy opening/ introduction about what’s being covered and why with no useful information, wasting five, ten, fifteen minutes. Then, when the meat is hit it’s generic or very sparse. While I appreciate giving specifics is sometimes difficult because each case is unique, it’s nice to find novel information. And if the information can’t be novel, then it could at least be abundant to present an objective, comprehensive overview. That is what I’ll attempt to do here.

Now if you’re wondering if I’m writing about queries for a specific reason, you’d be correct. There’s something very special on the horizon. Here’s a hint. If you liked Out of the Penalty Box, you may want to suit up to take the ice. More to come on that later.

Research how to write a query. There are videos, podcasts, books, lectures, etc. Plenty of resources exists that can be utilized without breaking the bank.
Read sample queries. This goes along with the first. Many sites have examples of queries posted. A beginning writer might practice by copying the query exactly. (This isn’t an endorsement to plagiarize, as this method is being offered merely as training and not for submission.) Replace titles, characters, and keywords with titles, character, and keywords from your WIP. Then, change the plot to yours. Add description. This will allow the writer to get an idea of flow/pace, elements that need to be included, and lengthy. Finally, add voice. If done correctly, the new letter should bear little existence to the original other than layout. Once this has been accomplished this becomes a working first draft to build a unique query.
Perform a spell and grammar check before submitting. This may seem basic, but often it’s a step overlooked. Remember, in many instances, the query will be the first impression a publisher or agent has about a writer. Make it a good one.
Research who to send the query. Randomly sending agents and publishers may produce positive results but not likely. Sending a historical romance to a publisher who specializes in futuristic sci-fi probably isn’t going to stir a lot of interest. Don’t waste their time or yours.
Along the same note, personalize each letter, Show the agent or publisher that you’ve done your research by addressing them by name instead of sir madam. Indicate why your story fits with what they currently do and their readership.
Play up your strengths. One doesn’t need a long list of writing credits to impress an agent or publish (although it may help). If a writer has a particular expertise or skill that is relevant (e.g., an attorney who wrote a crime novel) list it. It can’t hurt. But avoid a bio that doesn’t strengthen the work being pitched-if for no other reason than to prevent inflating word count.
And speaking of word count, queries should be fairly short, no more than a page.
A query is intended to spike interest so that an agent or publisher request to see either sample chapters or the full manuscript. This means the writing must be tight and contain only the most vital story content (e.g. characters, plot, genre, word count, etc.) Writers should become bogged down in details at his stage.
Follow agents and publishers’ guidelines. Most agents and publishers post on their websites if they are open for submissions, what they are looking for, the method of query, what to include, formatting, and so forth. Knowing this before submitting can prevent much frustration and reduce rejections.
Send queries in batches. Select maybe 3-10 agents/ publishers to query and wait for their feedback. Sometimes, the feedback is helpful in tweaking the query so that it has improved odds when it’s submitted to other agents.
Be confident in your submissions and do not become disheartened by rejection. Use each submission as a learning opportunity.
Reach out to other writers and ask for help. If possible, swap skills. One writer may be strong in writing queries but weak with synopsis, while another writer may be the exact opposite. The two may help each other.
Attend workshops if possible. There’s no rule that says a query can’t begin an oral pitch. In fact, those are some of the best kinds.
If a query is rejected, don’t send a rude response. Move on. As the saying goes: there are plenty more fish. Some writers send thank you’s. There’s mixed opinion on this practice. Some feel that it increases the likelihood of an agent or publisher remembering the writer. Others feel the agent/publisher probably won’t even remember a writer’s whose query was rejected in the first eight seconds.
Don’t be disillusioned by formed responses that appear personalized. Look, I get that rejection is a big enough sting without receiving an auto-rejection that beings with Dear Author. But I’ve heard writers gush about what a lovely rejection they’ve received that praised their work and encouraged future submissions. And that same nice “personalized” letter has been computer generated and sent to dozens of other rejected writers. I’m sure some of them are real, but in many instances, the agent/publisher has just created a nicer generic rejection that inputs authors names and book titles in the appropriate places. If you don’t believe this is the case, try comparing rejection letters with other authors who have queried the same agent/publisher.

Don’t forget to visit Creole Bayou again. New posts are made on Wednesdays. If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors.

 

Enjoy sports romance? Check out my new adult romance, Defending the Net, being released in November. It is the second in my hockey series and guaranteed to melt the ice. Preorder at: https://books2read.com/defending.  Crossing the line could cost the game.

Missed the first in my hockey romance series? Don’t worry. Out of the Penalty Box, an adult romance where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime out is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.

Life’s Roux: Wrong Doors, my steamy romantic comedy, is available at Red Sage Publishing. To order go to Amazon at http://amzn.to/2lCQXpt.

Copies of all my books and stories are available in paper, eBook, and audio on Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The links are listed in my Writing Projects page (http://bit.ly/2iDYRxU) along with descriptions of each of my novels or stories.

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