5 Common mistakes you make in a query letter
Since I am currently deep into the querying process right now, I thought I would share some of the things I've learned about queries. It's not hard to mess up a query letter, but if you can avoid these five pitfalls, you have a better chance at not having your query thrown from the slushpile before even being considered.
Let's start off with the #1 big no-no in your letter. Addressing the agent.
1) Do NOT adress your query, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, DEAR AGENT, or any other vague adress.
An Agent wants to feel special. Don't we all? I know I get flustered when people misspell my name, not once, but a thousand times. An agent has to read many more queries than that, and there are so many that are addressed to said agent not even GIVING them a name.
And it just shows your lack of respect and laziness by doing this. If you want your query thrown out without even being read, by all means start it out with, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
2) Follow the guidelines
Queries may have standard format requirements, but each agency has it's own set of guidelines that you need to follow. And you NEED TO FOLLOW THEM. If they ask for your vision on marketing, target audience, or to send the first chapter of your manuscript along with your query, you need to do so. Tailor your query to fit their requests.
This will show the agent that your are serious and have done your homework.
3) No one wants to hear about your cat
Yes, the fur balls are cute, but this is business, people. Do NOT put anything in your bio about you. I know, it's contradictory. But this is BUSINESS. The agent wants to know about your credentials, not what you do in your free time.
4) Confidence isn't arrogance
So don't be cocky. Be humble, and don't say things like, "MY MS IS BETTER THAN HARRY POTTER", or "YOU WILL LOVE MY NOVEL", anything that can come off as being egoistical, delete it. Also, don't do the opposite. You don't want to sound unsure of your MS or doubtful.
So, if you have anything that reads, "IF YOU DON"T LIKE THE ENDING I CAN CHANGE IT", "THIS IS MY FIRST NOVEL, SO IT'S NOT THAT GREAT". DELETE immediately.
5) Tone
I see this one a lot. Your MS has a tone to it. There is a style and voice that sets your work apart from others. So WHY would you write a synopsis that doesn't reflect that? I see someone who wrote a funny novel, then their query is serious, not showing any of that same wit and humor. You can't simply state, "PACKED WITH HUMOR". That's not getting the agent to laugh. Sorry.
Hopefully, you don't make these mistakes, but if you do, nip them in the rear and fix it before you fail. There are so many more aspects of the query to look at and dissect, but these will hopefully keep your in the agents mind just a little while longer.
Let's start off with the #1 big no-no in your letter. Addressing the agent.
1) Do NOT adress your query, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, DEAR AGENT, or any other vague adress.
An Agent wants to feel special. Don't we all? I know I get flustered when people misspell my name, not once, but a thousand times. An agent has to read many more queries than that, and there are so many that are addressed to said agent not even GIVING them a name.
And it just shows your lack of respect and laziness by doing this. If you want your query thrown out without even being read, by all means start it out with, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
2) Follow the guidelines
Queries may have standard format requirements, but each agency has it's own set of guidelines that you need to follow. And you NEED TO FOLLOW THEM. If they ask for your vision on marketing, target audience, or to send the first chapter of your manuscript along with your query, you need to do so. Tailor your query to fit their requests.
This will show the agent that your are serious and have done your homework.
3) No one wants to hear about your cat
Yes, the fur balls are cute, but this is business, people. Do NOT put anything in your bio about you. I know, it's contradictory. But this is BUSINESS. The agent wants to know about your credentials, not what you do in your free time.
4) Confidence isn't arrogance
So don't be cocky. Be humble, and don't say things like, "MY MS IS BETTER THAN HARRY POTTER", or "YOU WILL LOVE MY NOVEL", anything that can come off as being egoistical, delete it. Also, don't do the opposite. You don't want to sound unsure of your MS or doubtful.
So, if you have anything that reads, "IF YOU DON"T LIKE THE ENDING I CAN CHANGE IT", "THIS IS MY FIRST NOVEL, SO IT'S NOT THAT GREAT". DELETE immediately.
5) Tone
I see this one a lot. Your MS has a tone to it. There is a style and voice that sets your work apart from others. So WHY would you write a synopsis that doesn't reflect that? I see someone who wrote a funny novel, then their query is serious, not showing any of that same wit and humor. You can't simply state, "PACKED WITH HUMOR". That's not getting the agent to laugh. Sorry.
Hopefully, you don't make these mistakes, but if you do, nip them in the rear and fix it before you fail. There are so many more aspects of the query to look at and dissect, but these will hopefully keep your in the agents mind just a little while longer.
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