Query Questions with Kathleen Rushall
Writers have copious amounts of imagination. It's what makes their stories so fantastic. But there's a darker side to so much out of the box thinking. When a writer is in the query trenches, their worries go into overdrive. They start pulling out their hair and imagine every possible disaster.
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.
A big thanks to Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency for her interview. Not only is Kathleen a super agent extraordinaire, but she got a book deal for my CP Angie! (Angie Sandro's book DARK PARADISE comes out this July!)
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query? No, I know we’re all human. But you do want to be sure that your query is as polished as possible. While I won’t hold one typo against you, multiple typos are a problem.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong? Only if the query interests me enough to look further. That being said, if I can see promise in the concept of the story and the writing, I’ll still take a look at the sample pages (even if the query itself isn’t the strongest).
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them? Right now I process each query myself.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages? Yes please. The sample should be the opening pages (whatever # of pages the agent specifies) and should start at the very beginning.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested? We work closely at Marsal Lyon. We do pass queries to each other if we think it might be a good fit.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript? I think it’s nice to see a friendly personalized sentence or two. The rest of the query should focus on the manuscript and any relevant background you want to mention. Remember the three things to include in any query: the hook, the book, and the cook.
Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included? Yes, please include the word count and genre in your query. It’s up to you if you want to put it in the beginning or closing of the letter. For picture books, I like to see the word count up front. For MG and YA, it seems to flow best in the closing. Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive? Actually, I think it’s a great idea to include any relevant links in your pitch letter (below your signature is best). When I’m interested in a query I want to do my research on the author and check out his or her blog and any online presence.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested? The general rule of thumb is that you only want to resend to an agent if they have requested to see it again.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent? Definitely. What three things are at the top of your submission wish list? I’d love to find a unique, strong-voiced, realistic YA romance
Kathleen’s Bio:
Kathleen Rushall is an agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Kathleen is looking for fresh voices in all areas of young adult literature including contemporary romance, suspense, Southern gothic tales, historical fiction, and horror. She’s also open to new adult queries. Kathleen is looking for funny, character-driven, quirky picture books and all genres of big voiced middle grade fiction.
Kathleen also represents select nonfiction and is interested in parenting, cooking, crafts, business, alternative medicine, women’s interest, humor, pop-culture, and some how-to.
A few of Kathleen’s recent and soon to be published books include A RUSTIC CHIC WEDDING: A Collection of DIY Wedding Crafts and Inspirations by Morgann Hill (Running Press), BACKHOE JOE by Lori Alexander (Harper Collins), CUT ME FREE by J.R. Johansson (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE by Sarah Harian (Intermix, Penguin), IT’S RAINING BATS AND FROGS by Rebecca Colby (Feiwel & Friends), and THE ONE THING by Marci Curtis (Hyperion).
Kathleen graduated from Seattle University with her bachelor’s degree in English and minor in fine arts. She moved back to her hometown of San Diego to earn her master’s degree in English, specializing in children’s literature, from San Diego State University.
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.
A big thanks to Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency for her interview. Not only is Kathleen a super agent extraordinaire, but she got a book deal for my CP Angie! (Angie Sandro's book DARK PARADISE comes out this July!)
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query? No, I know we’re all human. But you do want to be sure that your query is as polished as possible. While I won’t hold one typo against you, multiple typos are a problem.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong? Only if the query interests me enough to look further. That being said, if I can see promise in the concept of the story and the writing, I’ll still take a look at the sample pages (even if the query itself isn’t the strongest).
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them? Right now I process each query myself.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages? Yes please. The sample should be the opening pages (whatever # of pages the agent specifies) and should start at the very beginning.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested? We work closely at Marsal Lyon. We do pass queries to each other if we think it might be a good fit.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript? I think it’s nice to see a friendly personalized sentence or two. The rest of the query should focus on the manuscript and any relevant background you want to mention. Remember the three things to include in any query: the hook, the book, and the cook.
Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included? Yes, please include the word count and genre in your query. It’s up to you if you want to put it in the beginning or closing of the letter. For picture books, I like to see the word count up front. For MG and YA, it seems to flow best in the closing. Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive? Actually, I think it’s a great idea to include any relevant links in your pitch letter (below your signature is best). When I’m interested in a query I want to do my research on the author and check out his or her blog and any online presence.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested? The general rule of thumb is that you only want to resend to an agent if they have requested to see it again.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent? Definitely. What three things are at the top of your submission wish list? I’d love to find a unique, strong-voiced, realistic YA romance
Kathleen’s Bio:
Kathleen Rushall is an agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Kathleen is looking for fresh voices in all areas of young adult literature including contemporary romance, suspense, Southern gothic tales, historical fiction, and horror. She’s also open to new adult queries. Kathleen is looking for funny, character-driven, quirky picture books and all genres of big voiced middle grade fiction.
Kathleen also represents select nonfiction and is interested in parenting, cooking, crafts, business, alternative medicine, women’s interest, humor, pop-culture, and some how-to.
A few of Kathleen’s recent and soon to be published books include A RUSTIC CHIC WEDDING: A Collection of DIY Wedding Crafts and Inspirations by Morgann Hill (Running Press), BACKHOE JOE by Lori Alexander (Harper Collins), CUT ME FREE by J.R. Johansson (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), THE WICKED WE HAVE DONE by Sarah Harian (Intermix, Penguin), IT’S RAINING BATS AND FROGS by Rebecca Colby (Feiwel & Friends), and THE ONE THING by Marci Curtis (Hyperion).
Kathleen graduated from Seattle University with her bachelor’s degree in English and minor in fine arts. She moved back to her hometown of San Diego to earn her master’s degree in English, specializing in children’s literature, from San Diego State University.
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