Eight Query Do’s and Don’ts

By Renée Ahdieh

1. DO: Personalize your query. Take the time to look up the agent's name and gender. A "Dear Sir or Madame" will not get you far. Nor will a generic "To Whom It May Concern" or an email blast to fifty agents on a preferred list. That being said, I wouldn't write "Sup, Barbara" atop my query, either. Well, my agent might laugh. Right before she deletes it.

2. DON'T: Begin your query with a question. I know the temptation is there. After all, so many movie theater trailers do i...