the dreaded Query letter!

[Rebecca, Group Creator]

I am the first to admit, in the beginning I failed at these. Even today, I still struggle. What do i put in there? How do I make myself sound right? What is the right way to set it out? All questions I have asked. So in this thread lets talk about and share hints about sending Query letters :)

[Eva]

This is a really good idea! my question would be, What did you write when it came to your biography and writing eperience?

[Rebecca, Group Creator]

I have been lucky to escape Query letters until recently. I'll post what i wrote, but i am sure if i did it right hehe.

'I have been writing for 2 years and have 3 short stories featured in both horror and romance anthologies by Firefly and Wisp. I also have my first novel coming out at the end of this year, which is also a horror/romance. This is my passion; to write things that people would never see coming. I love the idea of mixing a little scary with a dash of romance and finding out what it creates, story wise. I have several novella length stories that feature those kinds of elements. Sometimes a happy ending isn’t always about finding Prince Charming, getting married and having kids, though it is nice when it can all work out.'

As I said though I have no experience with these kind of things so I try to hopefully stand out and leave an impression :)

If anyone has any ideas on how to improve or would like to share what they wrote; please share!

[Eva]

At least you are showing you have something pubished, but did you have to write a query letter for your short stories?
And your novel?

[Rebecca, Group Creator]

No I was able to just pitch the idea and send through sample chapters. Only recently have I had to submit one. I am glad I have now, practice makes perfect I guess :) I will show you how I did up my first ever Query Letter, but again I am no expert :)

'Cursed is a complete 10581 word horror, romance manuscript, which takes place in a beautiful Victorian Gothic manor that just happens to be cursed. The house has a long history of death that revolves around painting which hang on its walls. Cody is the caretaker of the manor, he has been stuck there for centuries; doomed to fall in love with the girls that take residence in the main house until they are murdered. Kathryn thought she everything was perfect when she arrives at the house. A chain of events caused by the spirits that are stuck there push her into believing she is going crazy. Cody tries to save her but it’s too late, the house claims her but will it finally claim Cody as well? This haunting story is targeted for the House of Horrors, Flirt anthology.

I have been writing for 2 years and have 3 short stories featured in both horror and romance anthologies by Firefly and Wisp. I also have my first novel coming out at the end of this year, which is also a horror/romance. This is my passion; to write things that people would never see coming. I love the idea of mixing a little scary with a dash of romance and finding out what it creates, story wise. I have several novella length stories that feature those kinds of elements. Sometimes a happy ending isn’t always about finding Prince Charming, getting married and having kids, though it is nice when it can all work out.



Thank you for consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,'

[Lisa, R2R Admin & Group Creator]

I took a course on-line and have a sample letter from the professor and main points that are required. I'm not sure that I can share every detail because of copyright infringements but I'll pull the info out of my files and let you know if I come up with more to add.

I'm in the same boat as Rebecca that I have some short stories published but never had to submit a formal query to the indie publishing company. I'm working on a short story now. I'm not sure if I can finish it befor the deadline of July 31 and I'm not sure if it will be long enough but if it is. I have to write the query letter too. I guess I need to crack the whip.

It may take me a few days to check out my course notes but I'll get back to you!