Query Query Query

There comes a point in every writer’s life when they want to pull their hair out. This phenomenon is commonly called writing a query letter.

Query letters.

You spend months working on a novel. It tops out at over 50,000 words and stretches on for pages. You’ve taken care to choose the right words and create a rich setting.

How is it that a one page letter can cause so much drama?

For those new to the writing world, a query letter is a small blurb about your book to convince an agent to read it. You have to share just enough information to explain what the book is about, but not too much information. It has to be a fine balance of character and plot. It must have a unique and catchy voice that is true to the voice of the novel.

It is as difficult as it sounds. More difficult than writing the book in the first place.

My advice?

Eat chocolate and don’t be afraid to cry.

In seriousness, just try it. Maybe try writing a couple of version of it. Then get feedback. Have people who haven’t read your book read it. This will test how clearly it explains things and how inticing it is. Have people who have read your book read it. They will be able to identify if you maintain the voice of the book and can help you clarify plot points.

Don’t be afaid to try something different if things aren’t working. Save your drafts. You may decide you like your older version better or may need to use a specific line from an earlier draft.

Queries. They are a pain, but haven’t killed anyone yet. Good luck!

Getting Attention

Getting Attention

A few days ago, someone came to visit whom my dog adores. While my roommate was talking with this person, I was napping in my room. I ignored Lucy’s pleasepleaseplease let me out to see them. When I finally got up, she looked at me and then began shredding a piece of paper on the floor.

Now, it is difficult to say that she was trying to get my attention, but it sure doggone felt like it.

She got attention, just not the open-the-door kind of attention she wanted, but more of the what-are-you-doing kind of attention.

As writers, we very much want the attention of an agent. There are plenty of ways to get their attention, but sometimes, it isn’t the attention you want.

The bad ways:

•         Gimmicks. This includes, but isn’t limited to: asking a rhetorical question in the query letter, sending a letter with 26 point neon orange font, or starting your query letter with dialog.
•          Breaking the rules. Example: Purposely misspelling the word green or writing an entire query letter as one giant run-on sentence.
•          Not Following Guidelines. If they say no attachments, you attach something. If they say they don’t represent young adult novels, you send them your query for a YA novel.

These ways will most certainly get you noticed, but not in a good way.

So what are the steps to get noticed in a good way?

The good ways:

•        Write something awesome.

That’s it. Plain and simple. If you want their attention, do that. It won’t work with every agent, everywhere, but guarantee, if you write something awesome, it will get noticed.

Happy Writing.

Query Letter Crusaders

Writing a 50,000 word novel: easy peasy (Well, not exactly).  Writing a one page query letter: Impossible.

Anyone else feel this way? Have you  spent hours and hours perfecting your query letter, only to get feedback that it’s boring or too much like a summary or too gimmicky?

Yeah, it happens to the best of us.

I’d say don’t stress about it, but your query letter might be your only chance to make a first impression for agents.

So do we panic now?

Of course not (Okay maybe a little).

I’ve started a new yahoo group to help with the querying process. Basically, it’s a bunch of people serious about their query letters and serious about helping others with their query letters.

While we might not have any query experts, we have eyes. Eyes to see and evaluate queries. We have several people set up to be mock agents. (You can sign up to be one too!) Basically, you send your query package to them and they evaluate it. It’s sort of like sending it to a real agent, but

a.       none of our mock agents can represent your work and

b.       the mock agents give feedback.

Here’s the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/querylettercrusaders/

Join us!

I, J, and K

I’ve missed the A-Z challenge for three days now, so today is catch-up day.

I: Isolation

Writing can be a solitary form of art. Authors can spend hours in their own heads, getting to know characters and structuring plots. Creating novels takes quiet time.

Today’s I post is about isolation and why it’s bad.

Don’t hole yourself up and forget the world for your words.

Spend time with your loved ones. They may provide inspiration. Spend time with friends and family that don’t write or particular understand. It will help you gain perspective. And most importantly, spend time with other writers. Attend writer’s conferences. Sometimes local libraries will host free writing classes. Join an on-line forum. Attend book signings of local authors. You will get advice and make friends.

What are some ways you connect to others in the writing world? Any favorite on-line forums?

J:Jessica

Jessica. Isn’t it a great name?

Not only is it my name, but also my roommate’s name. (Yes, it does sometimes get confusing, but it makes it easy for guest because they really only have one name to memorize).

According to a wild rumor (supported by google), the origin of the name Jessica goes back to Shakespeare. Yeah, that Shakespeare. A pretty good little writer or so I’ve heard. The first time the ica was added to the Jess was in The Merchant of Venice.

My mother let my older sister name me. So that’s where my name comes from. She is four years older than me, so I guess I’m lucky I didn’t end up with a name like Sparkle Princess Barbie. My name suits me, so I guess it worked out in the end.

Do you know the history of your name? How did your parents choose it?

K: Kinda cool news

I’ve been delayed in my blogging for two reasons. First, I’ve been having a fabulous time with my family. Second, I’ve been querying my latest novel and received my first ever full request. First time is always exciting.

When my nephew heard I was sending my story to agents, he got very excited and announced that he had a great idea. He knew exactly who I should send it to.

Agent P!

So if things don’t work out, I’m sending a query to Perry the Platypus.