letters from the query wars 8/27/2010
# of queries read 3 days before vacation (2 weeks ago): 103
# of partials/manuscripts requested: 1
genre of partials/manuscripts requested: YA
# of queries read in the 2 days after returning from vacation: 88
# of partials/manuscripts requested: 1
genre of partials/manuscripts requested: SF
oldest query in the queue: July 27
Reasons not to have someone else write your query:
- They may decide that dictating a deadline for response of less than 24 hours is a good idea. (In case you were wondering, it's not. I won't even see it that fast. Even if I'm not on vacation.)
- Their lack of a pitch... their lack of passion for your work... these are not things that will hook someone into reading your story.
- They might skip including the first five pages. Can you be confident they'll do sufficient research into guidelines?
- There's more to a query than just the description of the work. It communicates the author's tone, voice, approach. It's the first thing an agent will see from you.
* * *
PSA: Been having a bit of trouble with LJ lately. Among other things, it's no longer emailing me comments. Hasn't been for a while. Nor did it let me know when my paid membership lapsed. Very possible that the blog will be moving but the archives will remain here. Not sure if I will set up cross-posting for new entries going forward, but will be sure to post info once the transition is accomplished.
# of partials/manuscripts requested: 1
genre of partials/manuscripts requested: YA
# of queries read in the 2 days after returning from vacation: 88
# of partials/manuscripts requested: 1
genre of partials/manuscripts requested: SF
oldest query in the queue: July 27
Reasons not to have someone else write your query:
- They may decide that dictating a deadline for response of less than 24 hours is a good idea. (In case you were wondering, it's not. I won't even see it that fast. Even if I'm not on vacation.)
- Their lack of a pitch... their lack of passion for your work... these are not things that will hook someone into reading your story.
- They might skip including the first five pages. Can you be confident they'll do sufficient research into guidelines?
- There's more to a query than just the description of the work. It communicates the author's tone, voice, approach. It's the first thing an agent will see from you.
* * *
PSA: Been having a bit of trouble with LJ lately. Among other things, it's no longer emailing me comments. Hasn't been for a while. Nor did it let me know when my paid membership lapsed. Very possible that the blog will be moving but the archives will remain here. Not sure if I will set up cross-posting for new entries going forward, but will be sure to post info once the transition is accomplished.