Query Dos and Don'ts

[varkat]

GENERAL QUERY DOS AND DON’TS:

-The query letter is basically an introduction to the writer; the synopsis is the introduction to the story.

-The query should tell the agent/editor something about you, perhaps by what authority you write about the things you do. For example, if you’re writing medical suspense, perhaps you or someone

Comments

[burberry_bags]

I know someone like you!

[suricattus]

Ah, the dread pink plastic fish! I wonder whatever happened to mine....

(yes, folks, thequery letter really was rolled up inside of a hollow pink plastic fish. No, we were not impressed. Except in a really bad way.)

[varkat]

You have any more don'ts to add?

[suricattus]

I think you covered most of them, except of course the ones we're too sane to think of (stop and parse that a moment, willya?) that someone will come up with tomorrow...

The most basic, helpful advice I can give people is that your submission is your resume. Sure, you can use pink paper and purple script and it will stand out from all the others... but not in a good way. Really. Editors don't want twee. They want professionals who know that the only thing that's important is that the story works. Flash and twee doesn't do that. Good writing well-presented, does. End of argument.

[onyxhawke]

Scented paper is probably also a bad idea for places that take paper subs.

[otterdance]

Good to see this again. If you don't mind, I'd like to link it at my LJ. Lots of hopefuls there.

[varkat]

Go for it!

[nymeria87]

Nice post :)

Check an agency's website for submission guidelines and then follow them!

Sadly enough too many aspiring writers won't read submission guidelines if they jump at them... ;)

wait a minute, "hollow, pink plastic fish"? Oh dear...

[booraven22]

Here via kradical.

Thanks for the info. Very helpful for a flailing newbie writer (such as myself.) :)