E-queries

[varkat]

Part of the reason we have a system for e-queries (going through the central location of submissions(at)knightagency.net) is to protect us from computer viruses.  If I get an unsolicited e-mail with an attachment to my own address, I will delete it unread unless I recognize and have solicited material from the sender.  If you don't hear from me,

Comments

[heatherwpetty]

I actually really feel for agents in their dealings with queries. I read the stats on one agent's blog, that she got 35,000 queries last year. By itself, that's 135 pages of reading a day (if you consider a 5-day work week, which is probably not reality for most agents who take work home with them nightly and on the weekends)... not to mention that she also has a list of clients who need her and conferences to attend, regular office admin... the list goes on.

And somehow in all of that mess, they have to wade through the muck to find hidden gems by new, untried authors.

I seriously don't know how you guys do it and stay sane.

[varkat]

Thanks! It's so wonderful when someone actually understands and appreciates!

[elfmama]

I find it mind boggling that people still send unasked for attachments. Have they not read a single submissions guideline? or agent bio? And that leads me to another question.

I tailor each of my queries to fit what I've read in the agent's bios usually as a lead in to the letter and to prove I have indeed researched. Yet, I've heard differently- and agent said "I don't care how or why you queried me-stick only to the most relevant facts." What do you think?

[varkat]

I don't necessarily need to know why someone queried me. On the other hand, knowing that someone has done their research and wants me specifically does earn them a little extra of my time. On the other hand, some people go about it in the wrong way. For example: "Dear Agent X, when I saw you out walking your dog yesterday through my high-powered binoculars, I knew that you would give the same loving car you gave Fifi to any manuscript that came your way, which is why...." Oh yes, an editor I know received a pitch something like this at a conference. Okay, maybe slightly less stalkerish, but you get the idea.

[elfmama]

LOL! I get the idea. That's simply scary. Thanks for your thoughts.

[sunkmanitu_sapa]

So why is my rejection email signed Melissa Jeglinski, if I sent it to your attention? How is it that other people can't seem to send the queries to the Submissions Coordinator when the instructions clearly say to do as much?

[varkat]

Melissa is the first reader on our queries. If she thinks they fit the tastes and needs of the agents, she passes them along. If not, in the interest of speed, she responds for us. If something seems intriguing but not the right fit for the agent it's addressed to we'll pass it on to other agents in the office to see if one of them is interested. I can't speculate on why your query in particular didn't make it to the next stage, but you're always free to query on another novel along the line.