Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Beginning and End of a Query



Have you read all the books on querying you could find on the shelves? Maybe you’ve visited all the top blog sites regarding how to make a query? Even after submitting a few, do you ever doubt the effectiveness of the query you’ve created?

I feel pretty good about the meat of my query, but I’m a little doubtful on the intro and ending.  I’ve done queries before, but I always feel that it’s not my strong suit. Nonetheless, I’ve written and rewritten it as well as having it critiqued, but it’s not so much the style as the format the concerns me now.

Do you feel it’s better to go straight into the story or do you prefer to start with an opening line regarding the agent you’re querying? What have you found successful or not in your own queries before? If you were an agent, what would your preference be? 


22 comments:

  1. I recently attended a writer's workshop and they recommended going right into it. No introduction, just get to the query.

    Then at the end you say why you chose the agent, etc.

    I'm sure there are many opinions out there, but that's the one he gave.

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  2. I have no idea, but I would love to hear what other people think! That's sounds good to me Kelly :)

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  3. I've read countless posts ad books on queries, and it's a very subjective process. One thing may work well with one agent and not another. It's crazy.

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  4. I have no idea but would like to find out. In general I am not a fan of beating around the bush and prefer to get to the point as soon as it is naturally allowable.

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  5. I found a couple websites on querying and that's how I learned. I think I had a short intro followed by a one paragraph description of my first book. I know it was short!

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  6. In an attempt to hone in on what works on a query, I've spent a lot of time at Query Shark. (There are a lot of letters writers have sent to her to be critiqued.) Janet Reid recommends we go right into the action. This defies all the books I've read surrounding the fact, but seems to be what agents are prefering. The whole prospect of querying again really scares me. Hmm, I might have to use that one in my next insecure writer's day. If you feel you're ready for that, then good luck to you, Mark. :)

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  7. Different agents prefer different approaches. Some like the personalized bit at the beginning, and some just want to know what your story is about and forget the rest. I suppose you could have two versions and adjust accordingly. I'm a little lazy for that, though, and just go with my one query that jumps right into the hook. Either way, I think agents are more forgiving than they let on. If they're intrigued, they'll request pages. :)

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  8. I like to start with an opening line that shows I've done my homework (reading their blog or website) on what they represent and then tie that into "I'm seeking representation for . . ." and then mention word count, genre (that they represent) and title.

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  9. Each agent seems to have a preference about if they want you to jump in or give the tidbit first. I'd look if the agent has a blog, usually they'll have a post or two how they want the queries to go.

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  10. I don't think there's any point in beating around the bush, but check up on their preferences before sending to each one.

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  11. Here's the problem, each agent/editor/author I've heard talk about queries prefers a different way. So I'd say a brief intro wouldn't be a bad idea. It sort of seems better to have it for those that prefer it, just in case. But who the heck can tell!?

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  12. It seems that each agent likes it differently, but I bet none of them would turn down a good query because you did it 'wrong' :-)

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  13. Queries are so hard because there isn't one right or standard way of writing them. Ugh. I do, however, think that a concise and tightly written query is best.

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  14. Unless I've met the agent and want to remind them of that, I go straight into the pitch. I've heard so many different approaches though and like some commenters have already said, some agents like different things.

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  15. Thanks to my editor I had a pretty darn good opening line. Then I went straight into the pitch. I'd like to do that again for my next soon to be released. But it really has to sizzle. If the opening line is a dud, the agent will move on to the next.

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  16. What I've always heard is that the beginning should go straight into the pitch. But then I've heard other agents say you should open with genre and word count.

    Obviously, I don't know anything. It's at this point that I go into fetal position on the floor and just repeat, "It only takes one agent...it only takes one agent..."

    *sigh*

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  17. Kelley – Nice approach, I like it:)

    J.A. – I feel you. This is my “insecure” post.

    Miranda – Yup, variety sounds like a nice middle ground, i.e. some submissions for one agent one way, then different for another.

    MrsLittleJeans – I think most people would agree with you that beating around the bush gets you nowhere:)

    Alex – Short definitely helps…and to the point;)

    Laila – Hmm, Query Shark. I’ll def check it out. Thanks for the tip!

    L.G. – If there’s a personal connection, I think a one sentence intro helps, but it all depends on the agent.

    Stacy – Hmm, I do like the upfront approach, btu doe sit “pop” enough when you’ve used it with agents? Honestly asking:)

    Steph – Great idea! I’ll check out agents blogs before querying them now:)

    Shannon – Who can tell indeed. But it sounds like you’ve got a common sense approach.

    Sarah – Good point!

    Cynthia – Concise, tight writing. Def good advice.

    Lynda – I think you’ve come up with a good compromise here. I’ll try it!

    Stephen – I agree. Although even a good opening line can be subjective, but what the heck we all got to try it sooner or later.

    Leigh Ann – No fetal ball…don’t fret. We all just keep chugging along as best we can:)

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  18. I am a firm believer that there is no perfect query, nor a perfect time to query, nor a perfect anything.

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  19. Yes, definitely query shark. (check out the ones that get it right on the first go round). Also, read Elana Johnson's book FROM THE QUERY TO THE CALL. Also, querytracker.com has forums to get feedback from.
    I started with the pitch and put all the other stuff (bio, agent stuff, title, genre) at the end of the query. It was well received, but probably more it was the idea that got agent interest. I don't think front or back is as important as the hook.

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  20. Hi Mark..different agents like different things; some say go straight to the pitch, some say start with why you are querying that particular agent. Different agents prefer different things.

    Mark..I have answered your question on how to keep a short story from morphing into a novel in my post today. Hope it helps.

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  21. Munk - Indeed.

    Christa - Thanks for the advise:)

    Rachna - I'll check it out, thanks!

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  22. I would prefer you go straight to the story, and then tell the agent why you are querying him or her. It seems more dramatic that way.

    Fickle Cattle
    http://ficklecattle.blogspot.com

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