Great tips, especially about how the query is actually a WIP. I have a quick question. If a published author (one who is critically acclaimed, writes in my genre, but isn’t a household name) has already offered to blurb my book, should I add that to my query? If so, where? The first paragraph (hook) or last paragraph (cook)? Thanks!
Also check out QueryTracker, where you can search for agents. There is both a free and a paid option for it, and I used the free option for a long time and it helped tremendously.
If you want a deep dive into queries check out Query Shark. What a resource! Unfortunately Janet isn't with us anymore, God bless her, but what a legend. She helped so many people with their writing careers.
Kristen, this is perfect, since I started my long list of agents this week! I have about 45 or so, and I was planning to start the process soon. Quick question: for your #2 tip, do you mean query 5-10 agents per WEEK for 3-4 weeks, or do you mean 5-10 agents TOTAL over the course of 3-4 weeks? This is something I was wondering about before I begin pitching. Thank you!
I've re-started the querying process for my manuscript after getting a developmental edit. I'd done as you recommended: small batches over the course of several months, tweaking/getting more feedback on query letter/opening pages after each batch ... and received only form rejections. Something wasn't working, obviously. I hired a developmental editor, someone who currently works in publishing (as an agent). I've incorporated his excellent suggestions, though he said my pages and query were extremely strong to begin with and seemed surprised that I hadn't gotten any requests. But now that I've restarted the query process, I'm also getting form rejections yet again. (Only two out of the seven I've sent out in this "batch"; the rest haven't replied yet. After the previous 40 rejections, this is wearing on me.) I still have plenty of agents left to query. But do you have any advice?
Unfortunately, I have never worked on a book that included illustrations. I would Google and see if you can find specific instructions. Or maybe the agents who you’re acquiring have more details. Good luck!
Perfect timing, as I'm just starting the querying process. Tip #2 was a relief - blasting out a ton of queries feels overwhelming, but keeping to 5-10 at a time is doable. Thanks!
Great tips, especially about how the query is actually a WIP. I have a quick question. If a published author (one who is critically acclaimed, writes in my genre, but isn’t a household name) has already offered to blurb my book, should I add that to my query? If so, where? The first paragraph (hook) or last paragraph (cook)? Thanks!
It can’t hurt to add it! I’d probably put it in the last paragraph as a bonus. And if she already gave you the blurb, I’d put that in there too.
Thank you, this is a great list. But I'm so intimidated by this process. How do you find the agents to query in the first place?
I’ll do a post on this with more tips! Stay tuned
Also check out QueryTracker, where you can search for agents. There is both a free and a paid option for it, and I used the free option for a long time and it helped tremendously.
Sarah, this has been a helpful guide for me:
https://rachellegardner.com/how-to-find-an-agent/
Here's an awesome resource I found recently: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/find-agentseditors/agent-list/
If you want a deep dive into queries check out Query Shark. What a resource! Unfortunately Janet isn't with us anymore, God bless her, but what a legend. She helped so many people with their writing careers.
Yes! Janet was tremendously helpful - and is so misssd.
Kristen, this is perfect, since I started my long list of agents this week! I have about 45 or so, and I was planning to start the process soon. Quick question: for your #2 tip, do you mean query 5-10 agents per WEEK for 3-4 weeks, or do you mean 5-10 agents TOTAL over the course of 3-4 weeks? This is something I was wondering about before I begin pitching. Thank you!
I would do 5 to 10 agents total in one week and then wait 3-4 weeks. Give those a chance to respond before you try more!
Thanks for clarifying!
Thank you for sharing these tips! I'm not ready to query yet, but when the time comes, it's wonderful to have solid advice so I can start strong.
So happy to help!
This is helpful & generous. Thank you!
This was so helpful!! I read right away, and will come back to it when I am at that stage (hopefully by May). 🙏🏻
I've re-started the querying process for my manuscript after getting a developmental edit. I'd done as you recommended: small batches over the course of several months, tweaking/getting more feedback on query letter/opening pages after each batch ... and received only form rejections. Something wasn't working, obviously. I hired a developmental editor, someone who currently works in publishing (as an agent). I've incorporated his excellent suggestions, though he said my pages and query were extremely strong to begin with and seemed surprised that I hadn't gotten any requests. But now that I've restarted the query process, I'm also getting form rejections yet again. (Only two out of the seven I've sent out in this "batch"; the rest haven't replied yet. After the previous 40 rejections, this is wearing on me.) I still have plenty of agents left to query. But do you have any advice?
Very good information! I’m also in the process of finding an agent.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! This is very timely information as I'm about to embark upon my own querying journey!
Good luck!!
Thanks, Kristen ~ any special tips for querying an illustrated book (for adults)?
Unfortunately, I have never worked on a book that included illustrations. I would Google and see if you can find specific instructions. Or maybe the agents who you’re acquiring have more details. Good luck!
Perfect timing, as I'm just starting the querying process. Tip #2 was a relief - blasting out a ton of queries feels overwhelming, but keeping to 5-10 at a time is doable. Thanks!
You definitely do not want to try everyone until you know what’s working! Good luck!
Thank you. Very helpful.