The most common query error is . . .

Starting out without knowing what you're doing. Writers tend to forget that once they’ve polished their manuscript and begin contacting agents, they’re making a major shift from “telling” to “selling.” From this point on the query must be written in terms of the recipient, i.e., the agent. What does an agent want to know? Their #1 question is, “What’s in it for me?” Does the writer have a saleable manuscript, and can they write? An agent can determine this after reading a few sentences. Obviously, if you want your query to be read, spend some time learning how to write it so the query showcases you and your project in a structured, professional, AND interesting manner.

Begin your query with the plot

What’s the best way to begin a query?

Tell the plot in three tightly written sentences. First sentence introduces the main character and what they want. Second sentence describes the obstacle (s). Third sentence hints at a possible solution. For example:

1. A little girl packs a goodie basket and heads off to lunch with her beloved granny.

2. Along the way she meets a conniving stranger who plots murder and menu.

3. Will the child’s quick thinking, glib tongue, and high-decibel shrieking save granny and herself from becoming lunch items?

Exception to this rule is if the agent wants something else, like title, word count, where you heard of them, and/or your recipe for deviled eggs. Give them what they want even if it deviates from my suggestions.

(Got a question about queries or getting published? Ask it. Here's how! Click on the link below. Read the directions, then click on the link to return here. http://www.getpublishednow.biz/ask-the-wizard.html)

Multiple queries

Can I send a query to more than

one agent at a time?

YES. DEFINITELY. FOR SURE. ABSOLUTELY. WHY NOT? In truth, many agents would prefer exclusive submissions, but . . . considering how long it can take to hear back, you'll be a zillion years old if you send your queries out one at a time.

Get an agent!

I've found a publisher who has published

work similar to mine. I've checked out their website

and I'm convinced that my manuscript would be

a good fit. I read the submission guidelines, only to find

they do not accept "unsolicited manuscripts." Is there any

way around this? Can I send an "unsolicited" query letter?
Floundering in Florida

I advise against going directly to publishers. If you send a query, they like it, ask for a submission, like your work, and offer a contract, you're still not out of the woods. Writers without agents representing them, negotiating their contracts, bugging the publisher for royalty statements and checks etc. etc., are stuck at the end of the line. Put your energy and time into finding an agent to introduce you to that publisher. Give yourself the greatest advantage, GET AN AGENT!

Show 'um what you got

Is a query letter for editors written in the

same format as one for agents?

Yes.

Agents and editors all want to know the same thing about every writer who communicates with them. Can this person actually write, and do they have a saleable manuscript? Period. That's it! And, as I've said previously, I highly suggest you contact agents instead of editors. Unless, of course, you meet (or corner) an editor at a writers' conference, pitch your project and they ask for a query or partial manuscript submission. If they offer a contract, big woo-hoo for you! (Then get yourself an agent to help with negotiations and other events that occur as your manuscript moves along the path toward becoming a physical book.)

Query format, yes or no?

When I follow your query format, I lose a real

marketing hook for my novel, i.e., that there are

three women who kill pedophiles and not just

one, although I definitely have a protagonist

and she has two Nemeses, one of whom

is her own husband.

The query format, which works (like magic) includes a three-sentence opening paragraph that tells the goal and obstacle (s) for the protagonist, and gives a "tease" solution, thereby motivating the agent to keep reading. Learn to write this paragraph so it contains the essence of the plot. It's good practice. Then, by all means, give it your own twist, as long as the basic elements are there.

For example, here's a one-sentence query opener that works:

A pre-teen girl lands in a foreign country, kills

a stranger, steals her shoes, hooks up with

three misfits who help her kill and steal again

to get what she wants.

(The story? Hint! Her yappy dog is named Toto.)

Wanting to be wanted

I just sent out my query letter to two literary agents

and both sent me polite rejection letters. Is this normal?

How do I get them to want to represent me?

Double chocolate brownies?

Just kidding! The truth is . . . no power in the universe can make an agent "want" to represent you. Your first learning curve, after you have a polished, glow-in-the-dark manuscript, is to write a stellar query that tells the agent what they need to know: can you write? do you have a great story to tell? If so, they'll want you, with or without the brownies.

Find an agent

How can I find an agent?

Is there a way to tell a good one from a bad one?

The most effective (and simple) way to find an agent is visit http://www.agentquery.com/ There you'll find a listing of over 900 agents, what they're looking for and contact info. These agents are really truly honest, working agents--white hats/good guys. No black hats or scammers allowed on this site. While you're there, check out the social networking groups, especially the Query Critique Rooms for both fiction and non-fiction, and also the Publishers' Query Critique Room (managed by moi).

Query Confusion

Whoopsie!
Somehow, put the question after this response. Ah, the blog learning curve. I'll get it right next time (maybe).
Dismiss most of that rumor! (The rumor in question is posted at the bottom of this response). Agents ALWAYS ARE LOOKING for talented writers, hoping to find the next Rowlings, Patterson, or Hemmingway. (Sheesh! Putting Hemmingway in the same sentence as "Patterson". . . sorry Ernest). I digress.
All agents want manuscripts they can sell to publishers. Create a glow-in-the dark manuscript and equally fabulous query letter and you'll receive invites to submit your work. If the agent believes your work has potential, they'll submit it to one or more editors they know at various publishing houses. Once the editor becomes interested and makes an offer, you and your agent are off and running and voila! you can order "soon-to-be-published author" business cards.
Obviously this response is a little condensed. More info eventually will be given in re the process, time frame, money coming your way, etc.
It all begins with obtaining an agent. You do this by writing a query letter that proves you're a writer and have a manuscript worthy of publication.

The Query Letter Wizard is almost here . . .

Hi there,
Thanks for dropping by.
This blog is under construction (which is why there's not much here . . . yet!) Please come back after May 15th to partake of such delicious and helpful offerings such as:

• answers to your most pressing questions about query letters
• once-in-a-while opportunities when you can submit your queries for evaluation/comments ("open" evaluation dates/windows will be announced)
• why your query letter is a "make or break" sales document that you must learn to write
• how to shift your mindset from "telling" to "selling"
• where to find the best agents
• how to focus your energy/thoughts while writing a professional and effective query
• enabling your inner wizard to access inspiration/encouragement/wisdom

HOWEVER, if you're ready to go and itching to begin crafting your query letter right now, this very minute, first go to http://www.getpublishednow.biz/. This site (created by the Wizard's alter ego, Molli Nickell), will help you get started. While you're on the site, request your copy of the FREE query letter mini-workbook.

See you there . . . or here . . . soon.

Poof (I'm gone)

From Telling to Selling

What are the two most terrifying words to writers? If you’re thinking “IRS Audit,” or “root canal,” you’d be close, but no cigar. The terror-cold sweats-chocolate-craving words? “Query letter.” Did your heart rate just increase dramatically? If so, take a deep breath! Be assured you can learn to write an effective query letter. The Query Letter Wizard is here to help you. Whew!

What’s coming on this blog will be information to help you get over “query letter terror” and learn to write one that works. Since the query letter is only part of the process of getting published, you’ll be given other necessary information covering agents, the publishing biz, and the vital sales docs you will have to write, including the synopsis, first page and/or book proposal.

That’s right, these are sales documents. What the heck? You’ll be learning to make the mind shift from story “teller” to story “seller.” That understanding, along with some practice, will help you sell an agent on your writing skills and the fabulous-sity of your manuscript.

So, welcome to the brief, but intense, learning curve! You can get through it. I’ll help you.

Want more info on the query, right this very minute? Check out The Wizard’s cyber school, http://www.getpublishednow.biz/ where there’s lots of helpful information, including a monthly Query Club newsletter, monthly free tele-classes and discounts on evaluation services.

Thanks for dropping by.

Poof! (I’m gone)