Inklings & Musings

Queries

Queries are wonderful and wild things.  So much hope is infused into each one.  I cannot speak for other authors, but I spend quite a bit of time researching those I intend to write a query letter to.  That is how it should be.  Considering the sheer amount of time that you will be spending working with either an agent or an editor, the process of researching agencies and publishers should be thoughtful and careful.  I think agents and editors would be grateful, frankly, if more new authors stopped applying the scatter-shot method of getting representation. 

Suggestions that I have heard from agents, editors, or published authors many times that sound thoughtful and rational to me:
1.  Do your homework.  Focus your search first on agents or publishing houses that indicate that they represent your genre and audience.  Don't waste your time and theirs by writing to those who don't.  AgentQuery.com is a good place to start. 
2.  Narrow your list by actually taking the time to research the authors and books your agent or publisher have represented or published.  Go to their websites.  Read articles on their work.  Again, don't waste your time trying to get your steampunk YA fantasy represented by an agent who only works with adult epic fantasy, unless something on their website indicates an interest in a sub-genre that they have not worked with before.  It seems to be a constant complaint amongst those who read the slush pile that most of what is in the in-box is not even remotely the sort of work that they usually represent.  Baen, for example, indicates that they are most comfortable with adult works 100k-130k in length.  This will probably not be your average middle grade fantasy.  Again, show a little respect by doing your homework. 
3.  Write your query letter as though it was a monologue during a job interview--because what you are doing is actually interviewing for a job.  Be professional, be brief, and be specific to that publisher or agent.  Generic letters will just not do.  Do not be afraid to show a little of your personality, but do present a polished introduction of yourself and your manuscript. 
4.  Do not let rejections discourage you or turn you from your search.  Orson Scott Card once told me that since you want your agent or editor to be the kind of person who is passionate about your story, you should not take a rejection personally.  You just need to move on and find someone else---someone who is so passionate about what you have to offer that they will do everything in their power to help that book become a success.  Agents and editors are people, too.  Behind the websites and the letterheads are individuals with individual tastes and preferences just like yours.  Take the time to find someone who shares yours.  After all, the idea is that you will be working with them for a long, long time. 

What kinds of stories are you passionate about?