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Perceptions
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How to Write Query LettersSome of the best advice I've read regarding Query Letters said, "A good query letter will grab the reader in the first sentence . . . use a "pitch line." The pitch line is a single sentence that tells what you're selling in an intriguing manner. You can include a little more detail about the book you're pitching in the rest of the first paragraph, but keep it to a total of three sentences." John Gilstrap, author of "Nathan's Run," says, "A query letter is a direct mail marketing piece. As an author, you have a commodity you wish to sell. The "buyer" in this case is an agent, who makes her living selecting marketable literary properties, and matching them with a hungry editor at the appropriate publishing house . . ." Do your research for an agent by going to your local library and/or book store, request books on agents. Then, read what each agent has to say about what they are representing, how successful they have been with their clients' works, how much commission they charge (usually 10 to 15%) for U.S. rights, plus possibly 20% for foreign rights. The agents will tell you if they want only a query letter first, or if they like a query plus a brief synopsis and perhaps three chapters of your book. Follow those instructions. Remember, do not send a SciFi novel to an agent who says, "We do not handle Science Fiction." Most agents will state exactly what genres they handle or do not handle. Make a list of ten or twelve agents that do handle the type of novel you've written, prioritize this list and write your letter. You may make multiple queries when searching for an agent. If you are one of the lucky ones and get more than one positive response, select the agent that appears most interested in what you're offering. In the event that you get no positive hits, it is back to the drawing board to make up another list of possible agents. You continue this procedure until such time as you do find the best agent for your work. That "one special agent" is out there, it is up to you to find him or her. Gilstrap's query letter that sold "Nathan's Run" has become a prime example of how to write a winning query. "After reading your entry in The Writer's Digest Guide to Literary Agents, and noting your interest in mainstream fiction, I'd like you to consider representing my new novel." (Notice: He's shown he is familiar with this agent's work and he's asking for representation.) "Nathan's Run is the story of a twelve-year-old who is unfairly caught up in the juvenile justice system. When he is attacked by a drunken guard, he defends himself and escapes, triggering a series of events that polarizes public opinion while capturing the hearts of the world. He's frightened and he's alone. And someone is truing to kill him." (Notice: This is all Gilstrap says to hook the agent, but it is just enough. Not one extra word.) "The story is drawn from my experience as chairman of a citizen's committee overseeing the Juvenile Detention Center near my home, and from my years dealing with disadvantaged children as part of the Big Brother program." (Notice: Here are his qualifications for writing this particular story.) "My nonfiction work has been published in a half-dozen trade journals, and I have participated in several writers' workshops, including two years of study with the Writers-in-Residence at the College of William and Mary in Virginia." (Notice: Here he says, I'm a writer, I know what I'm doing you don't have to teach me to write.) "I've included a synopsis of Nathan's Run, along with the first three chapters of the completed manuscript. Please feel free to call me with any comments or questions, either at my office, (number), or at my home, (number). I look forward to hearing from you." (Notice: He says what is enclosed, asks for comments or questions, gives his numbers where can be reached, and says he's looking forward to hearing from the agent.) Sincerely, John Gilstrap" Now, do you see anything terribly difficult about that letter? Just as you did with the Cover Letter, you've also supplied your mailing address, phone numbers, Email Address, etc. You may not have Gilstrap's credentials, but you do have credentials. You may mention college courses you've taken that pertain to writing, workshops you've attended, writing conferences, work you've published, etc. Or, as in the case of Gilstrap, actual work experience with troubled and abused children. Perhaps you've written a historical novel, you mention your research, if you've visited the setting of the book, etc. Have you won a short story contest? Have you done freelance work for some organization that is portrayed in your novel? Credentials come in all shapes and sizes and let the agent know you are qualified to write this particular book. Remember, in the words of Franklin Roosevelt, "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself." Do not be afraid of writing the query letter, do it once, twice, a dozen times, somewhere, sometime, someplace, an agent will read your letter and say, "Eureka," this is just what I've been looking for." Jones is a published writer & a book critic for The Tulsa World newspaper COPYRIGHT 2009 Patricia A. Jones All Rights Reserved |
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