Comment

Comment by Zetta Brown on July 20, 2012 at 7:54am

Thanks, Vivienne. When I got serious about wanting to be published, I heard how people were frightened by "the dreaded query letter." But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there was nothing to fear.

Comment by Zetta Brown on July 20, 2012 at 7:05am

Hi Timothy,

Not only is it nice to get a response to a query--it's nice when they show an interest, isn't it? :)

I'll tell you what is, in my opinion, the #1 way in which authors who query let themselves down: They don't say how they discovered the publisher/editor/agent.

We WANT to know how people discover us. Did they read one of our books? Did they read an article or "liked" us on a social network? Did we meet at an event? Even if they only discovered us on a list (e.g. Writer's Market)--TELL US! Not only does it tell the publisher/editor/agent that you have done your homework, it gives important marketing information.  It tells us that you've taken the time to find out about us before your approach

When we had our submission guidelines posted on our website, we also posted our sample query letter and encouraged people to say how they found out about us. I can't tell you how many queries we got that didn't include this info...or anything else that we asked for.

But then again, many authors fail to follow/read the submission guidelines of their intended publisher/editor/agent. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Sometimes, when it comes to not getting published, the author's problem is what they see in the mirror.

Comment by Vivienne Diane Neal on July 20, 2012 at 6:53am

Thank you for the very informataive and helpful article.

Comment by Timothy Desmond on July 19, 2012 at 4:03pm

This is really good. When I followed some of these same things/ guidelines  in previous email qeries and pitch letters, I began to get repsonses and requests for partials and then also critiques and advice along with the rejections from editors and agents. After years of form rejections, the comments were encouraging. Later, I felt it was "huge."

Comment by Faith Freewoman on July 19, 2012 at 1:32pm

I've had my nose glued to a computer monitor, writing and working with some really fun and talented editing clients.

Thanks for the added info, Zetta, it sparked some great ideas!

Comment by Zetta Brown on July 19, 2012 at 1:27pm

Hi Faith! Where have you been hiding? :D

If you don't have a previously published track record, you can still use the elements above, but instead of a publishing history, include a brief section about your experience or knowledge, especially if what you've written relates in any way. Treat the query letter like you would a cover letter for your resume...keep it brief and to the point while highlighting the important bits that show you're worthy of getting that publishing contract.

Publishers/editors/agents want to know why you're worth the risk. If you can demonstrate that you know what you're talking about, that helps.

Comment by Faith Freewoman on July 19, 2012 at 9:52am

One of these days I'd love to hear your take on exactly what a writer with a less clearly defined track record should include.

Thanks for this, Zetta. It's a keeper.

Comment by Zetta Brown on July 18, 2012 at 11:48pm

You're welcome, LeTeisha. 

There are plenty of good resources about writing good query letters. This is just my opinion going from what I've seen that works.

Comment by LeTeisha Newton on July 18, 2012 at 4:48pm

Thank you for posting this. Everyone needs help with querries from time to time!