The Scoop on Queries

Merritt Island photo taken before writing The Distant Shore

I recently received questions from several aspiring writers concerning book queries so I'd like to revisit that topic.

A query is a one-page, single-spaced (normally manuscripts and corresponding letters should be double spaced, but a query is an exception) pitch letter to an editor or agent. The goal is to receive a request for more material - either a book proposal (another whole can of worms covered in a previous post), or a partial or full manuscript.

So the goal of your query is to introduce your topic, describe your book, and pique interest for more by doing it in a unique and entertaining way.

In order to achieve this goal, you must put serious thought into your query. That means time and energy. You need to include a clever pitch for your book, a brief bio, and your marketing strategy (how you intend to help sell your book). Unless your name rhymes with bowling and you write books about boy wizards, you're expected to get out there and market your book. Do you do event speaking? Do you blog? Have you a website?

Mention these if you do and make sure they're updated and ready for visitors. You can bet if the agent or editor is interested in you, they'll be visiting your website or blog.


Research by way of Writer's Market or Christian Writers' Market Guide the name of the appropriate acquisitions editor (many publishing houses have a whole host of editors; make sure you're sending your precious baby to the correct one). NEVER write to Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern. This may seem silly or trite to you, but it's not to them. It shows you care enough and are professional enough to do your homework.

Don't risk the slush pile over something you can control.

Be aware that not all publishers deal directly with authors; some only deal with agents.Whether they do or not will be listed in their submission guidelines. Obtain and follow the submission guidelines exactly - it's a good idea to not only obtain info from the Market Guides, but also go to the publisher's website for the guidelines posted there as well.

Make a short list of publishers or agents who look like a good match for your book - publishers and agents both have specific topics/genres they're looking for. Don't send a cat query to a dog agent.


If you're a non-fiction writer, be sure to list your platform information in your query - why you're an expert on this topic and why people will buy your book. But resist tooting your own horn too much; editors dislike (hate seems too strong here, but it's pretty close to the truth) aspiring authors to make claims like, "My book is the next Gone With the Wind." or "I'm going to make you a fortune."

Keep your word count to 100,000 words or less - very few, and I do mean VERY few first time authors will get a second glance when they pitch an epic novel. If your book is too long, consider breaking it into two books and pitch a possible series.

Never use the term, "fictional novel" - a blatant beginners mistake and you've just branded yourself an amateur. It's either fictional or a novel. The terms are redundant and you only need to use one.

Do some research on the agent or publishing house and comment on some of their previous work that you've enjoyed, or better yet, compare your work to some of their previous work. (They obviously liked that book or they wouldn't have published it!).

It's always good to have one or more self-published books under your belt before you query traditional publishers, but be aware that they don't consider you a "previously published author" if you're self-published. Simply state that you're self-published and your titles, and if it's impressive, the number of copies sold. (Self-Published books average 75 copies sold, so if you can state 2000 or more, include it.)
  
Agents are awesome (I love mine: Greg Johnson of WordServe) because they open doors you can't as an author. Unfortunately, it's not easy to get a literary agent to represent a first book, but if you've self-published or used a small press for previous books, you have a leg to stand on when querying an agent. Research and query them the very same way you would a publishing house. Standard agent commission if 15% and it's well worth it for all the work they do on your behalf. They don't get paid a penny unless they sell your book, so they're highly motivated and often full of great ideas to help you improve your manuscript. 

Look for sample queries in the two market guides listed above and plan to spend as much time perfecting your query as you would a manuscript. You only have one shot. Don't miss.

Proposals from the Heart

Had any good proposals lately?

Not marriage, silly. Book proposals, of course.

Since my mind has been totally absorbed lately with preparing the proposal for my new book, I thought I'd review the contents of a good proposal with you. You'll probably end up with 10-20 pages (be sure to number them and include your name/title at the top of each page), depending on the length of your sample chapters. Before submitting (of course you've already sent a one-page query at this point and have received the green light to send the proposal) , make sure you study the guidelines of each agent/publisher you're targeting. You may need to tailor your proposals separately if there's more than one.

One sentence synopsis: difficult as it is, you need to be able to boil the gist of your book down to one sentence. This nutshell description will come in handy for the rest of your life when answering the on-the-run question, "So what's your book about?" It's basically a teaser designed to give the general topic but mostly entice the listener to want more. Example from my novel, The Distant Shore: Because love is never too lost or too late.

One paragraph synopsis: These carefully crafted 2-3 sentences are slightly more expansive but need to be full of pull-the-reader-in power wordage without appearing forced. This is the description of your book which may very likely be used for publicity purposes.

Overview: 4-5 paragraphs that read like back cover copy, because that's basically what it is. Study the back covers of your favorite authors to see how they artfully blend description with can't-wait-to-dig-in enticing verbiage so that you simply must head to the check-out with this one.

Audiences: who is your target audience? Age, gender, special interests, affinity groups. Why will they buy your book? What will your book do for them? Don't ever say: Everyone everywhere will love my book. Might as well stamp AMATEUR on your forehead. Pin down a specific category: young adult, middle grade, women 18-35, empty-nesters, etc.

Book Mission: Why is it essential for your book to be out there? What need will your reader feel that your book quenches? You can't just say "entertainment" here - there should be a felt need that drives the reader to buy your book, e.g. for my book Mom Needs Chocolate, the mission was to help women make it through the motherhood tunnel with their faith not only intact, but stronger than it was before.

Format: page count, word count, bookstore category, book format (hard cover vs. paper), current status (completed, half finished, etc), and special features (photos available, side bar quotes, anything extra you can offer as options are a plus).

Author bio: not too long, but do list your most impressive writing-related accomplishments. DON'T list your curling or hotdog-eating awards unless that's what the book's about.

Publishing history: you may not have much to list here yet but the pub will want to know.

Marketing Strategy: How do you intend to help get the book out? What's your platform? (If you're not sure what this means, scroll back to previous posts where we've discussed platform.) Do you blog? Have you a website? Media contacts? Willing to travel for book promotion?

Potential Endorsers: Not a wish list of people with whom you have no contact, but honest-to-goodness potential names who will likely give you a decent cover blurb (as highly recognizable as you can get in the genre or interest groups for your book). You may be surprised how many kind people will help you out if you just ask. Always good to have 2-3 nailed down and included in the proposal (so get on the phone and e-mail and MAKE some contacts). These don't have to be long or detailed - look at book covers; notice effective one-sentence blurbs that grab your attention.

Competitors: List 3-4 books generally similar to yours. How is yours the same as this bestseller but at the same time, unique and different than all the other books in its genre? Give them a reason for taking a chance on your book.

Book Outline: Self-explanatory

Sample Chapters: Follow the guidelines put forth by the agent/publisher to whom you are pitching. Some require 3 chapters, some more. Include an introduction if you have one.

Now pump it up and get going!