It’s Just Not For Me

Awhile back I was working on selling a series of books by one of my clients. I received a “pass” letter from an editor, someone I respect and who is very good at their job, but they really didn’t like the book I was pitching. The pass letter said things along the lines of, “It didn’t work,” and “There are no likable characters” and ”This just isn’t good.” I appreciate when editors give me feedback, just like you appreciate when an agent gives you feedback on a query or pitch. But this response reminded my why sometimes it’s better to “just say no” without offering an explanation. I had significant publisher interest in that project, and eventually sold it in a very nice deal after fielding multiple... [ Read More → ]

Decoding Query Rejections

In yesterday’s blog comments, Marielena wrote about the responses she was getting to her query letter. She said: I know it’s probably individual to each agent, but what makes a book “not a good fit” — is that a polite way of saying the book still needs work? That’s a good question, Marielena. Yes, it’s specific to the agent. But just so you don’t waste too much time trying to decode query responses, here’s a word to the wise: Query rejections are all about the euphemism. If the agent isn’t going to take the time to give you specific feedback on your work, then you’re going to get some kind of standard platitude, such as: Not a fit at this time. Doesn’t meet our present needs. I don’t have the right connections to sell this. We... [ Read More → ]

Simultaneous Submissions

Writers often ask whether it’s okay to do simultaneous submissions, meaning sending your query to multiple agents at one time. Just to ease your mind, most agents agree that it doesn’t make sense not to do simultaneous submissions. It’s too inefficient to send something to one agent, then wait until they respond before sending to someone else. We expect that you’re simultaneously submitting. If you’re not, and instead you’re submitting to one person and hoping/emailing/begging them to respond, that person may not appreciate the pressure (flattering though it is). I promise, they are getting through their submissions as fast as they can. Since we assume you’re sending to more than one agent at a time, you don’t have to mention in your letter... [ Read More → ]

What Not to Say in a Query

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a huge fan of candy corn.” Okay, I know you’d never put that in your query (unless your book is about candy corn). It tells me something about you, yes, but it’s not actually relevant to the project you’re pitching me. You know better than to do that. However, here’s one of the most universal kinds of statements we do see in query letters: “I’ve been writing since I fell out of my mother’s womb with a pencil in my hand.” “I’ve been writing fiction since the third grade when I showed my first novel to my teacher Mrs. Zuckerman and she told me it was the best story she’d ever read in her life.” “I’ve loved writing ever since I can remember.” It... [ Read More → ]

When No Response Means “No”

Agent Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency wrote a terrific post on her blog on August 30th: Why I Don’t Send Rejection Letters. With a few minor tweaks (i.e. I have 2 kids and she has 3), I totally could have written that post! Please go read it. Our agency has a policy that if you send a query and you don’t hear back from us in 30 days, you can consider it a “pass” and move on. I’m well aware that writers don’t like this and honestly I don’t like it either, but I’ve had to make choices about how to spend my time. Sending rejection letters had to go to the bottom of the priority list. Sometimes when I’m reading queries and I’m actually sitting at my computer, I do send pass letters. But often (like Jill says in her post),... [ Read More → ]

Don’t Put Me to Sleep!

Hi Rachelle, I’m working on a book proposal, and was wondering if I should interject my personality/humor into it? Or are they usually personality minus? I believe I tend to write better when I can be humorous and use my own voice. Thoughts…? Signed, Don’t Want To Bore You     Dear Don’t Want, Would YOU rather read something that was intentionally dry and boring, or something fun and funny? What would most likely sell YOU on buying a book? It’s CRUCIAL that queries and proposals include your personality… or at least the personality of your book. Draw me in. Make it so that I’m DYING to read your book. Don’t bore me! Sincerely, Boring Agent Does your query or proposal have some personality and life in it? Do you find this... [ Read More → ]

When to Re-Query an Agent

One of the most common questions I receive is, “When is is okay to send another query to an agent who previously passed?” Sometimes people are talking about re-sending a query for the same book that was already queried; the writer has either improved the query or improved the book and wants another shot. Other times, the question is referring to the timing on sending a different book to an agent that previously rejected a project. So here are my thoughts. First, whenever you are going to re-query, it’s a good idea to open your letter with a brief mention of your previous interaction with the agent, and an explanation of why you’re writing to them again. (BRIEF.) That way, if your name sounds familiar to the agent, they won’t be sitting their scratching their... [ Read More → ]

How To Write A Query Letter

*The Definitive Guide* Query letters are a recurring theme here since every writer needs one, and there are hundreds of posts online full of query advice. But I wanted to give you a simple, straightforward set of instructions. Other places you can find specifics such as how to write a strong pitch for your book, or how to write an author bio. But here are the basics on queries. Queries should include the following three elements: Something about the book – enough to make the agent want more  Something about you – tailored as appropriate for your book The first 3 to 5 (or so) pages of the manuscript pasted into the email (IF the agent requests it in their guidelines, which I do) Tips for a great query: It starts with a few sentences designed to make me want to read your... [ Read More → ]

Why Agents Don’t Give Reasons with Rejections

“Two Minute Tutorials” Ohmygosh! Another video! And guess what. I decided to name my video series “Two Minute Tutorials” and wouldn’t you know, today’s video is 3 minutes. C’est la vie, as they say. So this installment of ”Two Three Minute Tutorials” answers the question, “Why Don’t Agents Give Reasons with their Rejections?” (I’m trying to get better at this vlogging thing… give me some time. I promise I’ll get better with practice!) Here’s a recap: 1. We get a LOT of queries and it takes quite a bit of time to go through them. 2. Brief explanations of the reason for a query rejection don’t tend to be helpful, and often bring up more questions than answers. 3. You may think it... [ Read More → ]

The Real Reason You’re Getting Rejections

The other day, Nathan Bransford had a terrific post on “Why You Are Receiving Rejections.” He says if you keep getting rejections, it boils down to two reasons: either your query isn’t strong enough, or your query is fine but your project isn’t resonating with agents. So true! He’s nailed it! He’s absolutely right! But I have one thing to add. (Nathan, you’re awesome, I think you’re the coolest, so don’t take this wrong.) There’s another reality here that goes beyond your query and your book. It’s the crowded marketplace. It’s the fact that there are hundreds of writers competing for each slot in traditional print publishing. Your query may need work. Your book may need work. OR… Your query and your book might... [ Read More → ]

Query Paranoia

Writers often get freaked out by all our blogs and twitter posts about “bad” queries and big mistakes people make that can make them look…less than professional. But here’s the thing. If you’re reading blogs and books and getting yourself educated about how to get published, then I’m sure you’re going to be fine. You can stop worrying so much, because YOU are not the one making those really egregious mistakes. And even if you’re not perfect? Don’t sweat it. Believe it or not, agents can see through cliches, poor wording and other mistakes to identify good writing and strong book ideas. When we post all those silly things people say in queries, and write all those posts about “here’s what NOT to do,” we’re just trying to... [ Read More → ]

How to Get an Agent (NOT!)

13 Ways to Screw Up Your Query 1. Address your letter to Dear Sir/Madam or Dear Agent or To Whom It May Concern. 2. Write “I believe you are the perfect agent for me” even though it’s obvious the same email was sent to fifty agents. 3. Pitch a mainstream novel of 40,000 words… or 250,000 words. Most agents won’t look at it. Pay attention to appropriate word counts! 4. Start your query with a rhetorical question: “What if…?” or “Have you ever wondered…?” or “Why is it that…?” It’s cliché. 5. Say “I am a previously published author” and then list several self-pub companies as your publishers. 6. Pitch a non-fiction book without giving any of your credentials or platform... [ Read More → ]

The Dreaded Author Bio

More mail! Dear Rachelle, an agent I’m interested in querying requires “a brief bio or résumé.” For published authors, this has got to be a leg-up, and I completely understand why an agent would want this, but for those of us with no prior publishing experience it’s a nightmare. How do we stay professional and still market ourselves effectively? I could write something like, “John Smith is a high school English teacher. He lives in Independence, Oregon. He’s never been published before, possibly because he can’t write a flattering bio.” Please rescue me from myself. Signed, A Teacher, But Who Cares? Dear Teacher, I care, I care! I love teachers. Teachers are the bedrock of society. Anyone who teaches high school English... [ Read More → ]

Can’t Hit Send?

A writer emailed me:The novel is finished, the query letter is drafted, the synopsis is as tight as I can get it, and I still can’t bring myself to hit that damned “send” button. I’m sure you see the work of many writers who query too eagerly and make bone-head mistakes… I’m trying to avoid making one of those blunders right now. I have a feeling a lot of writers can relate to this. There’s always a nervousness that comes with putting yourself out there, especially if you’ve been preparing for a long time. I’ve been thinking about this from my own perspective lately. I had a great conversation with a friend over lunch where we tried to identify the things that hold us back in our work. We tried to be really honest about our fears... [ Read More → ]