The Reassurance Query - Don’t Do It

So, I was talking to a writer today and they said something many writers have thought before:

I wish I could just query agents, even if the book isn’t finished/polished yet, just to see if they like my idea and if they’ll request it.

As and agent and as a writer who has done the reassurance/ego-stroking/tell-me-I’m-not-crazy-with-this-book-idea query, I say unto this writer and all others pondering this same path: Don’t. Do. It.

Sure, it would be so very nice to know that an agent likes your idea and whatever sample pages enough to request more of your manuscript. But here’s the problem: they’re gonna request more of your manuscript… and you’re gonna have to send it!

Nobody wants to hear about the really awesome Christmas present they’re getting… in July. I assume that you’re querying me because you have a book you want me to sell. My job isn’t to stroke your ego, at least not until you’re my client and we’re working together. I can’t be expected to give feedback to everyone who sends along an idea. Don’t clog up my inboxe with queries for things that aren’t done, just because you want reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Yes, it’s a totally human and understandable impulse. But don’t act on it. If you need reassurance, get a critique group. If you need reassurance from someone in the industry who’ll be a good judge of whether your project is saleable or not, go to a writers conference and pay for a critique. At a conference, at least, you’ve paid for my time and I’ll happily oblige. Maybe find a freelance editor. See if any agents or editors or industry types are auctioning off critiques or giving them away on their blogs. (Hint, October’s query contest, hint, hint, hint…)

Most of these options, as you might guess, cost money, but such is life. If you don’t have an agent or a finished manuscript yet, you can’t expect someone in the industry to make you feel better for free. There are not enough hours in the day and, besides, I can’t really tell how good your project is until I see it finished. An idea and a snappy first 15 pages are one thing… the execution of that idea and the rest of the pages are what will either make you or break you.