Comments on: Writing A Simple, Compelling Query

By: Tales to Tide You Over » Blog Archive » Interesting Links for 2-26-2010

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:44:19 +0000

[...] beautifully simple approach to a query letter. I wish I’d found this sooner: http://kidlit.com/2009/08/05/writing-a-simple-compelling-query/ Posted in Interesting Links, Life, Publishing, Reading, Science, Submitting, Writing on February [...]

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:27:55 +0000

Wow, this information is so very helpful to me. Thanks so much!

By: Kidlit.com · Comparing Yourself to Other Writers in a Query

Kidlit.com · Comparing Yourself to Other Writers in a Query — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:05:24 +0000

[...] asked the following a few weeks ago about a post I did on how to write a simple, compelling query. Here goes: What about jumping straight into the query synopsis after the “Dear (Agent)” [...]

By: Ashley Cooper

Ashley Cooper — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:59:56 +0000

This has been the most helpful tool I’ve come across for writing a query. Thank you.

By: C.T. Richmond

C.T. Richmond — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:56:16 +0000

Such an insightful post! I’ve been tearing my hair out for weeks, trying to get my query just right. Maybe I just need to keep it simple, eh? Thanks for all of your advice!

By: Debra D.

Debra D. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:40:16 +0000

Thank You! This is the first time I’ve seen a query broken down to its basic elements. You know, instead of just saying “Don’t call it a fiction novel” or “Don’t mention you think your novel would make a great film.” While the dont’s are helpful, the do’s are far more important, IMO.

Cheers,
Debra

By: Karen Amanda Hooper

Karen Amanda Hooper — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:41:22 +0000

I’m sure I’ve read it before, but you said it in a way that makes perfect and genuine sense. Make ‘em care. Got it. Thanks.

By: Katie Bowden

Katie Bowden — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:06:15 +0000

Thanks for this post - I found your list of WHO/WHAT/WHEN/WHERE questions really informative - useful for focusing the query on the key story elements.

I’ve got the same question as Kirsten on the reference sentence - “(Book title) is a mashup of (title) and (title) with a great new twist” or some such.

I’ve read having those reference titles is very useful when it comes to selling the MS, and I can really see how it would capture the imagination, if done carefully. On the other hand I’ve heard some people say that it’s presumptuous and/or not necessary.

I’d love your thoughts on the subject.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:04:10 +0000

Kristen — No worries that it’s an old post, I’ll respond in the next few weeks so that everyone can get some clarification on these questions.

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:16:33 +0000

Good stuff. Thanks for putting this together. I do have a question or two (knowing that this is an old post sorry)

What about jumping straight into the query synopsis after the “Dear (Agent)” salutation, and sticking the “I am seeking representation for X” at the end?

Also, I’ve been adding a sentence that goes something like this: “(Book title) will appeal to fans of (author) and (author)” — is this a pro or con?