Query Letter

Who needs to sharpen this skill So pretend you are sending In one of your books or stories

Opening line should be a simple hook.  Let the agent know word count and genre.

Give the agent a idea of who (in numbers#) they can market this to.

 Take a paragraph to sum up the story.   Talk about your main character on a personal level(like that character is real).Think intimate commercial (tantalizing) with why people would like reading it. Think of this in a flirty way sell the idea of reading this book. Like a kid trying to convince a parent to get him or her something. 

A small bio. include writing experience, workshops, published journals... 

Thank the agent for their time. 

Author's Note

Right now pick a story and write yourself a query letter.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is the second brilliant piece of advice I've seen this morning for other writers. Many times the advice posted for writers is too wordy & self-righteous sounding for me. This is perfect -- concise & prodding. You make it feel really possible for anyone who might be cowering in fear (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cherrie Palmer]

I agree writers can get to wordie and make everything sound like a personal achievement.
For those who get intimidated by the submission process.
Instead of having a pen name, lets give ourselves a 3rd person persona for editing and querying and write push the worth of our characters rather than us the writer.
Most have been taught its rude to brag. So let Monica your alter ego write it for you. :)
:( I'm still painting taking a break.

[barleygirl]

Here's the paradox . . . many writers can brag on a website like this, but I agree that most people cannot adequately toot their own horn when it really needs to be done convincingly, yet not boastfully. It's really an artform.

[HB Rita]

Agree with barleygirl.

[Lea Sheryn]

Great advice. Thank you.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Thank you it never hurts to practice:)

[Lea Sheryn]

Very true. The more you practice, the better it gets.

[HB Rita]

Useful advice Cherrie. Thank you.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I like when we (as writers) share our own processes. Helps everyone think outside of their own process.

[HB Rita]

It is so nice of you. Thanks.

[emmajoy]

Will do! First off years ago, came into the cafe to write short stories. Had few readers and decided i was a hopeless writer, so decided i'd write mediocre poetry instead and have managed that and worse pretty well! Still want to sort short story writing however online and off. To read your advice, to think about it, there's such logic involved and I'll certainly take note of it all. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with other writers, few do that sort of kindness these days. Hugs and sincere thank yous again.

[Cherrie Palmer]

It's great to see back in the chair. Don't over do it today.
I think we should bring our toys to the playground. :)
thank you.

[emmajoy]

Thank you so much, Cherrie. Am going slowly, promise! Am all for bringing whatever necessary to the playground! Smiles as always flying your way. x

[Crowley]

Good advice Cherrie and a brilliant synopsis of how to do it. I for one always need reminding about the ABC's of submission and how to get my writing in the right hands.

[Cherrie Palmer]

That does seem to be the infinite struggle, getting our work in the right (willing to read us)hands.
I wish I had 4 step rule for that.

[Crowley]

1 thru 3 will help with that, trying to find the right mix of information, love of your own work, and what will work for them is dicey at best.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I agree it's hard to find that magical blending.

[Wesley Dingler]

Neat Cherrie. I suck at this myself.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I think most writers feel this way.
Maybe it seems rude to brag on our own work and find worth in it.
So pretend you are writing this for a friend. Cut you the person out and pitch the story only.
My new philosophy is going to be when I finish a story I'll write a pitch for it right then when the essence of the tale is still fresh in my mind.

[Coyote Poetry]

Great advice Cherrie. I do outlines. Try to keep the story line straight. This year. I will wander out and try to make some money. I hope.
Coyote

[Cherrie Palmer]

Years ago I made outlines. The 3 acts, 3 pivot points for each scene. And I haven't done that in a long time . I let the story run or conclude all on its own.
You can never crank out a full length book that way.
I need to get back to a loose outline to drive the bus.
I hope you catch the break you need, because you have the gift.

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, I think this is great advice. If someone is reading twenty books a day, you want yours to stand out.
So the first page really has to hit home. But in reality, expect lots of rejections, but don't be despondent.
Everyone has a book them, just get it out there. Though I'm a bit of a lazy git, so I'll be a bit behind you.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I'm guilty of cranking out a story and then I may never go back to clean it up.
I think what a writer should try is once the final punctuation hits the page we should write a pitch for it. While the players are all still fresh and alive in our imagination.

[Paul Bell]

Thought it was just me that did that. lol

[Cherrie Palmer]

I'm the worst. I don't have ADHD except when it comes to writing. Its like I'm being timed and will get a 2 minute penalty if I stop and review.
I hate that I do it but I know I will.
Just like I hate using was but there it sits culturing up the page.

[Adam Adams]

Very well --

"Think of this in a flirty way sell the idea of reading this book. Like a kid trying to convince a parent to get him or her something." or it could be like making wife or girlfriend blush by sending flowers or making her go to her fav. places to walk by.

Really an interesting and insightful idea you have come up with. Worth reading it is, i guess.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I think we want to try and address the agent like we would write a cover letter for our resume.
read moreI think we want to try and address the agent like we would write a cover letter for our resume.
This cover needs a blending of hard numbers and curb appeal.

[Adam Adams]

Absolutely correct so far - so currently, you got published with which company?

[Cherrie Palmer]

I have two ebooks with amazon kindle.

[Adam Adams]

Very well - do share the links with me. Would like to check 'em out.