Top Ten Tips Interrogation

Top Ten Tips Interrogation -

Photo credit: Flickr Bethan

therefore, it came to me that it was a time a long while since I posted the question, probably because the question was far from my mind as of late and I also have a ton of messages about the query. But! Interrogation is still very much an important part of the process of traditional publishing, and as I read a lot of requests for work, I realized that there is no time like the present to talk on the new blog.

So let's go. Ten tips interrogation, many of which have existing blog posts to span. Have fun!

1. Do your research! I can not stress enough the importance of the research is before you start to wonder. Your query letter can be absolutely incredible, but if you send it to someone who is closed to queries, or which is not your kind, it will not be read. Also, you want to make sure you ask the agent is someone you really want to want to work with, so do your best to try to get an idea of ​​what the agent is like before starting to send query letters. (Bonus :. here is a vlog on the search query)


2. Follow the submission guidelines. This is so important! Do not follow the submission guidelines is a really easy way to get rejected. Do not send this page 30-35 of your book if the submission guidelines ask for the first five pages. Do not use attachments if the submission guidelines not tell you. Follow the instructions and you're much more likely to leave a good impression.


3. stick to one page. This is the expected format, and given how many queries from agents and publishers see every day (that is to say, a TON), you can probably understand easily why. Also, if you can not keep your request to a page, agents and publishers may feel that you are too wordy and do not know how to make cuts in your manuscript, either. What is not in your favor.


4. The book is the most important. While it is good to know if you have any sort of references for your particular book, the development and application of your clutter should definitely be on the story. Believe me when I say that you do not need three paragraphs about yourself the story is that agents and publishers need to know most. (Bonus :. Here are five things you do not need in your query)


5. Use details. This is the number one problem I see in queries and similar sites, the summary is so general that it looks like a hundred other books. When writing your application, make sure to include details that are specific to your book . What sets your book apart from others like it? How this story is focused solely on your book? What makes yours different? In an industry where thousands of sites pass through an agent and publisher office each year, which is absolutely vital. (Link in the title of this share of the points tips for writing the details in queries.)


6. comps books are your friend. I'm actually really come to love the comps book and use them even now, when I plant an idea in history to my agent or before that, when I brainstorm an idea to begin with. comps books are great because they show that you know the market, they give an idea of ​​where your book would stand on the board, and they show that there is a potential audience for your book. For tips on choosing comps books, see the link at the beginning of this.


7. Get your request criticized. This is an often overlooked step, but I think it's really, really helpful. I highly recommend getting your query criticized by your two partners, critics who have read your book, and by writers who have not read your manuscript. combined feedback will help determine if their query matches your book and whether intruiguing on its own without being confusing for those who have not read your book.


8. Keep track of your submissions. This is a very useful organizational step that will allow you not to send the same query to the same agent, or you do not accidentally send simultaneous observations with two agents in the same agency. I highly recommend QueryTracker for this purpose.


9. contest location is too cool. There are semi-frequent pitch contest on Twitter, which are both very exciting and fun, and can also be a great opportunity to get requests from agents. In fact, I find my agent through a blog contest, so I know first hand that these can sometimes be effective. :)


10. Find distractions Once you have started interviewing, I highly recommend you find something to distract you .. If you are able to write at questioning, working on a new project can be great, but if not, now is a good time to catch your TBR pile, or spending time with family, or watch some movies you've been wanting to see, etc. Just find something to keep your mind occupied. (Bonus: here's a vlog on how to survive the wars of the request.)

What advice would you add to the list?

Twitter bite size:

Preparing for questioning? @Ava_Jae Sharing its 10 first requests advice + many related resources. (Click for tweeter)