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Local Authors => Stephanie Fowers => Topic started by: guitarbabe on February 01, 2006, 10:57:33 AM

Title: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 01, 2006, 10:57:33 AM

So, this is mostly to get myself to stop procrastinating, but I've set a date for myself. I've found the top five agents and publishers I'm interested in, and now I'll be sending out five simultaneous query letters by Feb 15th. See, now I'm committed. I HAVE to do it.

Oh, and for those, who are interested (after the great query letter debate), I probably will be sending out a SASE with these (darn it, now I have to go buy some stamps). Savage is right. The no SASE tip is too scary. I just don't want to take any chances of seeming unprofessional or arrogant. Stupid? Maybe. Oh well. And I did say PROBABLY...who knows what my mindset will be in fifteen days.

Anyhoo, if anyone wants to go for it with me, that would be so cool. You don't have to send in five, it could just be one...I'm just trying this out as an experiment really. We could be a support group here. Oh, and be sure to tell what you put in your query letter (well, you know, not a blow by blow play if you know what I mean?)--but like what kind of package you put together (1 pg ms sample, pictures? style of query letter, that kind of thing).

But I will report what happens...(gulp) even the rejections!

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Eric James Stone on February 01, 2006, 01:38:29 PM

I'll take that challenge.  I've been sitting on my novel for months; it's time to send it out into the world.

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 14, 2006, 07:29:52 PM

Aighhhh, I have to be true to my word and send in those query letters. Now, my question...do I want to send that superdeeduper long ms, or should I just send in my children's book queries and shorten my superdeeduper long ms and THEN send in that query?

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Eric James Stone on February 15, 2006, 02:19:14 AM

Well, I've printed everything out for my submission.  All I need is to go down to the Post Office tomorrow morning, buy a stamp for the SASE and whatever the postage is on the large envelope, and I'm all set.

Thanks for your feedback on the letter, synopsis, and sample pages.  It was very helpful as I did my revising this evening.  And thanks for posting this challenge -- I'd probably still be procrastinating if you hadn't.

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 16, 2006, 01:25:15 AM

Thanks!!! Unfortunately that didn't stop me from procrastinating...but I figure if I get this thing in the mail by tonight it counts. Wish me luck! I'll need it...

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 16, 2006, 05:10:30 PM

Uh, ignore the fact that I'm replying to myself...I don't normally talk to myself...well, not all the time anyway.

So, I got those queries out there...a day late, ur...but at least they're out there!

And, I didn't EXACTLY send out the ones to my sci-fi (I still got to shorten those babies). Nope, I sent out my children's book one, 'Twisted Tales.' This one's about Rapunzel...she's a blonde who's stuck in a tower...well, the story of an airhead with ridiculously long hair, but she's not really an airhead.  She's actually an undercover spy.

Hey, the kids at school like it.  Of course, they also like my version of the 'kid who cried wolf.' Any guesses why I had to tell that one? The only problem is that wolf is like the only word that I can't say...I have no idea why. It comes out woof every time...I think that's why they liked it.

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on February 16, 2006, 05:18:25 PM

that is awesome
And congrats!

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 21, 2006, 10:52:34 AM

Thanks!!!

Now I just have to start cutting down one of my sci fi books and finish this durn Chick Lit book. I've actually started giving my sisters chapters to read, so that they can urge me forward. It's kind of funny, but my favorite part of writing (after thinking up the idea) is editing. I think I'm really going to enjoy cutting up one of my sci fi's (I suppose I should think of some sort of due date or something?)...and once I get that chick lit rough draft done, the fun can start!

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Eric James Stone on February 28, 2006, 06:03:27 PM

Well, I got a personal and detailed response back on my first 25 pages and synopsis.

Apparently he didn't like my writing style, he thought my plot was cliche, and he didn't like my twist on the cliche.

So, I put a query in the mail today to another agent.

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 28, 2006, 06:17:16 PM

WELL HE KNOWS NOTHING! Good for you!

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Skar on February 28, 2006, 07:13:44 PM

Did he use your SASE?

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Eric James Stone on February 28, 2006, 08:09:21 PM

Yes, he used my SASE.

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: guitarbabe on February 28, 2006, 09:10:01 PM

Oh, another slap in the face!

Title: Re: The Challenge of the Query letter
Post by: Nessa on February 28, 2006, 09:31:42 PM

Eric, if you ever need a reader for feedback, I'm offering.