Your query is the first, and sometimes last, impression you’ll
make with an editor and you want to leave a GOOD memory. You should be YOU and
honest, but not so honest that you become abrasive. Don’t try to tell the editor
his/her job or try to convince them how foolish they would be to let you slip
away. Don’t make unreasonable demands (making demands is not a cool idea to
begin with) or refuse to cooperate with the editor if they ask for re-writes or
such. Expect to be asked for website, social media user names, and any samples
or tear sheets you have available. If the editor thinks of taking a chance on
you, they want to know that there is indeed something to take a chance on.
Follow submission directions as closely as possible, the rules DO apply to you.
Know who you are addressing when you send a query letter –
get the correct spelling and title. Don’t be too familiar, unless an editor
tells you to call her by the first name, don’t. Introduce yourself, don’t just
give URL’s to reference, make the information easy and accessible. Tell the
editor why you can be trusted to write about the topic you chose. Make sure the
editor/publishing house is interested in the type of writing you are offering,
if the publishing company doesn’t publish poetry, don’t submit a book of poems,
And if the editor decides to give you a chance, be very sure you meet the
deadlines and parameters you’ve been given.
Try to avoid phrases like these in your query letter:
“My book is like a lot of bestselling novels, it’s
guaranteed to make the News York Times Best Seller List…”
“I don’t know if you will like my story but a lot of my
friends say it would make a good book…”
“I know you don’t publish (specific genre) books, but this
one is too good to pass up…”
“I am in the middle of writing my first novel about
(whatever). If you like this story and are willing to offer me an advance of
50-thousand dollars, I can have this completed in the next three months…”
These are actual examples of query letters that have landed
in the garbage.
There is a big difference between self-confidence and being
too cocky. If you’ve written a book, you are supposed to believe that what you
wrote is interesting, entertaining and/or informative. Don’t sound unsure by
saying “I think you may like my book…”; that is almost as much of a turn-off as
saying “You’re going to love my book…”. Try to be positive without being too
egotistical. Also limit the audience suggestion, don’t expect that everyone will
love your book – you can suggest that (for example) “women over 30 re-entering
the work force…” will find the topic interesting.
Filling your query letter with lots of misspellings and poor
grammar won’t give your potential publisher a warm, fuzzy feeling about you. Proofread
your query, your cover letter and work submitted and catch those errors. Telling
a potential publisher your expectations of a high advance, personal secretary,
plans (at their expense) for a worldwide book tour and television appearances
on popular talk shows are definite turn-offs. By the way, most publishers, even
many of the big houses, will expect you to take a very active role in
promotions and could even want to see a well thought out marketing and
promotions plan.
Publishers will often tell you that you can expect a reply
within a specified time period. Give them that time and don’t harass with phone
calls or subsequent letters; however if that time period has lapsed and you
haven’t heard anything, then a simple polite inquiry is not out of line (trust
me, a requested manuscript went to the spam folder and my follow-up note
brought it to the publisher’s attention, it was published shortly after).
Lastly, do NOT send a nasty retort to a rejection letter – word and reputation
does get around.
Writing exercise: It’s
Valentine’s Day, write a love letter to one of your characters from YOU; write
a second love letter to that same character from another character in your
story.
Writing prompt: Choose
any three characters (from your book or another you’ve read) and make a brief
list for each of a perfect birthday celebration.
