Giving Voice to Your Query
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 Question of the day: Can you explain what you think makes a good query? I think mine could be better than it currently is.
Absolutely: in a word - VOICE. I've discussed queries here in the past and offered up the example of my Department of Lost and Found query as an example, and I think the single biggest mistake that aspiring authors make is forgetting to infuse their letters with their unique brand of voice that sets them apart from others. Let's be honest: there are thousands of writers out there looking for agents and among them, a lot of them probably have half-decent book ideas. But if you're an agent reading through these half-decent book ideas, the only way to set them apart is via the voice - that je ne sais quoi that compels you to keep reading.
If you're confused as to what I mean, I'm referring to the energy that you try to infuse your manuscript with. A query letter ISN'T a business letter: it is your ONE SHOT to demonstrate why YOU are the next big thing. Don't be so formal, don't be long-winded - apply the same energy/pizazz that you put into your book.
I'm headed on vacation next week, but if you guys are interested, I'd be willing to evaluate a few queries and suggest changes for them, just in case this isn't making sense. Let me know if some of you would be up for that, and if so, we can pull it together for the week after I'm back.
Queries
Reader Comments (6)
I would definitely be interested in that! Also, I hope you enjoy your vacation!
I think that sounds like a great idea, although I don't have one ready yet to submit myself.
A question though, what are your thoughts on representing the voice of a first-person manuscript in a third-person query letter?
That's a really generous offer. I'd definitely be interested.
In the meantime, thanks Allison - and enjoy your vacation!
Best regs, Nadia.
I'd love your feedback on my query letter!
Enjoy your vacay :)
Totally agree voice is key in a query, but I've heard from agents that writers shouldn't try to get cute. Don't send chocolates or other gifts or adorn your letters with spangles. Save the creativity for the writing, and follow EXACTLY the guidelines the agent sets out on his/her webpage (ie, do they want the query emailed or snailed? First three chapters included?) I have to confess, when I first went to send out my query to agents, I had the brilliant idea of including little bottles of bubble bath so that agents could take a relaxing soak while they dove into my novel. I thought I was utterly original. That God I did a little research before sending out my query. I ended up scrapping the bubble bath idea!
I dig you. I dig your voice and your humor and your marketing pizzas. Editing my novel 'Cracked' and trying to get a handle on all this internet craziness in the publishing industry and am utterly overwhelmed. Just trying to get the Twitter thing going this week and am sorta in a funk realizing what a jammed packed highway it is. Totally thinking it is for the birds and not worth anything. BUT you. There's you out there...with this charming voice, cute photo and marketing away your books and yourself. I have never read anything you have written. Have never heard of you...but now I do, and I will. Anyhow's... just in a mood to let you know.
Thanks and ciao!
Sharon