Posts
Then try writing the perfect query. One that will highlight all the genius in your newly finished novel while making you sparkle like the morning sun. A letter that tells just enough about your story without rambling while still relaying (in a precise manner) your conflict while giving a good feel for the characters and don't forget that it should have a nice sense of voice. AGH! This can be a daunting task.
Luckily, there's a lot of help out there. Tons. There are certain blogspots I turn to while seeking advice, inspiration, support, sanity, you know.
I'll be highlighting some of my favorite "helps" every week or so. Today I want to tell you about author Elana Johnson's e-book, From the Query to the Call. A magnificent tool that teaches how to write a "killer query". This book rocks! In fact, it's so amazing that it even has samples of FULL QUERIES! Plus - it's free! Seriously, folks, it doesn't get better than this.
To get one for yourself simply go to http://www.elanajohnson.com/ and then click on 'Query to the Call'. You may also find it on her blogspot at http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/ While you're there, check out what James Dashner had to say about her debut novel, Possession, which comes out on June 7th. (Can't wait for this one! I've read the first two chapters [they're AWESOME!] and you can too, through her site.)
Have some insight as to what helped you write the perfect query?
Have you mastered your query, or do you still get slightly nauseous at the mere mention?
Share! I love your comments! I would eat them up like Krispy Kremes if I could! Just sayin'.
Honestly, I've never been afraid of queries. I wrote mine in about 15 minutes, had my crit partner look it over and sent it off. Now, not everyone can do that, and I can't believe I did it, but I didn't stress about it and did fine. Sometimes authors think too much about writing the query. Don't get me wrong, it has to be fantastic to get an agent to ask for your book, but you also shouldn't lose sleep about it. Write what feels right, and make sure everything is spelled correctly, formatted the way you want and have someone look it over and suggest changes. Take the feedback to heart, and polish it. Then send it off! :D
ReplyDeleteNow, if you asked me to write a synopsis, I would be freaking out. Honestly whoever invented them is not on my good list... I hate them. Hate.
Great post. :)
Thank you! You are awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you have four full requests! Can't wait to hear when you get representation. I'm still querying along. I will definitely be checking out that e-book though, thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links Kimberly. I downloaded the pdf and signed up for the newsletter.
ReplyDeleteHey Kimberly thanks for the visit to my blog so I could come through to your fabulous one. And thanks for this informative post.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten to the point of querying yet. The thought makes me queasy, but this ebook is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, guys! I was bummed because the blog crash swiped my previous comments.
ReplyDeleteGreat post - I love the combination of helpful information and personal trauma :):):) I'm sending you amazing-query-writing vibes :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Only one thing worse than writing the query and that's the synopsis! Thanks for visiting my blog, Kimberly,and I'm really pleased to have found yours.
ReplyDeleteThe e-book sounds amazing, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that synopsis can be a tricky one...you have to look at it as an advertisement.
ReplyDeleteOoh, thanks for the tip on Elana's free query info! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post, and the link. I've downloaded the book to check it out.
ReplyDeleteElana's book was a lifesaver for me! And not just for writing the query-- when an agent asked for the full, there was even a section in the book to tell what to do! How to know about wording, to change the subject line in the email, formatting and titling the ms... EVERYTHING. Elana is a godsend.
ReplyDeleteOnly 'slightly nauseous'? The word 'query',in any context, makes me shudder.
ReplyDelete*must rest now. too much stress*
Yes, the only thing worse than writing the perfect query is writing the perfect synopsis. Oy, vey. Thank goodness you only have to this once; I guess if you land a good agent, you can put that query away forever.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! What helps me? Hrmmm....Writer's Digest is always a useful resource ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding my blog! :)
ReplyDeleteQueries have always daunted me a bit, although I haven't yet got to the point where I've needed to write any. It's great to have such great resources like Elana Johnson's e-book, though, because when I do get to that stage, I'll be ready. :)
Amiga muchas gracias por hacerte seguidora mía, es un honor y te deseo que encuentres lo que buscas en tus escritos y no hagas caso a nadie nada mas que a tu corazón, ese no te engaña.
ReplyDeleteDesde Valencia en España un fuerte abrazo