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The latest post on QueryTracker.net's blog (which is awesome, by the way; you should read it) suggests 'A Safer Way To Get Noticed'. Noticed by agents, that is.
The wonderfully insightful Jane Lebak shows one agent's recent Twitter post that really left me thinking. She basically said that out of twenty-five random submissions received in the last twenty-four hours, only five queries followed the submission guidelines. (Further details can be found in the article.) Honestly, I was shocked.
Of course I know there are a lot of rule breakers. But rule-breaking in the query world? Yikes. No thank you. I had done enough research prior to querying that I knew exactly how crucial it was to most agents to have those (usually simple) guidelines followed to a T.
Okay, so here's the part where I admit I have broken a submission rule (on purpose!): When I first started to query I didn't include my word count even when the agent requested it because I knew it was too high. (Hey, I've cut it down since, remember?)
So now I'm curious. Do you read every agent's submission guidelines before sending a query? Do you follow all the rules? Do you break rules? On purpose? Now's your chance to get it off your chest. Remember, this is a safe place.
I'm totally a rule follower. It might be scary how good I follow those rules, lol :)
ReplyDeleteI always always followed the rules. I did make a few mistakes unintentionally, but I wanted to make a good first impression to every agent I queried. The rules are there for a reason. :)
ReplyDeleteI sometimes break rules but not where agent guidelines are concerned. I know they're really picky and if you don't follow you don't get the gig. And it must be really annoying when an agent asks for submissions in a certain way and it's clear that the person sending the manuscript hasn't even bothered to read the guidelines. Why trip yourself up before you start?
ReplyDeleteOH course! I always read what they want in submissions and sometimes I still make mistakes! It's aggravating, but I learn each time. I always try to follow their rules and get off to a good start. Can't wait to check out the articles you listed. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't started querying yet but I'll be doing my best to follow the rules. The time to show my originality is in my writing not my rule-breaking :)
ReplyDeleteLike Sarah, I haven't started querying yet, but you bet I'll be following rules. Why risk getting rejected because of a few simple rules you refuse to follow?
ReplyDeleteBe smart. ;)
Great post, Kim!
Of course I follow the rules to a T. It's not hard when your not even querying! :) But one day I will!
ReplyDeleteI definitely follow the rules -- otherwise I'd be all paranoid about getting automatically rejected for it.
ReplyDeleteAt LDStorymakers Conference, I listened to an agent give a workshop on how to write a perfect query. But then, when I checked out their website, as she suggested, none of the posted query letters from real authors conformed to the sample. They were all kind of quirky. So, who knows!
ReplyDeleteYou know the saying, rules are made to be broken? Pshaw! Rules are there for a reason!
ReplyDeleteI haven't queried, but if I do, I'll be following the rules, just to be sure the agent doesn't reject me on that basis. :P
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm a rule follower. Agents sort of like when writers abide by their requests. Fellow Campaigner stopping by!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a rule follower, although I might bend a little if the occasion warrants it. :)
ReplyDeleteFellow campaigner stopping by to say hi! :D
As much as I like to say rules are meant to be broken, I always check the agent's guidelines and I do follow the rules.
ReplyDeleteLOVE QT! Obsessed, actually. Great to meet you. I'm from the campaign :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a strict rule follower. The market is too tight right now not to! But now I'm not querying anymore, so whew, that's over with. LOL It's my agent's turn to query the editors. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kimberly, I certainly follow the rules regarding submissions. This is the professional part of writing, it is a business after all. No pink envelopes or scented manuscripts here.
ReplyDeleteRegarding my writing itself, that's another story entirely. I love to break rules about what is 'right' and 'wrong'. Who says you cannot have a vegan vampire in your story? How else are you going to get your work to stand out and be noticed?
This is a good topic, Kimberly. I was also tempted to leave out the word count in my query letter because of a high word count, lol. But I think I may split my manuscript in half and turn it into two books, despite the extra work. Then I can boast a reasonable word count and give my book a better chance at catching a publisher's eye. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe good thing about so many people breaking the rules is that us rule-followers stand out ;)
ReplyDeleteSaying hi on the Campaign trail!
LOL. love what sophia said. i haven't queried seriously enough yet to comment. i probably break rules just because i haven't done enough research. my last query ended with a rhetorical question (i'd read not to START with one). so....christy
ReplyDeleteHi there! I'm pleased to present you with the Versatile Blogger award - further details and fine print available at http://kelworthfiles.wordpress.com/2011/09/14/its-blog-awards-time-again/
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