Kill, kill, kill! The Query.

Been thinking you've got too much hair on your head? Need some incentive to pull it out by the fistfuls? (Sorry, that was morbid.)
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'.

Query Tip Tuesday

Ready to take the plunge?

You've got your novel the way you want it. You're ready to kiss it and send it to every agent on your list. All you need is a short, one page letter that sums up your masterpiece.
Easy enough, right?
If you're laughing right now you've already discovered that this task isn't very easy at all. If great puddles are welling at the base of your eyes, and your bottom lip has developed a sudden & uncontrollable quiver than you've most likely discovered it's a surprisingly difficult feat. (See post below, Kill, Kill, Kill! The Query)
Luckily, there are many folks offering help. And who better than the very souls you'll be addressing those queries to: literary agents.
I have found Jessica Faust's blog to be one of the most helpful. In fact, every Wednesday she posts an actual query letter, breaks it down into pieces, and gives her thoughts, feedback and advice. (These are queries writers have sent in for this purpose.)
This is amazingly helpful!
Not only does Ms. Faust point out what isn't working, she often gives examples (using the info provided) to create a line or paragraph that works better. Way, way better! You'll be blown away when you read the difference.
Even if you're not quite ready to send out those queries, I'd suggest you start reading her blog. Go through, scroll down to read all the prior Wednesday posts, let them sink in and simmer. Get a better idea of what agents want from that letter.
Do this, and you just might be ready to jump when the time comes.

Have you sent out any queries yet? Have something that has helped you? Share your thoughts by leaving a tasty comment below.

Damn You, Synopsis!

See that face?

Pretty sure that's what mine looked like during the frustrating stages of writing the dreaded synopsis for my first novel. Okay, so I'm not quite as young as she is, but still.
I can't tell you how many times I'd step away from the keyboard, certain I'd created the perfect summery of the important events in just the right amount of words only to come back and find that I'd actually made a total mess of things.
In the end, I finally came out with something I was happy with, but not before a massive loss of blood, sweat and tears. Well, maybe not the blood, but if I could have made that synopsis bleed...

So is there a better way to do it?



Some say writing the synopsis before writing the book is best. Joanne Rock suggests we do just that in her article, Honing Your Synopsis Skills. (Very helpful article, by the way.)
I didn't have much of an outline when I started my first novel, but when the idea for my second came along (middle of the night, of course!), I got up and wrote the entire synopsis in under ten minutes. Yes, please. Let's do it that way every time. Really. For the love.

What's your experience with the whole synopsis thing? Love it or hate it, we can't avoid it, no matter how many tears we shed.