How to Write a Great Query Letter

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:10 pm

I realize that, Jenny, so you were wise in your decision.

I'd started a tagline thread on another MB, so maybe we should start a query letter thread here. That way, each of us could crique and offer suggestions.

Query letters, taglines and blurbs are so important in our careers.
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www.brendahill.com
www.authorsden.com/brendahill

Four Star Member Joined : 17 Jan 2008 Posts : 203

Right now there is a good story available as a free download from Amazon Shorts. It's by Noah Lukeman and is called

HOW TO WRITE A GREAT QUERY LETTER.

Here's a link, it's well worth reading.

http://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Great-Query-Letter/dp/B00122GU86/ref=pd_ts_c_th_1?pf_rd_p=257496201&pf_rd_s=right-5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=13993911&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YCDRZG4R18W7V6Y7H0M

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:54 pm

Brenda,

I noticed you mentioned in your query letter that you have done a number of Writers' Digest courses and Gotham Online courses. I wonder if you could tell me which ones, and whether you found them useful.
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Jenny
Writing as Victoria Howard

www.victoriahoward.co.uk

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Sat Mar 01, 2008 2:02 am

Thanks for sharing those letters, Brenda. Regardless of which agent's "rules" we're using, this is a great illustration of how to do it.

Malcolm
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Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:32 pm

Benda,

One thing we see from most experts here is to follow what the agent's guidelines suggest. Lukeman's letter is pretty barebones, so I'm thinking that if an agent says one page, I can add more info about the plot as long as it doesn't mean using narrow margins and small type.

The most time-consuming suggestion from Lukeman is finding a reason in graph one for contacting each agent. That is, if one wasn't referred, then what is about that agent that made us pick him/her other than throwing a dart at an agent list?

Malcolm
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Malcolm R. Campbell

http://www.malcolmrcampbell.com

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:20 pm

Hi y'all. I've been out for a few weeks housesitting, then when I got home, I was snowed with work.

Jenny, I think all of the courses I took were helpful, but just like taking college or university courses, no particular one will teach everything the modern writer needs to know.

But between you and me, I'd taken so many that when I took the last one, I wound up teaching the teacher. I don't want to name it on a public forum, but send an email and I'll let you know.

I think the writing courses offered at the University of Iowa are tops, but you have to allow the time to room there. I roomed in the women's dormitory and found that to be quite an experience.

You're so right, Malcom. It always helps to include something extra like that, but it's not always possible.
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www.brendahill.com
www.authorsden.com/brendahill

Subject: Re: How to Write a Great Query Letter Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:32 pm

We also have a "How to write a query letter..." guideline on "The Portal" page @ www.blackrosewriting.com.

It is a brief sketch of what agents and publishers are looking for through our personal experiences. Also... it's free!!!
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Reagan Rothe
Creator of Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
creator@blackrosewriting.com

Author of - Misanthropy: Book I: The Tower