HOW TO WRITE A GOOD QUERY TO GET AN AGENT
Part 1

by Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D.
Excerpt Sell Your Book, Script or Column: How to Write a Winning Query and Make a Winning Pitch

Gini Graham Scott's book Sell Your Book, Script or Column: How to Write a Winning Query and Make a Winning Pitch is available on the iTunes App Store for $5.99 under Arrow's Reference, Business & Education Collection. Type in keywords “Arrow Publications" or "Business and Education"

Last Issue: Are you having trouble finding a good agent you like working with?
If so, join the club.  This is one of the most common complaints of writers, including long-time professional writers.  Even writers who have an agent may be looking for another one, or have different types of writing projects better handled by another agent.  This article will help you find and select an agent.

How to Write a Good Query
At one time the best way to initially query an agent was by regular mail with an SASE to get a response. But today most agents are receptive to initial e-mail queries, and if they express interest, you can follow-up with more information by e-mail or regular mail, depending on the agent’s preferences. However, don't send any attachments unless you get permission, since many people won’t open attachments due to problems with viruses, unless the e-mail is from someone they know and the e-mail specifies what the person is sending. What works best and what is most likely to get through the various spam filters today is a simple text message without any special graphics or photos. 

... don't send any attachments... what is most likely to get through ... is a simple text message without any special graphics of photos.

As for phone queries, the vast majority of agents don’t want them, with a few exceptions.  And almost universally, agents don’t want unsolicited manuscripts.  So don’t send the full manuscript unless it’s requested, and this way, you keep your costs down, too, since copying and mailing manuscripts is expensive.  The only exception is if you are writing short picture books, since most agents invite you to send it with a postal query. 
 
Agents vary widely in what they want to review ranging from a synopsis to a few chapters to a full manuscript. Since it is not always certain what agents want and whether they are open to new clients, a good way to make a first contact is to start with an initial query letter in which you include a brief description about your project and yourself and any past publications and PR.  If you send this by e-mail, you will typically hear back within 1-2 days, sometimes within hours.

A good way to make a first contact is to start with an initial query letter in which you include a brief description about your project and yourself and any past publications and PR.

If you are initially sending a postal query, you can include a few additional pages, such as a synopsis and press clips.  If the agents are interested, they can ask for more.  This approach cuts down on your expenses of sending more detailed full proposals or outlines and chapters on the first round, so you only send these additional materials to agents who request them. This preliminary query approach also avoids the problem of sending your material to an agent who wants an exclusive look to consider it (typically asking for about 2-4 weeks to do this) until you have an initial show of interest. 

Another advantage of an initial brief query is it enables you to send out multiple queries quickly and at little expense.  This multiple query approach also increases your chances of finding an agent and choosing among those who are interested in your project, since agents commonly have a high rejection rate about 95-98% for many agents and some agents who show interest could be very busy and overextended.  Thus, with multiple agents expressing interest at this early stage, you can be more selective in whom to follow-up with by sending additional information. 

Next Issue: How To Write A Good Query To Get An Agent Part 2.  Once an agent has expressed interest in your initial query, the agent typically wants to see certain basic materials.  Read the rest in the next issue of Straight from Arrow.

Arrow's Romance Poll for June
The Results Are In!

Arrow readers definitely know what they like and why they like it. Last month we asked our readers, "What influences your book selection the most?" Over 41% of you rely on the Blurb to make your book selecting decisions.

Proving that you can judge a book by its cover, the cover art dictates book selection for almost 30% of the people polled. Other elements that factored in are Author's name with 20.8% and recommendations from friends with 8.3% of the vote.

Visit MyRomanceStory.com for July's Romance Poll: Who Makes the Best Hero?

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT FROM ARROW

July 14, 2010

APP OF THE WEEK

Thompson Lennox: Expressing the Emotion of Love and Human Understanding Through Poetry

Lennox's eBook Poems from the Heart is available on the iTunes App Store for $4.99 under Arrow's Love and Romance Collection. Type in keywords “Arrow Publications" and "Poetry.”

ARROW: Arrow was lucky to catch Thompson Lennox for a recent interview. So what can you tell us about Thompson Lennox?
TL: I am a quiet and personal person with no urge for glamor or the limelight. Some would say how dull I am but that may be my poetic side.

ARROW: Well, we appreciate your doing this interview with us.  You have a decided British accent. Have you always lived in Maryland?
TL: Actually, I‘ve lived between two continents for a number of years. And I was in New York prior to moving to Maryland

ARROW: Living in two different cultures must be fascinating. I see some of your upcoming books include business related issues—such as How To Develop an Import/Export Business. Do you think of yourself more of a poet or a businessman?
TL: Well…I lead a very hectic multitasking lifestyle, but I find time to write poetry for pleasure. I guess at heart, I’m  somewhat of a reflective romantic.

ARROW: That in itself is poetic. When did you start writing poetry?
TL: I began writing poetry in 1994.

ARROW: So you’ve been waxing poetic for over 25 years.  That’s wonderful.  What motivated you to start writing?
TL: At some point in 1994, I had a lot of spare time. So, I started writing romantic poetry. I was surprised by the end product and by the reaction of those who read my work. I really enjoy seeing how others interpret my work.

ARROW: I see.  Can you describe your writing approach?
TL:  When I’m in a beautiful, creative mood and a quiet place, I like to put pen to paper or sit at the computer and play with the keyboard.

ARROW: I guess it takes beauty in a quiet place to create such beautiful poetry.  Do you write every day?
TL:  When I start a project, I stay with it while I am inspired until it’s completed.

ARROW: Since you’ve mentioned inspiration, is there a particular writer or poet who influenced or mentored you?
TL: No. I look to others for presentation but not inspiration.

ARROW: Your methods have produced quite a bit of poetry.  What are your latest releases?
TL: Poems from the Heart, Sonnets for Lovers, I Sleep in Doorways and Where No Wind Blows.

ARROW: That is a lot of new material.  What can your readers expect from you in 2010?
TL: I have a least one more collection of sonnets in the works.

ARROW: We at Arrow Publications are really looking forward to your new collection.  What do you think about the rapid changes in the publishing industry from traditional print format to electronic format?
TL: It’s a matter of moving with the times. It is argued that traditional print will completely give way to the electronic format. I don’t think this is so. I still prefer the books I read when I was in school. A printed text is never likely to be down like nothing happens when “my system is down.”

ARROW: Fortunately, the technology keeps getting better.  Thank you so much for taking the time to share a little bit of yourself with us.  We are looking forward to your new collection of sonnets.

The pulse is quickening, the mood is changing, romance is in the air, join the rhythm. Within these pages you will find stanzas that are funny, witty, sentimental and even strange, but above all, they will take you to a place you have been or show you the way forward. You may even find a side of you that you were not aware of.

~Thompson Lennox

Search keywords “Arrow Publications" and "poetry" to find Poems from the Heart, Sonnets for Lovers, I Sleep in Doorways and Where No Wind Blows and other offerings by Thompson Lennox in Arrow’s Love & Romance Collection in the iTunes App store. Titles start at only $4.99.

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