Oct 16 2009
The Best of #Queryfail on Twitter
The query is a letter written to an agent or publisher explaining what you’re writing and why they should want to represent/publish you. #Queryfail collects amusing anecdotes about authors that need to work a bit more on their pitch.
- “The only thing worse than ignoring guidelines because you think you’re special is actually telling me that in the query.” — AgentGame
- “Querying for a book you admit isn’t great, but saying you thought you’d take a shot at getting an agent anyway? Obnoxious.” — AgentGame
- “REMEMBER 50k words is not enough to get your novel published – most pubs want 75 – 120k novels!” –EelKat [B. Mac adds-- most of the advice I've seen in this field suggests that first-timers should stay south of 100,000 words, but some genres are more forgiving than others.]
- Before you query, read your first few pages aloud and tape-record yourself. I bet you’ll identify problems.
- All agents who received “Book Query 51″ today, raise your hand.
