Author: June Casagrande (---.dsl.lsan03.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 05-14-08 23:54
I haven't done any querying for fiction for a long time, but as I recall:
* Yes, the query is completely distinct from the synopsis which is complete distinct from the first 50. Don't think of a query as containing a synopsis. Think of it as containing set up/a teaser. The goal of the synopsis is to tell the whole story in Cliff's Notes form. The goal of a query is to set up the conflict and make them went to learn more.
* Re the bio: I think they usually mean a separate one (maybe someone else here can confirm or correct that). It's okay if the bio repeats stuff already in the query.
* It's okay if you can't list "War and Peace" in your bio. Yes, flaunt every writing-related credential you have. But remember, they also want to know who you are. And if you're a veteran of the Iraq war writing a novel about an Iraq vet, or if you're a plane crash survivor writing fiction about that (and on and on), they really want to know that. Also, if you're an English lit major, a third-grade English teacher, an active volunteer with Friends of Libraries, USA -- all this is stuff that will shed light on who you are and what your chances of success are. They don't want to know whether you won a math prize in high school (unless you're writing about math). They're trying to find out whether 1. you know the written word, 2. they will like working with you, and especially 3. whether any details of your life could make for interesting newspaper articles or radio interviews as part of your book- publicity campaign. Be completely honest while also being aware of the reason they're asking! They're looking to see whether you have some of the ingredients necessary for THEM to be successful at selling your book.
Hope that helps!
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