Query Questions... |
Author: Kate B. (---.hsd1.oh.comcast.net)
Date: 05-14-08 19:43
I know these are probably the dumbest questions ever asked, but I want to try to get this right. I’ve been over at Writer’s Market, trying to put together a list of agents that I would like to query and I was looking at the guidelines for each agency. I want to make sure I’ve got this right.
When it says something like:
Send a query, synopsis and the first 50 pages for fiction
They want a query letter, a synopsis separate from the short one in the query letter, and the first 50 pages, right?
Or if it says:
Query with synopsis, bio, 3 sample chapters, SASE.
They want a bio and synopsis separate from the short ones also in my query?
Like most new writers, I really don’t have much of a bio. A published article. A couple of writing awards that I won more than 10 years ago, in college. How far back can I go for my bio?
Should I be shooting for a one page synopsis that reflects my writing style? Can it be longer?
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Re: Query Questions... |
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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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: June Casagrande (---.dsl.lsan03.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 05-15-08 00:17
Re your last two questions:
* How far back? As far as you want. More recent credentials look better (it looks less like you're scraping for stuff), but they know that sometimes good writers have to scrape.
* Synopsis length. I'm not the best one to answer this, but I think that, unless stated otherwise, it should be a page. Yes, try to demonstrate your style in the synopsis. (That can be hard since it's such an all-your-cards-on-the-table thing. But do the best you can.)
Again: Your query does not contain a synopsis. It sets up your story/conflict. Be clear on the difference!
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Kate B. (---.hsd1.pa.comcast.net)
Date: 05-15-08 06:16
That is extremely helpful, June. Thank you so much.
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Dave S (159.119.201.---)
Date: 05-15-08 12:13
Hi Kate,
Regarding synopsis length, a short synopsis should be one single spaced page, and a full synopsis should be about 5 double spaced pages. If your full sysnopsis runs over 5 pages, you should consider trimming it.
Unfortunately, I've never see an agent specify if they want a short or full synopsis. Sometimes I send both.
Hope this helps...
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Kate Humphrey (---.hsd1.md.comcast.net)
Date: 05-15-08 13:14
Ususally, for a bio, it depends on what you published. Stand alone, your query is going to show what kind writer you are more than anything. This is what I would say for the bio: if your article relates in some way to what you are writing, I would mention it. If it was fiction, or if the awards were for fiction, and you are writing nonfiction, I don't think it would help, and the opposite is true. It also depends on what kind of publisher it was for your article. If it was, like, your village newspaper, it won't look too impressive. I am not sure about the awards, since they go a little ways back, but they won't hurt. Again, what will really show is the writing you exhibit in your query, and your ms, when they will hopefully ask for it, so don't worry too much about past publications. After all, as I have nothing to show, I am not going to mail anything even related to them in :) Kate
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Kate B. (---.mgb.pitt.edu)
Date: 05-15-08 13:39
Thank you Dave. Perfect. That is exactly what I needed. I'm working on it now and I can adjust the level of detail for one SS page or 5 DS pages.
Thank you Kate. I'm finding the Query easier than anything else, so I'll be glad if it holds the most weight. My articles are non-fiction and unrelated but they were published in a national magazine. My Bio would be shorter than this post, even with everything that I can scrape together.
Thank you both so much.
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Robert Brown (---.hsd1.in.comcast.net)
Date: 05-15-08 13:49
One thing I've noticed over the years is that Writer's Market isn't very good about updating their agent or publisher listings so I would take the query requirements listed there with a grain of salt. A better solution is to research agents and their requirements online.
The query would be a standard query letter in which there should be a short synopsis. The sort synopsis is very similar to a the jacket blurb seen on the back of mass market paperback novels or on the front flap of hardcover novels. Think marketing when writing these--short and full of kick. Basically a query contains five parts, the salutation or Dear Mr./Ms. (agent's last name, a short introduction (My romance,mystery,science fiction, etc. novel of 100,000 words is similar to (name of a novel that yours might be like) and is edited and ready for publication.
The third section contains the short synopsis (jacket blurb)and the forth paragraph would contain what some would call a bio of your publishing history. If you have never been published say this is your first novel. And the close with Regards, your name and contact information.
If the agent guidelines ask for a sample of your novel--chapters or a certain number of pages, double-space them with at least a 12 point, black font (I like Ariel 12 because it's easier for me to read, 1" margins all around, contact information in the upper left corner, the title of the novel, centered, and your by-line directly underneath. Pages should be numbered at the top beginning with the second page and each page should be identified with (your last name/one word book title on the left, page number on the right each page beginning with page 2. Always send from the novel's beginning. Don't pick pages from the middle or ending unless specifically asked to do so.
The synopsis is a short running overview of your entire book including it's ending. The secret to a good synopsis is SHORT. Three pages is plenty and it should be single spaced. One of the quickest ways to write a winning synopsis is to follow your plot line through the book. Leave out the sub-plots as they are usually not necessary unless they contain major plot information. If you try to include everything--every nuance and shift in the plot you'll end up with another novel, so just briefly describe the essence of your book. I sometimes tell authors that the best way to understand a novel is to write a chapter by chapter outline, but for simple stories, this is usually not necessary.
As for your an author bio, that only pertains to your writing history and nothing more--what you did to prepare yourself to be a novelist--schooling, special classes, conferences attended, critique groups attended, writing awards, etc.
There's loads of information on our blog at www.wyliemerrick.blogspot.com that will also be helpful. Good luck!!
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Robert Brown (---.hsd1.in.comcast.net)
Date: 05-15-08 13:53
I wrote this fast so it's probably full of errors--sorry!!
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: Kate B. (---.mgb.pitt.edu)
Date: 05-15-08 14:10
Thank you so much, Robert!
I was so engrossed in all of the information; I didn't notice a single typo. ;) Tonight, I’m on my way to that blog. Thank you again!
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Re: Query Questions... |
Author: stevenlabri (---.dsl.mindspring.com)
Date: 05-17-08 01:51
Priceless advice.
"Think marketing when writing these--short and full of kick."
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