Personal info in Query - Beginning or End |
Author: Chris Almand (12.31.12.---)
Date: 08-05-08 06:47
I have a feeling the general consensus is going to be "doesn't matter," but I was wondering if anyone had a preference over putting the personal spiel (I'd like to submit my XXXX novel for your consideration...my work has appeared in XXXX, I am querying you because of XXXX) at the beginning or end of the query letter.
I was drafting a query, but I wanted my hook right off the bat (right after the greeting). I was talking to someone last night and they said always put your reason for writing right after the greeting and THEN jump into your book summary.
What are your preferences, and does it really not matter? Thanks.
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Re: Personal info in Query - Beginning or End |
Author: stevenlabri τΏτ (---.dsl.mindspring.com)
Date: 08-05-08 07:21
IMHO
"I'd like to submit my XXXX novel for your consideration"
Of course you do, that's why you wrote your novel.
"my work has appeared in XXXX"
Unless it's a recognized pub, forget it.
"I wanted my hook right off the bat (right after the greeting)"
You're half right. The hook should be immediate, the greeting no more than, "Dear Agent Name,".
Think, action. Let's say you're watching TV and a commercial comes on. The commercial does not start with someone saying, "This is a commercial about product X blah blah." No. The commercial begins immediately and the advertiser has 30 seconds to tell you why you should buy their product. In a query, you have less time.
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Re: Personal info in Query - Beginning or End |
Author: Keith . (---.dhcp.spbg.sc.charter.com)
Date: 08-05-08 10:06
Agree with Steven. If your personal info begins with, "My first NYT Bestseller was ..." or, "Hello, my name is Brad Pitt ..." then there's your hook. Otherwise, get to the action.
Something happens within the 1st 10-20 pages (max) that generates the major conflict and drives the plot. Build your hook around that. JMO. Luck.
km
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Re: Personal info in Query - Beginning or End |
Author: stevenlabri τΏτ (---.sip.mia.bellsouth.net)
Date: 08-05-08 10:16
"Hello, my name is Brad Pitt"
Now that's funny!
I have always said that it is easier to become famous before deciding to write and publish.
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Re: Personal info in Query - Beginning or End |
Author: Cara K (---.hsd1.mn.comcast.net)
Date: 08-05-08 22:26
I agree. Hook at the beginning, personal stuff at the end.
--CK
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Except i don't think Brad PItt can write |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.254.217.97.Dial1.Denver1.Level3.net)
Date: 08-06-08 00:28
Learn before you leap, build your bridge before you burn it, but if you build it right, it won't burn. Query is a business letter, and it all matters. ;)
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