So you've finished your novel, it's beautifully polished and you've written the best query letter that has ever existed. Are you sure? Query Shark might have something to say about that. With her constructive criticism, unparalleled wit and honest intentions to help querying authors, Query Shark is an invaluable resource for writers who are beginning this scary process.
If you read through (every single post on the blog, as noted by the Shark), you may begin to realize that your first attempt is not your best. Neither is your second nor your third. Have you written your query in first person? Do you use rhetorical questions? Are you addressing the agent as 'Dear Person I'm Pretending to Know Very Well, but Really Don't Know At All' or 'Dear Agent.'? If you find yourself nodding your head, then please close this blog now and head over to Query Shark and have a look at the lucky folks who have had their queries posted from the chum bucket.
I've written my query letter four different times and I'm still not satisfied with it. Reading Query Shark has helped me prune away my unfailing ability to ramble, showcase the wrong aspects of my novel and telling instead of showing. With each new blog post, I learn something new from the Shark. We believe you will, too!
Showing posts with label queries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label queries. Show all posts
July 7, 2011
Preditors and Editors
This one is not a blog but it is a link that is essential for any author to have. Especially those looking to get published. I check out every single agent that I even consider querying on this list.
Preditors and Editors
I know most people checking out this blog will already have this link bookmarked, but if there is a single person who finds this here who doesn't have it... then this post is needed.
The publishing business is already a tough one to try and get into, but it's made so much more difficult by the scam artists out there trying to take money from desperate writers. Being educated will stop writers from being swindled for hundreds and thousands of dollars.
It's what we are all working so hard toward, just to be able to go into your local bookstore and see your name on the spine of a book. Just remember the money should flow toward the author, not away from. Meaning, you shouldn't have to shell out money to hire an agent or to get a publisher to buy your ms.
Personally, I think this might be the most important link that any aspiring author should have.
Preditors and Editors
I know most people checking out this blog will already have this link bookmarked, but if there is a single person who finds this here who doesn't have it... then this post is needed.
The publishing business is already a tough one to try and get into, but it's made so much more difficult by the scam artists out there trying to take money from desperate writers. Being educated will stop writers from being swindled for hundreds and thousands of dollars.
It's what we are all working so hard toward, just to be able to go into your local bookstore and see your name on the spine of a book. Just remember the money should flow toward the author, not away from. Meaning, you shouldn't have to shell out money to hire an agent or to get a publisher to buy your ms.
Personally, I think this might be the most important link that any aspiring author should have.
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