Before I go any further, let me explain that queries are my least favorite thing next to pitches. I may be nervous during a pitch, but at least I know I can use the remaining minutes to add flesh to the bones of those two sentences. Queries, not so much. I know the first sentence matters but ,while I can always personalize a pitch to an agent I've met, how to handle the cold queries to those I've culled from the Agent Guides?
How much is too much and how little is too little? I already know not to send an e-pitch on Monday or Friday, and aim for between 9AM (my time) and 2PM (my time) during the rest of the week. I can tell them about my story, yes, but then what? I've not been published, although I've done a couple of reviews for a crime fiction magazine. I've taken master classes at comferences with people such as Anne Perry, Nancy Pickard, Lee Child and Libby Fischer Hellmann, but do those count? And I am working on a second book with the same characters as well as a short story or two.
So, what is the answer? What goes in a query? And do I use the Sakey Rule and attach the first page?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Summertime Blues
It seems my New Year's Resolution, not to mention my Springtime resolve, has once again fallen prey to the "I'll do that later" syndrome. I have good intentions, interrupted by Real Life in the form of writing problems, work hassles, and issues with almost everything else. Still, I took two important steps this year. I went, for the second time, to The Midwest Writers' Workshop at Ball State University in Muncie Indiana, and I enrolled for the 2001 Writers' Police Academy in Grennsboro NC. The second step was by far the scarier of the two.
The MWW is a great place to learn the craft of writing without all the distractions of large crowds and convention-geared panels. The writer contingent this year? 175. Small groups, good speakers, established authors, and agents who gave presentations as well as listened to pitches. It strikes the anxiety chord with me only because I am an introvert (although Jane Friedman tells us most writers are) and have to work at making credible small talk. I'm getting better, but it takes courage to approach someone you've never met or have just met over breakfast. Food is a good ice-breaker, as is the temperature at the Alumni Center--set at frigid. Once you've chatted with someone, it's easy to say "Hey" the next time you see them, or at least smile.
I've submitted my first five for an evaluation both times, and have gotten good advice. I've also pitched both times and know that while the first agent simply was more interested in another genre than had been advertised, she also didn't rally want to be there. The second agent was no-nonsense and abrasive but, in retrospect, gave me some things to think about. As my daughter reminds me, there is always something in criticism to move you forward. Wise child.
The second step, still to come when I step on the plane in September, is the Writers' Police Academy. Again, for writers but without the pitching to agents. It's all about Police Procedure and Forensics and Weapons---capitalized here because all of them interest me. I'm going to learn about guns. Guns scare me. I want to turn that fear into respect as well as get the details right when Sam and Frank confront a suspect. Forensics and procedure? Again, to get things right. This step is so far out of my comfort zone that I knew I had to do it.
One more thing. Jane Friedman and Dana Kaye BOTH insisted that platforms begin BEFORE the book hits the market. So, my summer resolution? Writing something here once a week, whether anyone reads it or not. It's a blank (sort of) slate....and I'll add as I go and learn linking and sharing.
So, my question to anyone happening upon this exercise is this: What scares you? And what do you do to conquer that fear? I'd love to hear your solutions.
The MWW is a great place to learn the craft of writing without all the distractions of large crowds and convention-geared panels. The writer contingent this year? 175. Small groups, good speakers, established authors, and agents who gave presentations as well as listened to pitches. It strikes the anxiety chord with me only because I am an introvert (although Jane Friedman tells us most writers are) and have to work at making credible small talk. I'm getting better, but it takes courage to approach someone you've never met or have just met over breakfast. Food is a good ice-breaker, as is the temperature at the Alumni Center--set at frigid. Once you've chatted with someone, it's easy to say "Hey" the next time you see them, or at least smile.
I've submitted my first five for an evaluation both times, and have gotten good advice. I've also pitched both times and know that while the first agent simply was more interested in another genre than had been advertised, she also didn't rally want to be there. The second agent was no-nonsense and abrasive but, in retrospect, gave me some things to think about. As my daughter reminds me, there is always something in criticism to move you forward. Wise child.
The second step, still to come when I step on the plane in September, is the Writers' Police Academy. Again, for writers but without the pitching to agents. It's all about Police Procedure and Forensics and Weapons---capitalized here because all of them interest me. I'm going to learn about guns. Guns scare me. I want to turn that fear into respect as well as get the details right when Sam and Frank confront a suspect. Forensics and procedure? Again, to get things right. This step is so far out of my comfort zone that I knew I had to do it.
One more thing. Jane Friedman and Dana Kaye BOTH insisted that platforms begin BEFORE the book hits the market. So, my summer resolution? Writing something here once a week, whether anyone reads it or not. It's a blank (sort of) slate....and I'll add as I go and learn linking and sharing.
So, my question to anyone happening upon this exercise is this: What scares you? And what do you do to conquer that fear? I'd love to hear your solutions.
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