Pre-query checklist

So, I think I've done what needs to be done before I fire off the query canon and hope something comes back to me that isn't a rejection. The list is mostly for my own use, but if anyone sees any steps I've left out, please let me know.


- Researched agent names? Check.

- Researched agent guidelines? Check.

- Gone over manuscript with fine tooth comb? Check.

- Revised query? Check.

- Revised query again? Check.

- Revised query a third time? Check.

- Asked for and received excellent query help from f-list? Check.

- Learned that my f-list is full of awesome people? Double check.

- Done a last check to make sure that the agent names and salutations are correct in the letters? Check.

- Prepared samples asked for by agents in their guidelines in requested formats? Check.

- Sent letters? Still pending.


I'm going to give myself until Thursday to go through the checklist yet again (you can't ever be too careful) and then I'm going to send them out and get back to work on my current project.

Interesting industry link

An open letter to agents with a modest proposal from Cheryl Klein, the senior editor at Levine/Scholastic Books.

I found this a fascinating post, and a really interesting inside look at what happens after you clear the first huge hurdle in publishing and get to the second. Not to mention it's useful to have this little tidbit in mind should I ever be lucky enough to find myself with a manuscript that is being considered by editors.

Her suggestion makes a lot of sense to me. I'm a pretty slow reader on the best of days, so I can't imagine having to plow through manuscript after manuscript on a rushed basis, much less having to hand that same thing off to a committee or a boss. It seems like some really deserving projects might get tossed in the bin that way.