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megwritesI'm really hitting the books (literally) on the best ways to query and submit to publishers/agents.
I'm getting a bit of contradictory information.
Some places say that you shouldn't waste space thanking an agent for their time at the end of the query letter. Some places say you absolutely should.
Some places are saying that you should start with your hook immediately, right out of the gate. Other query letters (that were successful, I might add) had a more formal beginning, with at least a cursory introduction.
From being on the job hunt, it is my immediate instinct to be as polite, professional, and courteous as possible. If I were doing the job the agent is doing, I think I'd appreciate if an author acknowledged that *hey*, I'm actually reading these things and that I took minutes out of my life to do it and that there's a busy human being behind that desk.
On the other hand, I'm sure all the little niceties might start to sound trite after the ten billionth "thank you for your time" - especially to someone who probably is going to be sending you a form letter anyway.
So, those who have more experience - which do you think is better?
I'm getting a bit of contradictory information.
Some places say that you shouldn't waste space thanking an agent for their time at the end of the query letter. Some places say you absolutely should.
Some places are saying that you should start with your hook immediately, right out of the gate. Other query letters (that were successful, I might add) had a more formal beginning, with at least a cursory introduction.
From being on the job hunt, it is my immediate instinct to be as polite, professional, and courteous as possible. If I were doing the job the agent is doing, I think I'd appreciate if an author acknowledged that *hey*, I'm actually reading these things and that I took minutes out of my life to do it and that there's a busy human being behind that desk.
On the other hand, I'm sure all the little niceties might start to sound trite after the ten billionth "thank you for your time" - especially to someone who probably is going to be sending you a form letter anyway.
So, those who have more experience - which do you think is better?
no subject
Date: 2007-01-23 10:12 pm (UTC)>>Some places say that you shouldn't waste space thanking an agent for their time at the end of the query letter. Some places say you absolutely should.<<
I always say thank you, because I figure a "thank you" can never hurt.
>>Some places are saying that you should start with your hook immediately, right out of the gate. Other query letters (that were successful, I might add) had a more formal beginning, with at least a cursory introduction.<<
I've always written my hook first and introduced myself after the synopsis. (Miss Snark likes it this way too, but doesn't hold it against you if you introduce yourself first--or at least she hasn't when the person listed writing credits. :) )
no subject
Date: 2007-01-23 11:42 pm (UTC)The basic format's easy, really, and if the hook for your story doesn't get the agent's attention, they're probably not going to read far enough to see your name -- they'll just toss it back in the SASE and into the outgoing box. No SASE, and it just gets tossed.
Dear [agent]:
I am seeking representation for my [genre] novel, [title].
[hook goes here]
I appreciate your time and consideration, and would be more than happy to send you a partial or the full manuscript. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[your email and/or ph#]
That last paragraph is a little awkward, it's just off the top of my head, but the point is: get to the point, which is the hook, close quickly and politely, and off it goes. ;-)
At least, that's what I've always done -- and although still seeking Agent Right, I have gotten compliments on my queries in the past. (I'm not kidding: little notes on the bottom of the form response that said things like, "you write a great query!" ...which sort of helped given it was a rejection. Eh, well.)
Good luck!