Top 10 Tips for Querying Writers
Whether you’re planning to query soon or are deep in the process, these tips may be helpful to you. These tips won’t get you published, but they’ll ease querying just a little bit!
- Use Query Tracker
Even just signing up for the free version can open yourself to a range of helpful features including:
- Keeping a list of agents you want to query, and agents to not query
- Search up agents to get their quick links (website, twitter, mswl etc.)
- Track when you queried, got a request or got a rejection
- Find their preferred querying method
- Find the average days it takes for a response from the agent
The premium version has even more data about request percentages, access to a timeline to see where your query is placed, unlimited folders to sort your queries into and more.
You should note that the majority of Query Tracker gathers its data through user input, meaning that you may find not-quite-accurate data, as someone not using Query Tracker isn’t providing data about their queries, or other users may forget to update their stats.
2. Create your own spreadsheet
You can hop on Google Sheets for free and set up another place to track your queries. You will have more control over the formatting and fields you can add. I recommend making multiple tables for different batches and, at least, including these fields: date of query, agent name, agency, method of query, checkboxes for requests and offers and comments.
Comments can include if a no from one agent is a no from the whole agency, how long it may take for your query to receive a response based on their website or submission form, or comments from rejections. Sometimes it can be a good idea to record if a response is a form rejection, as to not take the reply too personally or make yourself believe that anything is wrong with something when it’s only subjective.
3. Query in batches
I personally recommend batches of 8–12 agents per, but others may have other opinions! Each batch can be done every 2–4 weeks, as to give agents time to give you feedback. And the feedback is why we do batches. If there is a glaring change that should be applied which can affect your request rate (something that is not only subjective, but can objectively improve your work or query letter), you can make it happen before you send off your query package once again.
If you have the spare cash, you can get into Query Tracker premium which provides details that could help you find fast responding agents. You may want to try out these agents with your query in your earlier batches, as long as they represent your kind of work, as to get a quick idea of how your query package is received.
4. Make an email dedicated to querying!
One of my favourite tips is setting up a separate email address and inbox for querying, whether sending or receiving replies.
A common point of complaint in the querying community is receiving an irrelevant email in your main inbox and being disappointed when it’s not related to your queries.
You can save yourself the trouble by setting up another email. Mine starts with “quinnandaverisquerying”, which is a little quirky and easy for me to remember. I also don’t have this email added on my work laptop, so I can’t check it while I’m working.
It also makes it extra special when you get those requests and offers in your dedicated inbox.
5. Find the right agents
Use Twitter to search for literary agents and check out their links and tweets. You shouldn’t query just any agent, even if they represent your genre. Looking for their interests, their Manuscript Wishlist (also abbreviated to MSWL, and shows what they’re looking for more specifically), and their website can help you target your queries and make requests more likely to happen for you.
Agents know what they want and they look at many queries each month, so you should try and stand out by knowing why you are querying that agent (which can be added as personalisation in a query letter).
6. To help prepare your query package…
…create separate documents with your first 10 pages, first 20 pages, first 50 pages. You will rarely find yourself attaching the actual document to emails, as many agents won’t open queries with attachments unless they request material or specify otherwise.
But this will help when you’re filling in forms and writing up emails where you just need to select all and copy paste, rather than scrolling and highlighting to copy from your main document.
7. If an agent doesn’t specify to attach your query letter, synopsis and sample…
…then it belongs in the body of the email. You can paste your query letter right in the email, followed by the synopsis if requested, and the sample. As long as you can tell them apart (perhaps with a few dashes to separate them), and the text is readable, you can send it off and agents will handle it from there.
It’s better to have it in the body of the email where they can print it if they choose to, rather than attaching a document and having your submission ignored.
8. While a synopsis is part of the query package…
…you don’t always need to include it in your initial query email. Some agents request it with a partial or full, each agent may have a different process for the synopsis. The goal is to hook the agent in with the premise and stakes in your query letter before your synopsis, so don’t only rely on your synopsis but have it prepared when it’s needed.
9. Try out pitch events on Twitter
Sometimes authors can pitch their books to agents, editors and publishers at writing conferences, but at the same time they cost money and may be inaccessible to people.
Pitch events on Twitter are a free method of pitching to agents during dedicated events. Some of these events are SFFpit, Moodpitch, APIpit and WMpitch.
Keep in the loop about these events happening and you may find yourself sending a query to an agent who has liked your pitch!
10. Seek feedback about your query package
It’s scary to send your work out and be vulnerable to rejection, but you will only move forward by putting yourself out there.
Share your sample, query letter and synopsis to friendly people who want to genuinely support you. Gather their impressions of your work to trial your query and ask how you can improve your work. Remember that you don’t need to take every suggestion, but if you find multiple people suggesting the same thing, you may want to consider making that change.
The writing community and your friends want you to succeed, so embrace the support and go for it!
Do you have any glaring tips that I missed out on? If you’ve become agented through querying, how did that go for you?
As I query myself, I will continue to share tips and advice for other querying writers! Encouragement and support will get us through the process, and our stories deserve to be told.
