What is an example of a query letter used to solicit a literary agent for representing me on a book deal?
Here is the letter which got me an offer in 12 days. Note: It breaks a number of querying rules.###Dear Agent Fullname,Remy is a waitress, scraping by in the waking world. Ro is her dream-self, fighting monsters in the dreamworld.Remy has depression and a catalogue of failure. Ro has magic guns and kickass friends.Remy is planning to commit suicide. Ro is pretty sold on staying alive.If Remy dies, Ro is fucked.Dream-selves don't survive the death of their dreamers. If Ro wants to keep living, she must breach the divide between worlds (no problem) and defeat a Sumerian goddess of death (little harder), all to save someone who doesn't want saving (no promises).ANCHOR tells the story of two different women in two different worlds, who share one life between them. This standalone novel of speculative fiction is complete at 96,000 words.[bio w/ short story credits]Thank you for your time and attention.Kind regards,Nycteris Realname
I have written 5 full length novels so far. One was professionally edited and submitted to various literary agents with no luck, despite many compliments from the editor on my work. How do you catch the attention of an agent?
Literary Agents reject about 95% of all query letters. There is good reason and it does not boil down to greed or a mean disposition. There are protocols in the industry and many or perhaps most queries do not follow them. Believe it or not but over the years I have read thousands of queries and they fall into categories that are easy to dismiss.We do not represent fiction but I sometimes publish it and have developmental editors who work with it. I also recently wrote a creative non-fiction book that follows traditional fictional style. I thought I knew how to write but working with one of the best writers in the industry showed me how much can always be improved in one’s work.I agree with most of the comments that suggest you focus on one book to bring it to its best form. Hire a developmental editor who understands story. You have invested enough time in your life on these books that if you measure it in dollars it would more than warrant spending some money to make your dreams come true. This is not a guarantee but if you then choose to self-publishing or find a micro publisher or hybrid publisher you can be certain that your book is the best you can make it.In choosing an editor you want to make sure it is someone who understands the industry and not just the literary world. There is a difference between commercial fiction and literary fiction. If you are a literary writer educate yourself on what types of books are selling in your genre.I always recommend the book “Jeff Herman’s Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents” because it is a great resource that has been helping writers since it was first introduced in 1990. It has listings of literary agents and what they represent. It also gives insight into the publishing opportunities that are out there. But do continue to try to find an agent. It will give you access and credibility.Another reason I recommend Jeff’s guide is I happen to be married to him. And I love his sense of humor which is something you will find infused within the book. Enjoy the process and please do not become discouraged.Best wishes on your Writer’s journey.
Tips on becoming a great writer?
I love to write, I am currently a college student trying to decide between being a journalist or a lawyer. I eventually want to be a full time fiction writer. Any advice?