Newsletter #1: How to Write a Magical Query!

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I want to start off by saying that if you deviate here and there from the following guidelines it'll be fine, for example have a query on the longer side or use a unique structure. The most important elements are having a solid story and researching the agents you query, two things that come before you ever send out a query. I've offered on people with queries that don't follow every rule I outline, but because they had a clear story summary and queried me with a story idea I was actually looking for, they still grabbed my attention.

THE INSIDES OF A QUERY

​A solid structure for a query includes the following: a hook, book, and then cook. 
 
A hook is a one to two sentence pitch at the start of the query that draws agents and editors right in. Sometimes, that hook can be dual-purpose and include info like comps or personalization. For example, one query I offered on hooked me right in by comping to one of my favorite books (THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON by Kelly Barnhill).
 
Book is the part of your query that includes the summary of your manuscript. Usually, it's around three paragraphs long, give or take. This is the most difficult part of the query itself. How do you summarize your entire story into such a small section? I'll talk more about that later.
 
The last part is the cook, in other words your bio paragraph. We'll also talk about this more later and how some of my favorite queries really had fun in this section. 
 
I'm not gonna lie to y'all. After spending a decade querying and then becoming an agent, the biggest shock I experienced was realizing just how many queries in my inbox weren't…well…queries. I'm talking about queries with no info about the book, empty boxes where a query should be, queries that only tell me why the book is the best book in the world, etc. When I was querying, I was so meticulous about making sure my query had everything, and if you're doing that too—good news, you're ahead of about 40% of my inbox.

BALANCE OF INFO

​Let's talk a little bit more about the book section of your query. I mentioned this is the most difficult part of the query. It always was for me! But here's the most important lesson I've learned as a querying author and an agent writing pitches for my authors.
 
You don't have to tell us everything. 
 
I know, I know. You want to! Especially if you've got a complicated fantasy with a ton of details. You want to tell your potential future agent all about the twists and turns in your plot, the swoon-worthy romance, that adorable side-character that makes everyone laugh. But it's damn near impossible to fit it all into three paragraphs. So, instead of focusing on cramming in as much as possible, which can often lead to confusion, try to only highlight the most important themes of your story. 
 
There's things you should for sure include. For example, info about your main character, any romantic leads, and some world-building if you're writing a fantasy or sci-fi (just enough to give us a taste on how your world is different). But also, try to hint towards the emotional growth your character will go through and clearly lay out the stakes (aka will the main character run the risk of losing their soulmate or killing the entire town).
 
I know it's easier said than done. So, before you write your query, knock out your synopsis. That's an important step too, and it'll help warm up your summary skills but is less of a challenge (one to two pages instead of three paragraphs). Once you have your entire book summarized, then tackle your query with the goal of not going past four paragraphs max. Don't let yourself go over. Be absolutely ruthless with your cutting skills. Kill more than one of your darlings.
 
Then, the scary part. Ask for critiques. The most important person you can get to look over your query is someone who has never read your story. That way, they can read it and report back on what they think the most important parts of your book are. If they give you answers you weren't expecting, maybe go back to the drawing board and make sure your most importants themes are more prevalent. 

SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS

I know you're busy trying to condense down your entire story into three paragraphs, but don't forget this is an agent's first look at your writing. Your query has a hell of a job to accomplish, so the best way you can give it a leg up on every query out there is to make sure it's reflective of your style. 
 
Do you write poetically? Make sure your syntax reflects that. Are you querying a simple and funny MG? Throw in a joke or two and pick words that your 12 year-old protangoist would use. You don't want to write something complicated and wordy if your story isn't, and usually nine times out of ten I can tell from the query if the writing style is something I'm going to enjoy. 
 
Every word counts, so pick ones that best fit your style and show off what makes you a writer in the first place. ​

​TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

​I'm always so sad when I enjoy a query but don't learn a thing about the person who wrote it. Picking an author and working with them their full career is such a personal process, especially since I'm such a hands-on, editorial agent. The best way to help me figure out if we'd be a good match is by focusing on your bio paragraph, which often gets overlooked the most when writing your query. 
 
Of course, there's the basics you should include in your bio. Any publishing accolades, if you have any experience in publishing, and if you were represented / published before. But I love to learn about you personally too, especially how it relates to your story. Did you write a queer tennis book and are you a tennis player yourself? Tell me! (and if this is you, please reach out to me, this is a dream project of mine). Have you written a horror and have experiences with ghosts? Spill the tea! 
 
As someone who is also extremely passionate about representing diverse stories from diverse voices, consider adding in why you're the person to tell this story (only if you're comfortable doing so, of course). Bottom line, have fun with it! Some of my favorite bios that made me perk up included gorgeous lines that hinted at the author's lyrical prose or gave me insight into the inspiration behind the story. 
 
Even if I don't end up offering on your story, I love learning about the people in my inbox, and rest assured I'm reading that bio.

AN EXAMPLE

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​Well! That's it! I hope this newsletter helped you get a good grasp on what makes a query truly magical. Remember: ensure your query has a solid structure, your summary doesn't confuse its readers, show off your amazing writing, and don't forget to tell agents about yourself.
 
Just a final closing remark: I know this is tough. Querying is rapidly changing and more difficult now than it's ever been with an uptick in people writing books and a downtick in editors and publishing houses.
 
But know I believe in you. Big hugs to all querying authors everywhere!