Comments on: The Successful Query: An Example

By: Wednesday links: A successful query, publishing red flags, and high-figure book deals | Miranda Burski

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:02:06 +0000

[…] The Successful Query: An Example, from Dystel and Goderich Literary Management: With all of the advice of what you shouldn’t […]

By: Lynn

Lynn — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 17:00:33 +0000

Jessica, thank you so much for showing an example of a query that worked. It only goes to show what we are told “should and shouldn’t” be done in a query, has no bearings as to whether a query is successful or not. For instance, I have read over and over:

– a query should be one page (250 words or less). This one clocked in at 370 words.

– when comparing one’s novel to other books, only reference recent books and definitely not one that is ten years or older. White Oleander is 16 years old, The Secret History is 23 years old and Cat’s Eye is 27 years old.

Queries are hard enough to write, and after a year and a half, I’m still in the process of writing mine! Thanks again for letting us see that a successful query is one that grabs the agent’s interest and forget about rules and regulations.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 21:51:05 +0000

Congratulations, both Beth and Jessica. The book’s premise sounds very unique and intriguing. And great query letter, too.

By: jeffo

jeffo — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 03:03:54 +0000

Congratulations! It sounds like a really interesting book!