Q is for Query

As prospective authors know all too well, securing a literary agent is the only surefire (although still not guaranteed) way to get a publishing deal, especially if you have dreams of landing one of the "big five" publishing houses.

As I wait to hear back on quotes for content editing, I am slowly but surely accumulating a list of agents to query. This is not my first rodeo, but that hardly makes me an expert. Back in 2021, I sent out my first few batches of queries. Predictably, I received silence or a polite automated decline in response from all. Although this is the experience of many, I became very discouraged.

One thing you should know about the publishing industry is that it is not for the faint of heart. One thing you should know about me is that I take almost everything personally. I'm not sure if this is because I am neurodivergent or perhaps I am just a fragile little moth. Regardless, attempting to publish a book has thus been a helpful and necessary experience in thickening my skin.

I have re-edited my book multiple times since my initial querying. Having a professional look at my work will allow me to enter my next round of querying with a tighter manuscript. It is still possible that I will end up self-publishing my piece, but I would like to give querying a real shot before closing that door.

There are many phenomenal resources out there for crafting a quality query letter. The biggest things I've learned are:

• Make sure to query agents actively looking for what you have (ie. YA, science-fiction)

• Pay attention to elements agents are seeking (ie. Queer characters, sibling stories), and be sure to mention them if that is something your manuscript includes

• Make sure that any requested samples are formatted in the desired way

• Generate a list of comparables (popular titles that your book has similar features to) that you may use to help situate your story in the market

Most importantly: don't get discouraged! Keep fighting to get your story out there. What's meant to be will be.

What has your experience with querying been like?