Query Without Previous Credits

VirgieLou · Jul 24, 2008

Seems all the literary agents want my previous writing credits and I have none, so how do I word this part so I don't look a total dork? I only think I am qualified to write because I got an idea and did to my satisfaction.

Do agents not read further in a submission synopsis if one had not previously been published?

Toothpaste · Jul 24, 2008

Don't worry about it. Just leave that section blank, you don't need to state "this is my first novel". Agents really don't care if you have previous credits. Sure it could help if you are already well published, but it won't hurt having not.

Irysangel · Jul 24, 2008

Agreed - just gloss over it and don't mention it at all. I think more people do not have valid writing credits than do.

ORION · Jul 24, 2008

I never had any writing credits- that's why I went to the Maui writers conference and retreat so I could put something there lol!!

cate townsend · Jul 24, 2008

Make your query so outstanding that they don't even notice that you don't have writing credits.

Carrie R. · Jul 24, 2008

Agreed on all counts -- don't worry about previous credits. I didn't have any and did just fine.

scope · Jul 24, 2008

Ditto to what all have said. Don't be concerned.

Query Without Previous Credits

VirgieLou

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

Irysangel

She of Many Names

ORION

Sailed away years ago

cate townsend

Carrie R.

Procrastinating, clearly

scope

Commonsensical Maverick