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View Full Version : Need help! e-Query NF memoir Children book

Shamrockgreen
04-10-2009, 05:21 AM
I have no idea what section to put this in...so I will leave it up to a moderator.

I want to send e-queries for this manuscript, I need to know if the query needs to be in a certain format....like a business letter even though it is being sent electronically. Putting in all the headers cuts down on the query length, however I do not want to put off a potential agent because I do not have the correct format for the letter.

TIA
Shamrockgreen
04-10-2009, 05:22 AM
Also another question, do you just send the e query in the body of the email or do you do it as an attachment in Word?
The Rav
04-10-2009, 09:47 AM
Does said agent have a web page? Give a look and you might find the answer. Honestly, I've never looked for an agent, but I know when I send out stories via email, some places have no problems with attachments, while others won't open them. I'm guessing a query would be fine in the body of the email, but my best advice would be to see if you can find the answer on a web page. Good luck! :D
Wayne K
04-10-2009, 01:27 PM
From agency sites I see that a lot of them don't open attachmentrs unless they ask for it specifically.
Kathleen42
04-10-2009, 04:38 PM
Do not send as an attachment. Very few people - agents included - will open an attachment from someone they don't know.

Personally, I use this format for email queries (others might disagree)

<Dear Agent>

<body of letter>

<maybe a sentence saying I can be reached via email at mmm@mmm.com or by phone at (333) 333-3333>

<Regards,>

<my name>
<my address>
<my phone number>
<my email address>
<website could also go here if it is applicable>

If they ask for the first five pages (or you just want to include those) paste them below the letter. I usually present a visual clue to show that these are the pages, something like --First Five Pages of Manuscript--.


Do strip the formatting out of your letter before pasting it into your email client. I usually paste it into notepad and then copy it from notepad and paste it into my email. Sometimes, when you paste directly from word, it can so some wonky things with formatting (even if you don't see that on your end).
RJK
04-10-2009, 06:58 PM
Type a business (query) letter in MS Word or whatever you use. Copy the text using Ctl A - Ctl C, then paste it into the body of your email. If the agent asks for pages or a synopsis, paste those into the body of the email, after the letter.
Do not send attachments unless the agent specifically asks for them.