Ages on query letters?

The_Ink_Goddess · Aug 3, 2009

So, I write YA. Edgy YA. I already posted this question on another board, but a poster (thanks!) told me I might be better off posting here, where there are a lot of published writers under the age of eighteen. I'm fifteen. Question is, should I put that on a query letter? I'm more inclined to go with no, but I wondered: if an agent doesn't specifically say (s)he would like to know your age if you're underage, what should I do? What is the "one-size-fits-all"-type answer?

Mumut · Aug 3, 2009

I wouldn't. I'm 64 and I had the same worries at first. I was sure a publisher would doubt an old codger couldn't write YA fantasy. So I said nothing and got myself published.

Geek_Pride · Aug 3, 2009

Personally, I would not put it on. There is this impression that young authors have not developed their writing yet. I would just let my query stand on its own to be honest.

Parametric · Aug 3, 2009

Leave it off. Better for an agent to read your novel, love it and then be pleasantly surprised to find out your age, than to go in with preconceptions.

Sage · Aug 3, 2009

A few years ago, it would have been a plus for you to put it on. They knew if your writing was any good, they could market you as a prodigy.

But now teens are publishing YA novels all over so it probably wouldn't help you at all and could hinder you. Save it for further communication with an agent (and both I've talked to personally have asked me... although that could be because I sound 12 on the phone

)

Shady Lane · Aug 3, 2009

my rule of thumb: the second the agent implies any interest AFTER reading the full, tell him/her. that way, they're too entranced to give much of a shit, but they're not entering into a contract unknowingly with a minor.

Maryn · Aug 3, 2009

It's not an issue unless and until there's a contract. Legally, you cannot enter into contracts, so you'd need a parent or guardian to sign in your behalf. (I assume you're green-lighted?) So I wouldn't mention it until somebody proffers a contractual relationship.

Maryn, who rarely sees the need to tell anybody her age

Shady Lane · Aug 3, 2009

Oh, good luck, btw! I was 15 when I started querying too.

Ages on query letters?

The_Ink_Goddess

we're gonna make it out of the fire

Mumut

Well begun is half done...

Geek_Pride

Fight For Your Right To Party

Parametric

Sage

Our Lady of Parentheticals

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

Maryn

I Tried

Shady Lane

my name is hannah