Awkward Query Question

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DonnaDuck

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I wasn't sure where else to put this since it's not about actually writing the query. Feel free to move if it fits better somewhere else.

I did a reading two years ago where an agent from a well-known agency offered representation after hearing me read my work. I let her know I didn't have a finished novel yet but I'd keep her updated on the work (no, it didn't take me 2 years to write one novel, I was writing one and trashed it 3/4 of the way through the first edit and wrote a whole new and entirely different one). I let her know that ultimately, my work is YA and would be better suited to another agent in her office as this particular agent doesn't rep YA. She agreed.

So now I'm about to query and I'm not sure who to send the query to. Do I send it to the YA agent and CC the one that originally offered representation or do I send it directly to that woman and CC the YA agent? Obviously I'm going to re-mention the meeting and such but ultimately, who should it go to?

Any help would, well, help. Thanks!
 

jclarkdawe

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Dear Agent Who Loves Me:

I'm finally finished with THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL. As we discussed in the past, could you please forward my query to Wonderful YA Agent in your office.

My story is about the love affairs of cockroaches. Harvey the cockroach falls in love with teen Goddess Porcine until she gets stomped on. Devastated, he vows revenge on humans ....

That's how I'd approach it. First paragraph reminder who I am and the favor I'm requesting. Second paragraph will need a lead into the story, but that's okay. It just works better. You can say finally because this has been two years. She knows how you're feeling.

I'd include about twenty pages pasted with the email. You're pretty much guaranteed a read of about that length, and you're either going to fly like an eagle, or crash like a squirrel by that point.

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe
 

Maryn

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(I'd so read that!)(But I've never seen a squirrel crash.)

(Maryn, who didn't really have anything to add)
 

Xvee

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Or send a brief letter to the agent interested in your work, remind her who you are and ask her how you should best submit. The best thing is to have the agent you know give a verbal recommendation to the agent you don't.
 
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Dear Agent Who Loves Me:

I'm finally finished with THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL. As we discussed in the past, could you please forward my query to Wonderful YA Agent in your office.

My story is about the love affairs of cockroaches. Harvey the cockroach falls in love with teen Goddess Porcine until she gets stomped on. Devastated, he vows revenge on humans ....

That's how I'd approach it. First paragraph reminder who I am and the favor I'm requesting. Second paragraph will need a lead into the story, but that's okay. It just works better. You can say finally because this has been two years. She knows how you're feeling.

I'd include about twenty pages pasted with the email. You're pretty much guaranteed a read of about that length, and you're either going to fly like an eagle, or crash like a squirrel by that point.

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe



Oh, my God, I loved your sample synopsis on a story about cockroaches!! :ROFL: I abhor cockroaches with a passion but your story was pretty funny! :ROFL: Thank you so much for the laughs!! :D
 

jclarkdawe

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(I'd so read that!)(But I've never seen a squirrel crash.)

You haven't seen how thoroughly the squirrels can crash against a bad query in Query Letter Hell?

Best of luck,

Jim Clark-Dawe
 
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