E-query vs mail

[emeraldcite]

reading over all these query posts has put me in a queer-y mood.

Question: Has anyone gotten legitimate bites on e-queries?

Second question: Which is better: e-queries or mail?

These questions take into consideration that the agent actually accepts e-queries.

Third question: Is the e-query used as a method to weed out slush queries (in other words, if you're not putting in the leg work to print it out and take it to the post office, then you're not ready to publish)?

Just some thoughts.

Thanks!

[MarkPettus]

I'm sure the real answer is as individual as the agents you query.

Some agents don't accept email queries, some agents ONLY accept email, and a few use only a electonic formmailer on their site. I've had success with each method (requests for partials).

I like the tactile quality of snail mail; I use good paper, nice self-sealing envelopes... things that add visual appeal to my query, but I also enjoy the immediacy of email. I'm more confident of the traditionally mailed queries because emails are impersonal, and this business is already too impersonal.

[Julie Worth]

Email works best for those agents that insist on it, and vice versa. If they take both, then snail is better.

[Euan H.]

Question: Has anyone gotten legitimate bites on e-queries?

Yes. My first contact with my agent was with an e-query. He then wanted a snailed partial and full--but he replied via email each time.
Second question: Which is better: e-queries or mail?

I think it depends on the agent. E-queries get a quick turn-around (most of the time), but then they also AFAIK often don't get responses if the agent isn't interested.
used as a method to weed out slush queries (in other words, if you're not

[azbikergirl]

I got my agent via e-query. He prefers to talk on the phone, but he replied by email to get my phone number, then called me.

[stace001]

For those of us who don't live in the US or UK (where most of the good agents seem to be) I think e-query is best. The bites I've received for my novels have always been through e-mail, and if they preferred to look over the entire ms in hardcopy form, I'd mail it off. It depends entirely on the agent, as many before me have said. If an agent states they don't accept e-queries, sending an email is only going to p#@# them off. And vice versa. Do some research on the agents before you send anything off.

[emeraldcite]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[JustinoXXV]

While some agents accept only snail mail queries, a huge percentage of literary agents have caught on to e-mail. Most online or published lists of agents will mention how the agent prefers to be queried.

And yes, I've gotten legitimate bites through e-queries. If they take both, then I always e-mail as I see no reason to spend money on the stamp or waste paper if it isn't necessary.

[KimJo]

I got my fastest rejection ever to an e-query- 15 minutes from the time I hit "send" to the time the agent's answer popped into my inbox. :)

On the other hand, my best response so far has also been from an e-query; one of my beta readers sent an e-query on my YA series to a publisher, who phoned my beta an hour later, told him to have me contact them, then requested the full ms of the first book. (The beta was also querying one of his own books, which was also requested.)

Personally, I prefer e-queries because there are no pieces of paper for me to lose.

[zarch]

To be honest, I like snail mail better...seems more professional, and I get the feeling that agents would rather have the query/sample in hand. Having said that, all requests for more of my manuscript (partials and fulls) have been results of email queries. And the replies to initial email queries have been anywhere from an hour and a half to a week.

[Starlightmntn]

When e-queries are accepted, and the e-mail address is the agent's personal address (i.e., not to submissions@agent.com) I believe e-queries are better. The reason is that I believe paper queries are piled up and often given a first look by an intern or an assistant. I'd rather have a decision come from the actual agent. Interest in your project is usually quick and direct.

The problem with e-queries is the non-responses. Many agents communicate a rejection by non-communication. Paper queries are almost always answered (again, probably because an intern is doing the work).

[Julie Worth]

The problem with e-queries is the non-responses. Many agents communicate a rejection by non-communication. Paper queries are almost always answered (again, probably because an intern is doing the work).

I think it’s reasonable, when an e-query isn’t answered after 6-8 weeks, to re-query by snail mail, including a sample of your work. I’ve gotten a read that way.

[Starlightmntn]

I think it’s reasonable, when an e-query isn’t answered after 6-8 weeks, to re-query by snail mail, including a sample of your work. I’ve gotten a read that way.

I agree. That's definitely worth a try.