YA Queries and Voice

missesdash · Jul 25, 2011

I've been reading from a few agents that they don't like "gimmicky" queries. One said that a query for a humorous work that was written in the tone of the book was "gimmicky"

I know that voice is really important in YA but I can't seem to reconcile that with a very "straight forward" query.

Are you always supposed to show case your writing style in a YA query? If an agent emphasizes the business like nature of the query, should I tone down the voice? I'm not quite sure because my character has a very distinct voice and in a query it would definitely stand out. But I don't know if it's a good stand out or a bad one?

Archie1989 · Jul 25, 2011

I have huge issues writing queries. Mostly I've tried to make the quick synopsis the best it can be, and keep it in the same "voice" as the book, and everything else comes off as very "professional-sounding." Though, my queries haven't gotten awesome response rates, so I guess my point is that I feel your pain.

thebloodfiend · Jul 25, 2011

Have you checked out the successful queries thread in QLH? A query should show the voice of your MC and the story. But it shouldn't be told in 1st person. I think that's what they meant.

From what I've seen, voice is especially important in YA queries. Emilia Platter's query is one of my favorites. When I was reading through the archives, I recognized it from YAHighway. Here it is: http://www.yahighway.com/2010/10/query-series-emilia-plater-suzie.html

Tromboli · Jul 25, 2011

I think for the most part it depends on the agent so if you have a query that you suspect may come off gimmiky to some agents I'd suggest some extra research and toning it down for certain agents.

you should also realize that there is a difference between gimmiky and having a unique voice so try to find the right balance. there will always be someone who won't like your style, and some people who only want a query as a buisness letter you'll just have to do your best to not turn off people but still show how unique your story is.

missesdash · Jul 25, 2011

Thanks, this one is pretty good. And similar to my voice I think

Crock-o-dile · Jul 25, 2011

I know my agent, who reps quite a few YA authors, has said she doesn't like "gimmicky" queries. And like bloodfiend said, this mostly means she doesn't like queries written from the POV of one of your characters.

My YA novel is in first-person, but I still wrote the query in third-person. The hook was fairly informal, since the book is for a teenage audience, but I didn't try to write it from the protagonist's point of view.

missesdash · Jul 25, 2011

Well what I usually do is write it in first person and then go back and tweak it. So it's still in their voice, but fits the requirements of a query.

I guess I'll have to find the balance. Back to QLH I suppose.

YA Queries and Voice

missesdash

You can't sit with us!

Archie1989

Is Published!!!

thebloodfiend

Cory

Tromboli

Hopelessly Hopeful

missesdash

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Crock-o-dile

missesdash

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