How would you query Harry Potter?

missesdash · Jul 25, 2011

This will probably get moved, but I wasn't sure where to put it.
I basically want to know how other YA writers would go about constructing a query for the first Harry Potter book.

I ask because it has a distinctive plot in that it's a series of seemingly unrelated events that are all tied together at the end. I've noticed my MS is structured in a similar way and I'm having trouble figuring out what to focus on (what seems to be going on or what's really going on)

how would one answer the three questions:

what does he want
what does he have to do to get it
what happens if he doesn't get it

Any thoughts?

AmyJay · Jul 25, 2011

Kristin Nelson, the agent, gave her answer on that very same question here: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-pitch-workshop-part-i.html

missesdash · Jul 25, 2011

I like this, even though it goes against a lot of conventional advice.
anyone else?

Ajisai · Jul 25, 2011

AmyJay said:
Kristin Nelson, the agent, gave her answer on that very same question here: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-pitch-workshop-part-i.html

I think this is a great query...definitely something worth thinking about, since by nature the first HP novel does involve a lot of back story (Harry's parents, their fight with Voldemort, etc.) that could theoretically really weight a query down.

SMagdalene · Jul 28, 2011

That really is a great query! Makes me want to take a look at my own again.

As for the main question... I don't really know. I have a hard time setting aside the details: that's my main problem.

How would you query Harry Potter?

missesdash

You can't sit with us!

AmyJay

missesdash

You can't sit with us!

Ajisai

SMagdalene