Sample queries query

tricon7 · Jan 15, 2012

I know there has to be a link here somewhere of some sample queries when submitting to an agent, but after looking and doing a search I can't seem to find one. Could someone suggest one for me?

I recently read of an agent's submission requirements, and he wanted (among other things) a 100-page synopsis, 200-page synopsis, and 300-page synopsis! I think I did the 100, but I skipped the other two. I never heard back, so I guess I violated his guidelines. :>(( I hope I don't run into many agents with such a tedious request.

Drachen Jager · Jan 15, 2012

There is a forum here called Query Letter Hell. You can post your own (when you've posted 50 messages on AW), read other people's queries, comment on other queries or, as a sticky at the top of the forum there is a 'successful query' thread.

You need a password to get in, but the password is in the forum label.

tricon7 · Jan 15, 2012

That forum eludes me. I'm still searching for it.

Do you have a link?

Drachen Jager · Jan 15, 2012

I can't link you directly to it because it's passworded.

The second to bottom grouping of forums on the main forum page is "AW Writing Lab" The first entry in that list is "Share Your Work" Within that is a series of sub-forums for genres and one for queries.

Filigree · Jan 15, 2012

On Kristin Nelson's blog 'Pub Rants', she has examples of successful queries. Several other agents do, as well.

Drachen Jager · Jan 15, 2012

I'd give you my query, but although it was successful in the end, I don't think it really was a very good query letter.

Giant Baby · Jan 15, 2012

There's a whole thread here, displaying members' queries that got them representation or book deals.

And an interesting site here, displaying successful queries of YA authors.

Hope that helps.

AmyJay · Jan 15, 2012

Along with the resources already mentioned, I'd also recommend agent Janet Reid's Query Shark blog:
http://queryshark.blogspot.com/

I also found the "successful queries" tag on the Writer's Digest Guide to Literary Agents blog extremely helpful. Especially because the agents explain why that particular query worked for them.
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/successful-queries

Chiquita Banana · Jan 15, 2012

tricon7 said:
I know there has to be a link here somewhere of some sample queries when submitting to an agent, but after looking and doing a search I can't seem to find one. Could someone suggest one for me?

I recently read of an agent's submission requirements, and he wanted (among other things) a 100-page synopsis, 200-page synopsis, and 300-page synopsis! I think I did the 100, but I skipped the other two. I never heard back, so I guess I violated his guidelines. :>(( I hope I don't run into many agents with such a tedious request.

I think you may have gotten some crossed wires somewhere. No agent is going to want three different synopses, and those numbers are outrageous! People I've submitted to have asked for 1 or 2 page synopses. I can't speak from personal experience, but I know some people submit ones that are 20 pages or so, but 100, 200 or 300 words! This can't possibly be right. 300 pages is an entire book in some cases.

heyjude · Jan 16, 2012

tricon7 said:
I recently read of an agent's submission requirements, and he wanted (among other things) a 100-page synopsis, 200-page synopsis, and 300-page synopsis! I think I did the 100, but I skipped the other two. I never heard back, so I guess I violated his guidelines. :>(( I hope I don't run into many agents with such a tedious request.

Like Chiquita, I have a hard time believing any agent wants such long synopses. Can you link us?

iRock · Jan 16, 2012

tricon7 said:
I recently read of an agent's submission requirements, and he wanted (among other things) a 100-page synopsis, 200-page synopsis, and 300-page synopsis!

Who is the agent, if you don't mind me asking. Because that sounds incredibly bizarre.

zegota · Jan 16, 2012

tricon7 said:
I know there has to be a link here somewhere of some sample queries when submitting to an agent, but after looking and doing a search I can't seem to find one. Could someone suggest one for me?

I recently read of an agent's submission requirements, and he wanted (among other things) a 100-page synopsis, 200-page synopsis, and 300-page synopsis! I think I did the 100, but I skipped the other two. I never heard back, so I guess I violated his guidelines. :>(( I hope I don't run into many agents with such a tedious request.

I find that hard to believe. A 100 page synopsis is ridiculous. A 300 page synopsis is called a novel.

YAreaderwriter · Jan 16, 2012

Filigree said:
On Kristin Nelson's blog 'Pub Rants', she has examples of successful queries. Several other agents do, as well.

Thanks! This was helpful for me.

quicklime · Jan 16, 2012

YAreaderwriter said:
Thanks! This was helpful for me.

there is also a long string of successful QLH queries stickies at the top of Query Letter Hell, which is in the Share Your Work sub-forum

Sample queries query

tricon7

Adventure writer

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

tricon7

Adventure writer

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

Filigree

Mildly Disturbing

Drachen Jager

Professor of applied misanthropy

Giant Baby

Oh, the humanity.

AmyJay

Chiquita Banana

practical experience, FTW

heyjude

Making my own sunshine

iRock

That's how I roll

zegota

Fantastic!

YAreaderwriter

The voice of the sea

quicklime

all out of fucks to give