Query Q's

1. If you're sending a query using a #10 envelope, just fold the SASE in thirds.

2. If you really don't have any credentials, skip the bio.

If you don't want to fold the SASE, a #9 envelope will fit in a #10 quite nicely.

You can never go wrong with att:, IMO, even if it's one of the many agencies who have an assistant read the slush. It's just extra assurance that it will eventually make its way to the right hands.

Mr. and Ms. are fine for letters. Some people avoid this altogether by saying Dear Full Name. Just a personal preference.

karo.ambrose said:

-also, is it necessary to have a bio paragraph in your query? i didn't put one in there because i really have no credentials that would improve my odds. id really just like to have my little blurb about the story speak for itself, but if needed, i will bs something.

thanks in advance!
karo.ambrose

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Karo.ambrose, queries are such a hot issue with me because so few do it properly. The #10 envelope that's already been mentioned is perfect.

As for the bio, this can be a touchy problem, especially among writers whose bios aren't filled with prior publications. First and foremost, check the publisher's/agent's guidelines. If they ask for a bio, you'd better include one.

Prior publications don't matter to me, personally. I ask for a bio because I want to get a feel for the person querying, and it really bothers me when it's not included. Or I see a lot of, "I don't have anything interesting to tell you about my life. I'm a first-time author..."

There is always something interesting to impart. The main thing I know I'm looking for is a biographical bridge between you and your story. Maybe you wrote a romance and don't see a connection between you and your writing. If you can't find that bridge, talk briefly about why you like writing romance, and why you're the best person to have written your story. If there was research involved in writing your story, share it. Personally, I'm not looking for War and Peace here, but I want to know your story.

Gee, Lynn, how do you really feel?

An agent also talks about what to do with the bio when you don't have credentials: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2006/08/what-writers-shouldnt-stress-about-bio.html

From what I've gathered, unless querying Agent Kristin herself, her format isn't a very good one to go by, generally. She prefers much longer ones than most. MS, for example, has said several times that she doesn't want BS bio sentences.

Just lie in your bio. Make up some credits, give yourself some publishers and books and stories and stuff. It's fine. No one checks that stuff.








KIDDING! Don't throw anything at me!

Envelope

There's nothing wrong with folding an envelope. It should be folded in thirds, with one third slipped over the enclosed letter. This makes certain the SASE comes out with the query letter and doesn't get accidentally tossed.

And look at it this way; either you fold the envelope, or you enclose a smaller envelope which makes an agent or editor have to do some folding. Go the smart way and do the folding yourself.

karo.ambrose said:

This is my first novel, written while I was abroad in Latin America. After living in two very distinct Americas, I was inspired to create an allegory of the haves and the have-nots. Now I am living in Austin, teaching Spanish, and pursuing my dreams of becoming a writer, a musician, and a portrait artist.

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I assume the 'have and have not' allegory plays into your manuscript, so I'd, personally, like to see a couple sentences about that experience and how that impacted your story. The bit about pursuing dreams of writing, music, etc. is unimportant. I like seeing the bridge between the author and their work.

Just lie in your bio. Make up some credits, give yourself some publishers and books and stories and stuff. It's fine. No one checks that stuff.








KIDDING! Don't throw anything at me!

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There is actually a website out there (cited by Making Light as a really bad idea) that suggests just this. Making up awards and writing credits is a really, really bad idea...

(I know you were kidding PeeDee...)

emeraldcite said:

There is actually a website out there (cited by Making Light as a really bad idea) that suggests just this. Making up awards and writing credits is a really, really bad idea...

(I know you were kidding PeeDee...)

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I'm sure there's many a web-site and writer out there who suggests it, just because there's a lot of idiots in the world. Unless, however, your role model is a Lemming, I would suggest steering clear from that.