The query spoiler

[Del]

I know a synopsis should cover the whole story beginning to end but does the query need the ending? If you give them everything in the query what good is the synopsis?

Shouldn't the query be sort of a lengthy blurb?

I wouldn't end a query with something like; How will Evelin ever get out of the dungeon?

But is it frowned upon to end the query just before the ending? Like; Now that Evelin has broken the mortar from the bars she has mere minutes to escape before the guards haul her to her execution.

[Julie Worth]

Shouldn't the query be sort of a lengthy blurb?

Exactly. It's purely marketing. So is the synopsis, in fact, but there you make more of an effort to reflect the book. And so you include the ending.

[Roger J Carlson]

Every submission guidelines I've read that talks about this, says to tell them the ending. Period.

Here's a really good template for a query:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=139377#post139377

[Julie Worth]

Every submission guidelines I've read that talks about this, says to tell them the ending. Period. [/URL]

The question is touched on in this thread: [URL]http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65933 (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=139377#post139377)

Further down, starting with JAR's post No. 16.

A query is like a blurb, and like a blurb, its purpose is to whet the reader's appetite. A synopsis is more detailed and includes the ending. But it's still a marketing tool, so if you're wise, you'll be judicious as to what you put in and what you leave out.

[Del]

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=139377#post139377

I try to do my query this way, with exceptions. I've read not to waste the pros time by telling him where you found his name. It is a given you found it someplace.

I don't use the labels. i.e. TITLE: A paranormal thriller of 90,000 words, seems a lot more sensible than labeling a listed column of info.

But I could add a few line feeds and the labels without changing anything thing more if it came to it. I imagine these people are smart enough to identify the content of the query without labels.

As for a book like mine...I know of none. I know everything has been written before, but short of reading every book ever published, what do I do then?

Everyone wants something different. I wish agents would post examples of queries and synopses that grabbed them. But then everyone would send the same format and the pro would get tired of it.

I don't have enough hair to be pulling it out.

What the hell are we supposed to do to get noticed?

[Julie Worth]

Everyone wants something different. I wish agents would post examples of queries and synopses that grabbed them.

Some agents do.

What the hell are we supposed to do to get noticed?

Why don't you post your query in share your work, and let people have at it?

[Del]

Why don't you post your query in share your work, and let people have at it?

I'm getting there. I just want to get it as professional as I can beforehand. No sense wasting anyones time.

[ORION]

I SOOO like your seagull.
There are example queries in sticky threads.
Post what you have. You won't waste anyones time.

[Del]

Writing a terrific story isn't a guarantee, but it's a mighty good start. ;)


DUNNIT!! :D

[Enraptured]

Most of the example queries I've found don't give away the ending; they sound more like the plot description on the back of a book. In the synopsis you need to include the ending, but I'm pretty sure it's okay to leave some suspense at the end of a query.

[Del]

but I'm pretty sure it's okay to leave some suspense at the end of a query.

That's the way I would think it should be...but no one ever asks my advice before they set up protocol.

Logically, there is no need to include the ending in the query if it is accompanied (or to be followed) by the synopsis. Neither are to entertain. The thing is, your understanding of their business is under as much evaluation as your book. As if it is not enough to have to fight your way through individual preference. The system is grossly overweight...making more work for everyone.

The query introduces (sells) the writer. The synopsis sells the story. I just don't like the premise that if you can't write a good query then you can't write a good book. It has been designed to save them time from reading books that don't charge them up. But neither the query or the synopsis represent the book anymore than a preview represents a movie. Have you ever noticed how often you don't get the movie you expected? But if we Hollywood the synopsis and they don't get what they expected, matter not if it a good book well written, the disappointment will mean a rejection just like the criticisms you hear while leaving the theater.

Agents and Publishers want a carnival ride from page one while I fully believe the public just wants to read good books.

Didn't it used to be send a nice cover letter and full manuscript generally to a publishing company?

[greywaren]

I think query format is a lot looser than a lot of people think - it's not quite as formulaic as a synopsis. Plus, I've seen some queries that I wouldn'tve used to line a puppy's kennel that have worked wonders for their authors.

So, no, I don't think you have to have the end. You're just doing what you need to entice them to see more. I have an agent looking at chapters now and in my query, I used one sentence to tell her what the book was about, and the rest was my situation. Really. The query's flexible. Bend it to your will, man!