To query, or not to query that is the question

windyrdg · Sep 17, 2007

Hi There:
I wrote a few weeks ago about the dearth of Christian agents and the fact that I've already queried all those whom I consider credible.

Well, I was looking through my Agents Guide yesterday and discovered a genre I'd overlooked, Historical. Hmmm, the wheels started turning. My novel is historical. It's set in the first century. It's thoroughly (shall I say, meticuosly) researched and follows the timeline of life in Herodian times accurately. It has revolts, false Messiahs, people being carried off into slavery, etc. Of course, it also has angels appearing to shepherds, a Messiah being born in Bethlehem and some rather ugly crucifixions at the end.

My question is: Should I query these ABA --secular--agents? I estimate that each query costs me $2. (Paper, envelopes, postage, printing, time and gas to the Post Office...more if I send chapters.) There are about 75 of these agencies, many of them first tier. I don't want to throw away $150.

If these people have no interest in my book, I could just walk around with a sign that says "Please Kick Me" for a few weeks and save the time of opening all the rejections. What do you think??

Calla Lily · Sep 17, 2007

Have you checked out any of their websites in case they specifically say "no religious fiction"? (Akin to agents who don't want SFF, YA, etc.)

Are you sure they all only accept snail-mail queries? Many agents take e-queries.

And this probably should've been first on this list: Have you had the ms. (and the query!) critiqued by people who know writing/Christianity/historicals/queries? (That group should not include your friends and/or relatives.)

BarbJ · Sep 17, 2007

I would query unless, as callalily says, they specify not to. More and more secular agents are accepting religious fiction, although some will automatically reject. You might want to mention it in your query, along the lines of how much; sort of the difference between "explores the rise of Christianity" and "explores the conflict between the Roman Empire and the new Christian religion". Bad examples (it's Monday), but you get the idea. It's better to get rejected on a query if they're not interested. Good luck.

III · Sep 17, 2007

I'd say try a first barrage of queries with those agents who accept emailed solicitations, so you're not out any money (if money is an issue), and you'll get a feel for their reactions so you can tailor your snail-mail queries.

windyrdg · Sep 18, 2007

Next installment in the continuing saga of find the agent:
I took my directory and spent an entire evening ssorting those agents who wanted email queries and those who wanted regular mail. I then checked out and qualified those who would take emails. Out of almost 100 I now have a total of 11 to send an email query to. It's a start I guess.

mamawriter · Sep 23, 2007

Good luck, windyrdg! My experience has been that some secular agents are very open to taking on Christian work, especially as the market is supposed to be "expanding." I'm a Christian with a secular agent, and it's worked out very well. Unfortunately my agency is closed to submissions...but good luck! Keep us posted.

I love hearing other people's success stories!

To query, or not to query that is the question

windyrdg

New kid, be gentle!

Calla Lily

On hiatus

BarbJ

III

rockin the suburbs

windyrdg

New kid, be gentle!

mamawriter

NAK