I'm certain this has been mentioned before, and I apologise. That being said, this place is very large and I hope no one will mind me re-asking something that's been done instead of combing for hours.
I have a question concerning query letters. Most books and websites about publishing give a similar template for writing a query letter. They say start first with an opening paragraph describing why you are querying the agent as the book's title, word count and genre. Then there should be a paragraph describing the book's premise and plot. The final paragraph should be a short biography.
QueryShark (literary agent Janet Reid) disagrees. She says she knows why you're querying her, you don't have to draw her a map. She also says put the information about the book at the end after you have her hooked. QueryShark also advises not to put in a bio unless you have publishing credits because it's foolish to waste words on things she doesn't care about. QueryShark advises putting most of your effort into the 250 words about your writing because that's what she's interested in.
Miss Snark (if you don't know who she is, shame on you) is of a similar opinion. Time after time she says, 'Write well.'
So I'm curious as to what the community's thoughts are. Which is better, to go the standard one paragraph of book description and two of information, or streamline the information either in the beginning or end of the letter and focus on letting your writing shine through?
Obviously many agents will give guidelines on their preferred format. But many others do not, hence this question.
I have a question concerning query letters. Most books and websites about publishing give a similar template for writing a query letter. They say start first with an opening paragraph describing why you are querying the agent as the book's title, word count and genre. Then there should be a paragraph describing the book's premise and plot. The final paragraph should be a short biography.
QueryShark (literary agent Janet Reid) disagrees. She says she knows why you're querying her, you don't have to draw her a map. She also says put the information about the book at the end after you have her hooked. QueryShark also advises not to put in a bio unless you have publishing credits because it's foolish to waste words on things she doesn't care about. QueryShark advises putting most of your effort into the 250 words about your writing because that's what she's interested in.
Miss Snark (if you don't know who she is, shame on you) is of a similar opinion. Time after time she says, 'Write well.'
So I'm curious as to what the community's thoughts are. Which is better, to go the standard one paragraph of book description and two of information, or streamline the information either in the beginning or end of the letter and focus on letting your writing shine through?
Obviously many agents will give guidelines on their preferred format. But many others do not, hence this question.
