Firebrand's Query Letter Holiday - submit first chapter instead!

Very cool. I submitted a query to them on Oct 31 and have heard absolutely nothing back. Also...I sent a follow-up, which they encourage you to do...and still heard nothing.

I will do this, though...I have a few finished novels in the hopper. I will just send a different one. Thanks for the heads up.

Neato. Thanks for posting this!

Thanks, Trish!

OHMIGODOHMIGOFOHMIGODOHMIGOD

Holy crap. Wanna know why I'm so excited about this? Check out the last post of mine in the Tea Party thread.

OHMIGODOHMIGODOHMIGODOHMIGOD

So, let me get this straight about sending the email. We have to attach it to the email, right? I only have microsoft works... would that still be okay?

XX

I hope this really is going to be annual, because otherwise I'll be tempted to spend Christmas break furiously revising my recently finished rough draft.

Makes me wish I'd finished the editing on my wip, I have too much to edit and not enough time to work on it. ~sigh~

Ugawa said:

So, let me get this straight about sending the email. We have to attach it to the email, right? I only have microsoft works... would that still be okay?

XX

Click to expand...

They specify a Microsoft Word document (.doc). Works is a different and incompatible format. However, if you have Wordpad on your computer (Start>Programs>Accessories>Wordpad), you might be able to open the Works document and then save it as a Word format document. Wordpad uses the Word .doc format.

*edits furiously*

Ugawa said:

So, let me get this straight about sending the email. We have to attach it to the email, right? I only have microsoft works... would that still be okay?

XX

Click to expand...

I don't think Wordpad will open Works files, but it will open an rtf (rich text file). So save it as an rtf in Works, open in Wordpad, and save as a doc.

Most places want rtf or doc format for submissions, so it's worth learning to convert your files.

OH, cool. I sent them a query back in July and never got a response. Now I can send a chapter. Coolness.

ETA: Oh, I just looked. I got a rejection in September. But I also think I've changed the first chapter up a bit since then.

By 'market' do you think they mean a book's target demographic or its genre or both?

This is great! A little scary, too, because I never feel like I have the knack for query letters, which always leaves me wondering if my query is the cause of my rejections, instead of my writing.

It's a good way to find out.

KTC -- It took about three and a half months to hear back from Firebrand when I queried them previously, so, if you queried in October, you may not hear back until January-ish. Good luck!

Em

Roger J Carlson said:

They specify a Microsoft Word document (.doc). Works is a different and incompatible format. However, if you have Wordpad on your computer (Start>Programs>Accessories>Wordpad), you might be able to open the Works document and then save it as a Word format document. Wordpad uses the Word .doc format.

Click to expand...

Polenth said:

I don't think Wordpad will open Works files, but it will open an rtf (rich text file). So save it as an rtf in Works, open in Wordpad, and save as a doc.

Most places want rtf or doc format for submissions, so it's worth learning to convert your files.

Click to expand...

Thank you both . I can also save it as a word document. Should i do that instead? It says Word 97-2003 (*.doc) ?
Only problem is, i'm not able to open it, because my trial for word has expired.

XX

Ugawa said:

Thank you both . I can also save it as a word document. Should i do that instead? It says Word 97-2003 (*.doc) ?
Only problem is, i'm not able to open it, because my trial for word has expired.

XX

Click to expand...

Word 97-2003 is a fine format. You should be able to open it then in WordPad.

Hmm, bit pointless for a Bristish author I presume? Bah. (or should I send something anyway just for kicks? )

Why would it be pointless for a British author? Send it on.

Anyone heard how we're supposed to address these emails? Do we still choose a particular agent or is it assumed to go to everyone?

and do we just send the attached word document? no greetings...brief message...holiday wishes...sucking up?

If its in an email, i'd assume some sort of salutation. Like,

"Dear Editors,

Submitted for your approval in your Query Holiday, my first chapter. Hope you find it absolute yayness.

Sincerely,
Writer Guy"

"yayness" - I think I'll use that exact word

much thanks

Oh, "the market?" Does that mean genre? What if it crosses genres? What if it's an urban fantasy with humor or a humorous urban fantasy?