Query madness.

PoppysInARow · Apr 20, 2009

Okay, I don't know if this belongs here, and if it doesn't, my sincerest apologies.

I haven't been sending out queries for a very long time, but I'm starting to get frustrated with the whole query-writing system. I can never find good examples of fantasy queries to see how they're set up, and every time I re-write a new query, there's always something wrong with it.

Every free moment in my head I'm constructing a new query, and with every new query, I find little problems and it's driving me crazy. The perfect query escapes me time and time again.

And without the perfect query, I fear I'll never actually get propper representation. For the past few days I haven't been able to get my mind off my query, and my head is buzzing.

I want to go back to thinking about my books all the time, not how to get them good representation. :rant:

novelette · Apr 20, 2009

Yikes, it really sounds like you need a break!

I definitely feel your pain. Have you shared your query in the SYW thread to see what others think about it? I had to bite the bullet and do it and gained some valuable feedback.

Other than that, sometimes you just need to step back and not think about it. I know it's hard but if you immerse yourself in something else and come back to the query later (especially with suggestions from others), you might be able to craft something you're happy with.

But is there a "perfect" query that will satisfy all agents/publishers? No, so just do the best you can.

PoppysInARow · Apr 20, 2009

Oh yeah. I went to SYW. It was kind of painful, especially since I got my "best" query ripped apart pretty badly. But I appreciated the feedback, regardless.

MsJudy · Apr 20, 2009

Remember, just because the folks in queryhell are opinionated, it doesn't mean they're always right. Take all advice with a grain of salt...

PoppysInARow · Apr 20, 2009

Thanks. I realized that earlier today when I was like, "Wait, why am I taking this so seriously?" But it's good to hear that from someone else...

Erin · Apr 20, 2009

I thought I had the perfect query...then off to SYW I go and it was ripped to shreds. But I didn't like the "new" query at all, nor did I like the old one any better. What I did learn from all the feedback was what did NOT work in the original query. From that and snippets of the re-written query, I was able to piece together a much better query.

But it is frustrating and it takes time to get it right. Simplify it with:

Who and what is your protagonist?
Where does protagonist live (setting)?
What is the complicating incident?
What must the protagonist do to the villain(s) in order to reach his/her goal, i.e. magor conflict(s).

PoppysInARow · Apr 21, 2009

Hm, that's a really simple way of putting it. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I inevitibly start writing my next query.

stormie · Apr 21, 2009

Think of a blurb on the back cover of a book or the inside front flap of a hardcover. That might help.

dawinsor · Apr 21, 2009

Here's another framework that I found useful when constructing the blurb portion of my query:

[MC] is a [fill in the blank] who [fill in the blank giving character's current situation].

Suddenly or But when [fill in the event that gets the plot rolling]

Now MC must or Will MC be able to?

arkady · Apr 22, 2009

Well, if your misery is in the mood for company, I posted my query and my opening pages in the review forums, and they are much better for the criticism. But I'm still not sure that it's made much difference in terms of attracting an agent.

I've got three queries out at the moment, so maybe...

Greenwolf103 · Apr 22, 2009

Yikes! It definitely sounds like you need to take a break from your query. Seriously, try occupying yourself with something else for a while. Work on something else.

I once did that. Revised the heck out of my query letter. Even after I changed it according to feedback in Query Hell, it was NEVER up to snuff.

Maybe you can try coming up with a deadline to finalize your query? Or just give it ONE more revision then leave it alone? That might help.

Query madness.

PoppysInARow

Book Reviewer y'all

novelette

PoppysInARow

Book Reviewer y'all

MsJudy

PoppysInARow

Book Reviewer y'all

Erin

Listening to my other selves

PoppysInARow

Book Reviewer y'all

stormie

storm central

dawinsor

Dorothy A. Winsor

arkady

Greenwolf103

I'm a grrrl dog, yo