Begin query with book excerpt?

I've never seen that suggested before, and from what I can guess, no, I wouldn't recommend it. Agents want to know a bit about the book before diving in, and if they *do* happen to be interested in reading the actual book straightaway, they can skip down and see the sample pages you're including after the query.

I don't think you're supposed to put an excerpt into the actual query. You should only include excerpts if the agent's submission guidelines say so, and they go after the query.

From all the reading I have done online, it seems as if it might be considered "poor form". However, I was reading through a blog of successful queries, and someone did do it. The author said she decided to becuase it was a great way to sum up the book, and she was positive the line was good.

It was only one line though, and then she went on to a more traditional query. Even that author said she did not recommend it.

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

One line is maybe acceptable if it's the sort to pique an agent's interest. Otherwise, don't. Include sample pages or chapters if they say too., but put them after the query.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Bad query advice

LucienDesar said:

I received advice from someone that critiqued by query and told me to begin it with an excerpt of the book I am pitching.

Click to expand...

Was the person who gave you this [very bad] advice an agent?
I'm going to guess s/he wasn't.

The best people to listen to for advice on queries are the people reading them. Agents, editors etc.

I'm astounded at some of the advice I've heard given to writers. My favorite is almost anything that starts with "call the agent to ask."

Oh, and no, don't start with an excerpt from your book. Start with the name of the protagonist and the dilemma s/he faces.