jpstewar
Greetings. I saw some interesting comments on query letters and so I thought I would ask if I could also get some feedback. At one point, this letter was longer with more detail about the story. But I started to get the idea that perhaps a pithier summary was what was called for. Maybe I've cut out too much, don't know. Anyway, comments welcome: (no publishing credentials to speak of, alas)
Dear {agent},
I am seeking representation for my novel, Parties of One, a first person coming-of-age story. The novel is 77,000 words and fully complete.
The year is 1974, the last gasp of what’s left of the ‘60’s. Joe Burton, a naïve and somewhat depressed 19 year old college dropout, relocates to his hometown of Philadelphia to live with his best friend, Chris Spencer. Anxious to create a new life for himself, he instead falls under the sway of pool halls, drugs and the notorious “reformed armed bank robber,” Jackie Todd. Torn by his desire to be his own man – and despite his father’s pleas to return to school - he drifts from job to job and flirts with the outside edge of the law. When Jackie’s old girlfriend Liz shows up, she sets off a chain reaction of events that will cause Joe to make the most important decision of his life.
What’s different about this story’s presentation is the alternation between younger Joe’s voice, which provides the narrative, and grown-up Joe’s voice, which comments on the story from an older perspective. As mature Joe says, “Someone once told me that nineteen years old is a dangerous age for a man. Dangerous because we haven’t yet figured out what it means to be adults and we’re trying on those ill-fitting suits for the first time. Dangerous because the only thing keeping us from pillaging the town is a thin veneer of civilization.”
I believe that this tale would appeal to those who might gain from reading about the struggles, the trials and tribulations of overcoming drug abuse and a bad environment. Given the time period, it might especially appeal to baby boomers. It’s also for anyone who enjoys what I hope is – despite its subject matter – a fun and sometimes exciting read.
I have been writing for almost ten years and have taken the equivalent of a 1st year MFA course under K. Davis in Cambridge, MA. During that time, I gave a reading of one chapter of this novel for a teacher/student group. I’ve also been involved in and run writers’ groups and recently completed a Writer’s Digest online course with Barbara Rogan.
I have included a synopsis and the first three chapters. A SASE is enclosed for your reply. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
JP Stewart
Dear {agent},
I am seeking representation for my novel, Parties of One, a first person coming-of-age story. The novel is 77,000 words and fully complete.
The year is 1974, the last gasp of what’s left of the ‘60’s. Joe Burton, a naïve and somewhat depressed 19 year old college dropout, relocates to his hometown of Philadelphia to live with his best friend, Chris Spencer. Anxious to create a new life for himself, he instead falls under the sway of pool halls, drugs and the notorious “reformed armed bank robber,” Jackie Todd. Torn by his desire to be his own man – and despite his father’s pleas to return to school - he drifts from job to job and flirts with the outside edge of the law. When Jackie’s old girlfriend Liz shows up, she sets off a chain reaction of events that will cause Joe to make the most important decision of his life.
What’s different about this story’s presentation is the alternation between younger Joe’s voice, which provides the narrative, and grown-up Joe’s voice, which comments on the story from an older perspective. As mature Joe says, “Someone once told me that nineteen years old is a dangerous age for a man. Dangerous because we haven’t yet figured out what it means to be adults and we’re trying on those ill-fitting suits for the first time. Dangerous because the only thing keeping us from pillaging the town is a thin veneer of civilization.”
I believe that this tale would appeal to those who might gain from reading about the struggles, the trials and tribulations of overcoming drug abuse and a bad environment. Given the time period, it might especially appeal to baby boomers. It’s also for anyone who enjoys what I hope is – despite its subject matter – a fun and sometimes exciting read.
I have been writing for almost ten years and have taken the equivalent of a 1st year MFA course under K. Davis in Cambridge, MA. During that time, I gave a reading of one chapter of this novel for a teacher/student group. I’ve also been involved in and run writers’ groups and recently completed a Writer’s Digest online course with Barbara Rogan.
I have included a synopsis and the first three chapters. A SASE is enclosed for your reply. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
JP Stewart