do agents go on a strength of a letter?

valen_sinclair · Oct 2, 2007

Hi there, I have a small question. I have been writing for some time now, but I still have one small problem.
The initial letter to an agent. I have always sucked at writing letters or enquirys. I can never know what to put in, and what not to put in. Do many agents go on the soul purpose of this letter before deciding on if they will accept your mss....cause I never even seem to get a reply either way.

waylander · Oct 2, 2007

UK agents or US agents?
Big difference being most UK agents expect to receive your first 3 chapters along with the letter and are more likely to be impressed with your first few pages than US agents.
A lot of US agents want an initial query letter before they'll even look at your writing (though I will put in my first 5 pages unless they specify not to).
If you're sending to US agents then check out the archives of Rachel Vater's blog and Miss Snark for lots of examples of 'hook' paragraphs and query letters being dissected.

Maryn · Oct 2, 2007

There's also a Query Letter Critique board here at AbsoluteWrite, under the Share Your Work umbrella. Some of the regulars there are really quite good at helping the writer improve the query.

Maryn, who admires that

valen_sinclair · Oct 2, 2007

waylander said:
UK agents or US agents?
Big difference being most UK agents expect to receive your first 3 chapters along with the letter and are more likely to be impressed with your first few pages than US agents.
A lot of US agents want an initial query letter before they'll even look at your writing (though I will put in my first 5 pages unless they specify not to).
If you're sending to US agents then check out the archives of Rachel Vater's blog and Miss Snark for lots of examples of 'hook' paragraphs and query letters being dissected.

emm, I suppose I am a bit weary of sending in my work without someones approval first. Also what is the format for screenplays in the same regard, do you send in a sample if so....how many pages.

waylander · Oct 2, 2007

I have no experience of submitting screenplays.
I think you need to look at (or possibly purchase) The Writers and Artists Yearbook. this has agent listings plus loads of advice about how to present your work.

Jamesaritchie · Oct 2, 2007

Query

No agent will accept a manuscript based on the query letter, but the query letter is why that ask to see the manuscript.

But there's nothing at all wrong with send the first three to five pages of a manuscript along with the query, unless the agency guidelines specifically say not to do so. An agent who would say no because you did this is not an agent you want. As Miss Snark said, sending this pages is an unwritten rule.

And a pretty fair number of agents will look at the first three chapters. If in doubt, call and ask. Agents do not bite, and couldn't over the phone, even if they wanted to. A big problem many new writers have, and even some selling writers have, is a fear of calling and asking.

valen_sinclair · Oct 2, 2007

waylander said:
I have no experience of submitting screenplays.
I think you need to look at (or possibly purchase) The Writers and Artists Yearbook. this has agent listings plus loads of advice about how to present your work.

yeah i have that...2007 edition, i know theres a new one, but i have no income at the moment to get it.
But it's like working your way through a minefield. On one hand it will say they accept sci-fi (script or otherwise) but when you contact them they say no way! Others say they love hearing from new authors or like, and then again it is no way client list full mate.
Plus like I said, I can't write a enquiry letter to save my life.....
Thanks for the response mind.

waylander · Oct 2, 2007

valen_sinclair said:
yeah i have that...2007 edition, i know theres a new one, but i have no income at the moment to get it.

That's what libraries are for.

But it's like working your way through a minefield. On one hand it will say they accept sci-fi (script or otherwise) but when you contact them they say no way! Others say they love hearing from new authors or like, and then again it is no way client list full mate.

There are fewer than 10 UK agents who handle SF. Have you tried these people?
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/leeenfield/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/jjarrold/

valen_sinclair · Oct 2, 2007

ohhhh thanks waylander you're my hero

ORION · Oct 2, 2007

like waylander says...
valen I know queries seem like a pain but I will say that I have written and done MORE of these small letters AFTER pub than before I was represented. For interviews, for booksellers, for readers. It NEVER stops. Articulate letter writing is a skill that is necessary in promoting your book. JMHO

Andrew Zack · Oct 5, 2007

For advice on how to write a great query letter, visit my website.

Z

do agents go on a strength of a letter?

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Maryn

At Sea

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

Jamesaritchie

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

waylander

Who's going for a beer?

valen_sinclair

Blowing bubbles in the wind

ORION

Sailed away years ago

Andrew Zack