Is there such a thing as a generic query?

You've answered your own question. You just need to read everything they have to offer about what they want. Agent Query & Query Tracker are excellent. I have gotten into the habit of reading a lot of the agents blogs to pick up on tips. To hear things they dismiss for are frustrating & sound "anal" at times - but at least they are honest!

Good Luck!

still alive said:

Thanks for answering, Auntybug, but you missed my point entirely.

AgentQuery and Query Tracker sbmission requirements in a general way, but NOT what is expected in those query letter paragraphs. Short and sweet, more detailed info on plot conflict and advance, ending left off for suspense or put on for the agent's knowledge? That's what I'm trying to discover for individual agents.

So I can craft my query individually or just broadly.
Still Alive

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Maybe I've missed your point, as well. Agent Query actually does have a pretty decent "How to Write a Query" section. I'm not sure about Query Tracker, but it may, as well.

The bottom line is that you have to hook the agent. Follow their submission guidelines as closely as possible and craft your query letter according to their wishes (if they've given hints about what they like to see). If your story sounds like a "must read", they'll request pages even if you haven't crafted your query exactly how they would have liked.

And you don't have to mention your age in your query. If you're under 18, you'll have to tell the agent before signing a contract because you can't create a legally binding contract.

Personal opinion that is somewhat supported by reading agents is that how you structure your query is less important than it's substance. That doesn't mean you ignore every opportunity to make it as strong as possible, or that you don't bother to research a prospective agent's preferences. But when you can't be sure of the agent's preferences, you make risk assessments on what to include in and how to structure your query.

But too often I think we mix up submission guidelines and query preferences.

For example, a submission quideline is mandatory. The agent will reject if you don't follow them. And they can be as easy as query and up to x pages, or as specific as one sentence pitch and detailed bio and first chapter in a specified format, etc. What genres the agent reps. Whether they want email or snail mail. All quidelines are to be strictly followed.

Query preferences are less stringent. Even an agent who prefers a specified format, like those you referred to, will not auto reject if your otherwise interesting query follows a slightly different format. You see it in query contests all the time - agents saying, yes, this query isn't perfect but...and requesting pages anyway.

Many agents have said/written that if the query is clear and engaging, and appears to substantively be an interesting and marketable story, they will read on despite imperfections or not exactly the format they prefer.

So, what you are doing is playing the averages.

When possible, you research what the specific agent wants, so that you can tailor your query as closely as possible to the agent's preferences. Then your query is ahead of the game, as being structurally pleasing.

But when you can not determine those preferences you use a query that maximizes the general preferencs of the industry and hope it is engaging enough, even if not exactly on target for the agent's preferences. Again, not submission guidelines which are not to be ignored, but their subjective and less dire (and often unknown) query preferences.

So, I will tailor my query down to one sentence, if the agent expresses that is his preference, or include a specific subplot if another agent expresses an interest in that kind of plot. But if I can't figure out another agent's preferences from research, I'm going with a slightly more "playing the averages" query - ie, not one sentence, and not including info most agents don't care about.

~suki

Usually, the agents who care passionately about a certain format and no other DO have blogs and DO tell everyone exactly what they're looking for. For everyone else, stay within the general guidelines and you should be okay. One page, no longer, 2-3 paragraphs on the book, important bio information.

There are plenty of blogs and sites out there that can help you hone your query.

But remember: you can have a great query, follow the guidelines exactly, and still be rejected. A lot. You could give them just what they say they're looking for, but they may not be interested in the story you're pitching. All you can do is write the best query you can, and send out a lot of them. Getting rejected doesn't mean you didn't follow their rules. It means they didn't feel like reading more of your book.

still alive said:

Thanks for answering, Auntybug, but you missed my point entirely.

AgentQuery and Query Tracker sbmission requirements in a general way, but NOT what is expected in those query letter paragraphs.

So I can craft my query individually or just broadly.
Still Alive

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Sorry I was so short - the down side to AWing while at work.
I use the sites to find the agents & utilize everything they offer. I read what they have posted there, click their website links and blogs if they have them. A lot of research is done before I send a query - afraid that I'll get it wrong. It is frustrating to have 1 say "do this" and another say "whatever you do - don't do this" & its the same thing. I have spend a full day querying & gotten 2 out. Both perfect by their "guidelines" - rejections nonetheless.

Long answer short - no - I don't believe there is one generic query you can do. Rarely have I sent the same thing twice without tweaking it somewhat. That's just my thoughts though - I'm still there with you.

JudScotKev said:

But remember: you can have a great query, follow the guidelines exactly, and still be rejected. A lot. You could give them just what they say they're looking for, but they may not be interested in the story you're pitching. All you can do is write the best query you can, and send out a lot of them. Getting rejected doesn't mean you didn't follow their rules. It means they didn't feel like reading more of your book.

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JudScotKev speaks the truth. It bears repeating that this business is entirely subjective.