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- Sep 10, 2015
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Dear Community,
After about 5 years of writing a "coming of age" novel I have finally got it to a point where I believe it is ready for submission. It took a long time to write and edit because at first I only did it in my spare time after work (when I had spare time). I am now at the point where I have researched the format of query letters and how to submit them to agents. I have crafted a query that I believe reads well and is succinct enough to get to my point as quickly and efficiently as possible. From what I have gleaned from many sources, the standard format should be short. Somewhere around 300 words with the first paragraph stating genre and word count. The second paragraph being a brief synopsis of the novel to hook the agent. And the third paragraph being a very brief bio including previously published works, followed by a polite thanks to the agent for reading the query with contact information at the signature should they choose to respond. Wondering if this sounds correct to anyone who has been through the querying process. It can be a little nerve wracking composing these things, because it's the first approach to a professional in the industry and you want to come off as professional yourself. I've written and rewritten it (about 10 times so far), and now have it to the point where I think it sounds pretty good.
My second question is, this is basically a "coming of age" novel, but it seems today they refer to these types of novels as Young Adult. Wondering if it would be best to classify it as Young Adult (perhaps coming of age is more of an older term). The characters all do go through transitions (as of course all characters do), that take them out of the more innocent nature of youth and expose them to the growing pains of life. I do think Young Adult fits it, but was just curious as to what other people would think. My characters are all around the age of 17 except for adult figures of authority, parents, professional people, teachers etc.
Any opinions would be greatly welcomed!
Thanks for taking the time to read this question!
After about 5 years of writing a "coming of age" novel I have finally got it to a point where I believe it is ready for submission. It took a long time to write and edit because at first I only did it in my spare time after work (when I had spare time). I am now at the point where I have researched the format of query letters and how to submit them to agents. I have crafted a query that I believe reads well and is succinct enough to get to my point as quickly and efficiently as possible. From what I have gleaned from many sources, the standard format should be short. Somewhere around 300 words with the first paragraph stating genre and word count. The second paragraph being a brief synopsis of the novel to hook the agent. And the third paragraph being a very brief bio including previously published works, followed by a polite thanks to the agent for reading the query with contact information at the signature should they choose to respond. Wondering if this sounds correct to anyone who has been through the querying process. It can be a little nerve wracking composing these things, because it's the first approach to a professional in the industry and you want to come off as professional yourself. I've written and rewritten it (about 10 times so far), and now have it to the point where I think it sounds pretty good.
My second question is, this is basically a "coming of age" novel, but it seems today they refer to these types of novels as Young Adult. Wondering if it would be best to classify it as Young Adult (perhaps coming of age is more of an older term). The characters all do go through transitions (as of course all characters do), that take them out of the more innocent nature of youth and expose them to the growing pains of life. I do think Young Adult fits it, but was just curious as to what other people would think. My characters are all around the age of 17 except for adult figures of authority, parents, professional people, teachers etc.
Any opinions would be greatly welcomed!
Thanks for taking the time to read this question!