Note: My A-Z theme is linkage. Every day (at 7:00 a.m. EST), I'm going to list three helpful industry links per letter, and then I'll ask for suggestions in the comments—that way, we can pool our resources! :)
The dreaded query! I wrote dozens. I love QueryShark, though she doesn't post as often anymore. I used AgentQuery extensively when I was queuing. Great site!
I used to use the Pitch University boards, back before the woman who ran the site stopped working on the site due to health issues. I've also done query workshops and contests on various writing blogs and message boards, like WriteOn Con and Unicorn Bell. I agree with those who say that there can be too many eyes on a query. If you've had it critiqued by a number of different people and changed it to a point where most people now like it, and then suddenly a new pair of eyes or two wants to change a lot, it might be time to just start querying already. You can never make everyone perfectly happy.
There's also workshopping your query on Absolute Write's Query Letter Hell section. It's good to spend time critting other people's queries, as it gives you a good idea of pitfalls to avoid in your own.
26 comments:
It's been so long, I don't even remember now.
More great links!
Super-chat last night was fun. :)
The dreaded query! I wrote dozens. I love QueryShark, though she doesn't post as often anymore. I used AgentQuery extensively when I was queuing. Great site!
Elana Johnson's "From the Query to the Call" was sooo helpful. And it's free!
Great links again. I've used Query Tracker, but not the others.
A new one....
I'm not familiar with Agent query...
Thanks Carrie.
I used to use the Pitch University boards, back before the woman who ran the site stopped working on the site due to health issues. I've also done query workshops and contests on various writing blogs and message boards, like WriteOn Con and Unicorn Bell. I agree with those who say that there can be too many eyes on a query. If you've had it critiqued by a number of different people and changed it to a point where most people now like it, and then suddenly a new pair of eyes or two wants to change a lot, it might be time to just start querying already. You can never make everyone perfectly happy.
YES! I forgot about that. Thank you for bringing it up, Ilima! :)
What we all wouldn't give to forget the query experience... ;)
Thanks, Melissa! It was pretty fun, wasn't it? :) If only I didn't talk 80 mph...
I love QueryShark, too. I've read through her archives more times than I care to admit. ;)
Queries are important. Nice of you to share sites that help.
No problem, Lee! :)
This is an awesome theme, Carrie. I queried for a contest and made the finals, but no request. So now I'm self publishing.
yay, finally I know all three sites! I would pay someone to write my query for me. That's how much I love doing 'em!
I used it. It's pretty helpful. :) No problem!
Absolutely. Query critiques are just like anything else. Look for repeat feedback, and take everything else with a grain of salt. :)
You bet! :) No problem, Sheena-kay!
Thanks, Gwen! I hope it's helping people. I tried ti include something for everyone. :)
And it seems like that was a great choice for you!
Woohoo! :) Oh, same here. Queries are the devil! LOL
These are great resources! Query letters are tough, but it helps to rough one out before writing the first draft, then adjust as necessary.
Ugh, I hate queries. These look like nice links, though
There's also workshopping your query on Absolute Write's Query Letter Hell section. It's good to spend time critting other people's queries, as it gives you a good idea of pitfalls to avoid in your own.
Thanks, Connie! They sure are. Great tip! :)
Thanks, Nigel! :)
Another good point! Thanks for bringing it up, Jeff. :D
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