I came to the same realization after querying my own set of 80+ agents (and getting one partial request). It's so hard to start with something as complex as a novel and SHRINK it to less than 500 words--far easier to start with 500 words and GROW it to a novel.
Also, I'm not familiar with PubTips. How does it work?
It’s a subreddit. So you make an account, then make the post. I’d recommend reading some of the posts/feedback first to see if it’s your kind of place.
That’s awesome! It can be so hard to decide what’s most important after the project is done, but if all the important parts are laid out first, then it’s like a roadmap that helps me remember what’s important.
Sometimes my stories come from a single sentence that pops into my head. It doesn't always work in the query letter. Then again, I've read so many advice articles on how to write the perfect query letter, many of them written by query agents that all contradict the other other (if they aren't contradicting themselves somewhere down the line). It didn't use to be hard for me to write the query letter, yet after years something shifted and it became one of the hardest things to create.
Synopsis still are the bane of my existence, but it was disheartening to suddenly feel like I can't come up with one. Maybe I needed the break.
Thank you so much for reading. With queries, it’s a whole different kind of writing. Word economy and curiosity are king. Ultimately, though, it’s not something that can be judged objectively. I’m a big supporter of getting feedback, but the final call is always ours to make on what we think represents the book the best.
I came to the same realization after querying my own set of 80+ agents (and getting one partial request). It's so hard to start with something as complex as a novel and SHRINK it to less than 500 words--far easier to start with 500 words and GROW it to a novel.
Also, I'm not familiar with PubTips. How does it work?
It’s a subreddit. So you make an account, then make the post. I’d recommend reading some of the posts/feedback first to see if it’s your kind of place.
https://www.reddit.com/r/PubTips/
It's so nice to see more people doing this :) Showing queries to my writing groups is how I decide on my next project.
That’s awesome! It can be so hard to decide what’s most important after the project is done, but if all the important parts are laid out first, then it’s like a roadmap that helps me remember what’s important.
Love this 💖 Such a smart idea 🫶💖✨
Very good tip, Inga. Thank you!
I’m glad it’s helpful!
Sometimes my stories come from a single sentence that pops into my head. It doesn't always work in the query letter. Then again, I've read so many advice articles on how to write the perfect query letter, many of them written by query agents that all contradict the other other (if they aren't contradicting themselves somewhere down the line). It didn't use to be hard for me to write the query letter, yet after years something shifted and it became one of the hardest things to create.
Synopsis still are the bane of my existence, but it was disheartening to suddenly feel like I can't come up with one. Maybe I needed the break.
Love the article.
Thank you so much for reading. With queries, it’s a whole different kind of writing. Word economy and curiosity are king. Ultimately, though, it’s not something that can be judged objectively. I’m a big supporter of getting feedback, but the final call is always ours to make on what we think represents the book the best.
Love stuff like this. So good to get a peek behind the curtain.
I’m glad it was enjoyable.