Storytellersunplugged

by Janet Berliner

jeff resnick said, “Teresa asked a question I was going to…so here goes the Basic Writing 101 question I’m hoping all the established writers on this site can answer in their sleep - Can anyone provide examples of a great query letter to an agent, or at the very worst explan the do’s and dont’s? The novel I’m working on is a stand alone, BUT is also the 2nd part of a 3 part (cliched, I know) trilogy - there is a prequel and a sequel I want to write. Should I mention that when pitching my current novel to agents? Should I do the old Hollywood pitch by saying my novel is X meets Y with a dash of Z?
THANKS!!!”

In 1975, I opened my own Agency. Though I’ve given up agenting, I continue to consult for other agents. It’s a tough job. Allegiance is to the author, who brings in the money, but knowledge of publishing and empathy for the problems and issues of the editor are imperative.

As in all businesses–and yes, Virginia, publishing is a business–different people (agents are people, too) respond to different stimuli. There are examples of good query letters, but each one needs to be tailored to the particular project. By the same token, certain rules are absolute. I’ll start with “the three Ps”: Be Polite; be Professional; and make sure it’s Proofed.

Keep the query short and simple. Proof it many times. Errors will not endear you to a good agent. Make sure you spell the agent’s name correctly. Don’t be so formal that your letter is dead, but don’t write like you went to haida (Hebrew school) together.

Another P is pertinent. Only include information that matters to what you’re selling. Mention your profession only if it is related to the subject of your book. If you have a related pedigree, attach it. Publications: If you have them, attach the information. Don’t say everyone who has read it loves it unless you have a quote from a biggie. If your mother isn’t Anne Rice, no editor will care what she thinks. If a writer who uses that agent suggested you contact him/her, ask your friend to make a call first. Be sure to mention that in the query. If you met the agent at a con, mention that, but don’t mention the photos you took of him in a drunken stupor.

Got it?

As for a logline (Your “X meets Y…”), it had better be accurate and good. They’ve become overused, so a lot of editors and agents immediately discount them. Hollywood loves them, but we won’t talk about Hollywood in a family-friendly blog.

Other books, written or planned, that relate to the book you’re pitching are pertinent. Mention them in passing. However, saying, “I have a prequel planned to this book” is likely to make the agent say, “So write the first book and talk to me about that.” Starting in the middle drives everyone crazy. You might think of writing that first one. Then you can offer two finished books.

Most of the same rules apply to cover letters when submitting to magazines and such. You should ALWAYS include a letter (as you should always include a SASE), and make sure that it’s polite, professional, proofed, and pertinent.

I hope that helps. Feel free to ask follow-up questions.