Writers hear that they’re supposed to personalize their queries–but “how personal, exactly?” is the most common question. The best queries show that they have engaged with us before (on Twitter, read an interview, or a blog post of ours) and have done their research. It’s easier than you think to show that personal touch.
Below are TEN great query intro’s you can model yours after:
“You’ve mentioned on your blog an interest in XX and so BOOK TITLE HERE might be of special interest to you.”
“After reading (and loving) CLIENT BOOK TITLE HERE, I am submitting BOOK TITLE HERE for your review.”
“I noticed on Manuscript Wishlist you are looking for XX and XX so I’m submitting BOOK TITLE HERE.”
“I am seeking representation for my novel, BOOK TITLE HERE, a work of XX complete at XX-words. For readers of XX and CLIENT BOOK TITLE HERE.”
“I enjoyed your interview with XX and am eager to present to you my query for BOOK TITLE HERE.”
“As per your request on #MSWL, I am hoping you’ll be interested in my book, BOOK TITLE HERE, an …”
“I am excited to offer, for your consideration, BOOK TITLE HERE, one that is HOOK, like your #MSWL requests.”
“I am contacting you about my novel BOOK TITLE HERE because of your wishlist mention of XX and XX.”
“I noticed your tweet requesting XX and I thought my novel BOOK TITLE HERE could be just what you’re looking for.”
“I am seeking representation for my GENRE novel BOOK TITLE HERE complete at XX-words. It is similar in theme to CLIENT BOOK TITLE HERE.”
You don’t need to gush too much and you don’t need to flatter us. You just have to use your professional judgment to share why you think we’d be a fit. If you tell me that you’ve read my blog chances are I’m going to like that because it shows that you understand what I’m looking for. If you’ve read my clients’ books that shows we might have similar taste. If you cite my MSWL posts that shows some research. It’s really the little details that will set you apart from the pack.
Make sure to also include in this opening paragraph: word count, genre/category/audience and don’t forget your book title!
Hello, Carly!
What about meeting each other in conferences? “We meet in such and such and, as I recall, you highlighted your desire for a strong female main character”, for example.
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Sure!
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BTW, you did ask for that? Or am I imagining things?
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Hi Carly,
As usual, your Monday Morning blog is the perfect way to start the week’s work. An extremely informative blog. There is such overload of information on internet that places that give simple and succinct information have become sparse. But your blog is one such place. Always, to the point and very professional advices. A great post. Thanks.
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I totally agree. I recommend Carly’s blog to every writer because it is so informative and succinct. I can always count on good information that I can use! Love it. (Thanks Carly!)
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Thanks Carly. Blogs are voracious, content-devouring beasts, yet you consistently manage to deliver concise, practical advice. Not easy, and most appreciated.
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Yay! You picked my suggested topic from Twitter last week! As usual, thanks for the guidance CW.
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I’m wondering for you and (to the best of your knowledge) for other agents, to what extent personalization (social media interaction, citing a blog interview, etc.) is a plus? And the lack thereof is a negative or even an automatic rejection?
(Assuming the query is properly addressed to the agent and the agent is impressed by the premise and writing.)
Thanks!
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It suggests research was done and I wasn’t a blind pick from a phone book list of agents. There has to be some reason that I was chosen. It’s not an auto-reject at all, but suggests some contemplation. It’s a big decision–finding an agent whose goals match yours–so intentional querying is ideal.
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog.
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Hi Carly. I love your posts but this one confused me a little. I’ve been led to believe that an agent decides to represent an aspiring author because of the potential success of the book and not because of what the agent likes. I appreciate that sometimes there’s a fine line between the two but shouldn’t the focus be more on the work rather than the agent’s tastes?
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Valid concern. An agent’s job is to sell books. It’s our job to spot things. I request lots of projects that don’t get uber personal in their query letters. Yes, the work is the point of it all. But when you’re querying 20 agents with a carbon copy of the same query there is something missing. Why do you think I’m the agent to sell it?
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Thanks Carly. It’s been drilled in many of us to make sure we do our due diligence when researching who best to query. I can only speak for myself, but I don not want to waste my time or that of the agent and send queries only to those whom I believe would be best suited. Then it falls into the hands of “Fortuna” the goddess of fortune. :)
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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When submitting a memoir proposal to an agent who has requested it, do you include a query letter or a cover letter? Also, should the hook read more like fiction?
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Yes and yes
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Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
Literary Agent Carly Watters gives us information about personalizing query letters. Thank you so much for your help and support Carly!
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Hi Carly,
2 agents requested full MSS of my book, suggested (different) changes which I complied with and then passed on it. Should I mention this when querying other agents?
Thank you for your help.
Lynn Shelley
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I don’t think so.
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Reblogged this on Clara Blackstone, Author and commented:
Fantastic advice on personalizing a query from agent Carly Watters
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