Skip to content

In the Inbox

query advice from a literary agency intern

  • do & don’t
    • query problems
    • writing problems
    • diversity
  • get a request
  • break the rules
  • agent life

Month: July 2016

do and don't · how to get a request for pages · query problems · writing problems

Today’s query batch: TLDR

23 July 2016 The InternLeave a comment

The previous post went over 6 queries and how and why I rejected or requested them. There 2 things to learn here. No book is rejected for one thing alone. It’s true that some problems interlock, of course. Long word count and boring pages are a result of the same issue. But I saw proof… Continue reading Today’s query batch: TLDR

how to get a request for pages · query problems · writing problems

Today’s query batch: how I replied and why

23 July 2016 The Intern1 Comment

I read a small batch of 6 queries. Here are my reactions to each and why I chose to reject, wait, or request. Note: I must be vague about some things. However, if you identified a small problem in your book and wondered, “is this bad, or am I okay?” this post will give an… Continue reading Today’s query batch: how I replied and why

how to get a request for pages · query problems

Creating voice in the query

20 July 201627 July 2016 The InternLeave a comment

In writing you always have two ways to evoke emotion: content and how you communicate content. In novels and queries, the former means creating a gripping plot. The latter is what we call voice: how you say what you’re saying. Some people have an easy talent for writing voice. I am not one of them.… Continue reading Creating voice in the query

do and don't

Keep your email alive

20 July 20162 August 2016 The Intern2 Comments

Please don’t query from an email address and change addresses before we can reply. Several times, I’ve received “does not exist” messages or requests to re-send to a new address. I just don’t have time to dig through and re-send a rejection. It is the author’s fault if they don’t receive my email: you gave… Continue reading Keep your email alive

do and don't · query problems

The authors everyone comps

18 July 201621 July 2016 The InternLeave a comment

There are few rules for your comps (comparison novels/authors). The publication must be recent, reflecting the modern market. The author should not be too big of a name and the book should not be a #1 bestseller even your best friend’s husband has read. That last a bit flexible. You can comp Neil Gaiman if… Continue reading The authors everyone comps

diversity tips · do and don't · query problems

Why should YOU write this book?

11 July 201611 July 2016 The InternLeave a comment

Some agents want queries to say why you’re the best person to write this book. I didn’t include this in my query guide because our agency doesn’t care. I assume you wrote this book because it was in your heart and brain and soul. I assume you researched, edited, checked, and composed the best book… Continue reading Why should YOU write this book?

do and don't

So an acquiring editor wants your book

7 July 2016 The InternLeave a comment

So you went to a conference or convention or book event and you met publishing people. As you gave the one-line pitch of your book to a friend, an acquiring editor leaned over and said, “Tell me more.” You did. And then she said, “I like it. Send it to me.” First, congratulations! Second, what… Continue reading So an acquiring editor wants your book

Search this blog

The Intern

A long-time lover of hard bindings and the scent of paper, she applied to apprentice at a literary agency and thence jumped aboard.

A queer woman who loves good books, she hopes to work at a publishing house one day. She cares passionately about magic, human rights, and cats.

Quick searches

  • Posts about writing pitches
  • Posts about writing first pages

The archives

  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • In the Inbox
    • Join 114 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • In the Inbox
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...