If I were an agent (hey there's a good 'stack title for one of us) I would skip the query letter, the comps, the bio (well, probably not the bio) and go straight to the writing. The greatest query in the world isn't going to fix bad writing. And the worst query in the world isn't going to wreck superb writing
Others have suggested similar! But it's kinda like picking a book with no cover. The information in a query letter helps me contextualize the book. If it starts "It was a dark and stormy night..." the query letter would let me know if the author meant that satirically or sincerely. And that could make all the difference.
Richard, as an author, you have just made my heart sing. I am currently peddling my second novel around agents and it’s such a tough gig. I would like to think that an agent would represent me because they like my writing and can see sales potential. A win-win for us both.
Whatever ya do don't listen to me. Listen to Kate : ) I'm already seeing the flaw in my comment. There is a minimal level of skill in writing, achievable by any clear-thinking, dedicated individual. This level of skill is the domain of best sellers. Think Bonnie Garmus and Liane Moriarty. Writing better than these mega-selling authors is possibly not the agent's first concern.
It's not either/or. It's not *just* the writing talent or the pitch/plot. It's both in varying measures. An expertly written but boring or completely unpalatable novel is hard to sell. A *fantastic* plot that can't function on a sentence level is equally hard to sell. I love and long for and look for beautifully written books. But even if I say "this is the best written book in the world" people are still going to ask "what's it about?"
Amen and thanks. And I just thought of another flaw in my "writing centered" approach. Agents want the first thirty pages. But everyone starts well. They oughtta. They workshopped and fine-tuned the living heck out of those first thirty pages : )
I struggled with comps for my first novel. Was texting my goddaughter about it, and the exchange devolved into an Absurd Comp competition.
“It’s like Pride and Prejudice meets the Muller Report.” “Think: ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ meets Junie B Jones.” (Fortunately, the publisher had saner ideas).
This article is incredibly engaging! The way it combines informative content with a conversational tone makes it not only enjoyable to read but also easy to understand. https://papaspizzeriagame.com/
Everything from the 80s was bad except the music. And now maybe the mustaches. because these staches the under 25 males are doing today are horrible renditions of those found in the 80s.
Hi Kate. What's your take on including a comp for a novel's protagonist in a query? For example, mine might be described as "a young woman with the instincts of Halo Jones, the stamina of Forever Carlyle, the leadership of Camina Drummer, the bravery of Furiosa and the cunning of Lisbeth Salander."
Feels a little Frankenstein-y to me to be honest. I guess that tells me a lot about the character, but that space may be better used telling me about the book. I might not the be the intended audience but I only know two of those references.
Yes, I see what you mean by cramming too many comps together. Bu it's tricky to guess what comps an agent might be familiar with, whilst at the same time not naming any very obvious (and pointless) big hitters. So I tend to throw too many darts at the board. I've even been given some comps for my novel by two agents on a webinar course, and hadn't heard of any of them! So does seem a bit hit 'n' miss...
Thanks Kate... very interesting article! However, you mention 'agents' towards the end of the piece. I have no idea how to find an agent anymore, as they seem to be laying low, or else make themselves totally unapproachable. I've written both successful published books and self-published books - and did have an agent, who sadly passed away. However, I just don't know how to find a new agent anymore, for my future books. Any thoughts? :)
If I were an agent (hey there's a good 'stack title for one of us) I would skip the query letter, the comps, the bio (well, probably not the bio) and go straight to the writing. The greatest query in the world isn't going to fix bad writing. And the worst query in the world isn't going to wreck superb writing
Others have suggested similar! But it's kinda like picking a book with no cover. The information in a query letter helps me contextualize the book. If it starts "It was a dark and stormy night..." the query letter would let me know if the author meant that satirically or sincerely. And that could make all the difference.
Ah! I just read this after my reply to Richard. It’s all about knowing your way around and understanding what agents want of you as an author I guess.
Thanks Kate!
Richard, as an author, you have just made my heart sing. I am currently peddling my second novel around agents and it’s such a tough gig. I would like to think that an agent would represent me because they like my writing and can see sales potential. A win-win for us both.
Whatever ya do don't listen to me. Listen to Kate : ) I'm already seeing the flaw in my comment. There is a minimal level of skill in writing, achievable by any clear-thinking, dedicated individual. This level of skill is the domain of best sellers. Think Bonnie Garmus and Liane Moriarty. Writing better than these mega-selling authors is possibly not the agent's first concern.
It's not either/or. It's not *just* the writing talent or the pitch/plot. It's both in varying measures. An expertly written but boring or completely unpalatable novel is hard to sell. A *fantastic* plot that can't function on a sentence level is equally hard to sell. I love and long for and look for beautifully written books. But even if I say "this is the best written book in the world" people are still going to ask "what's it about?"
Amen and thanks. And I just thought of another flaw in my "writing centered" approach. Agents want the first thirty pages. But everyone starts well. They oughtta. They workshopped and fine-tuned the living heck out of those first thirty pages : )
I struggled with comps for my first novel. Was texting my goddaughter about it, and the exchange devolved into an Absurd Comp competition.
“It’s like Pride and Prejudice meets the Muller Report.” “Think: ‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ meets Junie B Jones.” (Fortunately, the publisher had saner ideas).
This article is incredibly engaging! The way it combines informative content with a conversational tone makes it not only enjoyable to read but also easy to understand. https://papaspizzeriagame.com/
Everything from the 80s was bad except the music. And now maybe the mustaches. because these staches the under 25 males are doing today are horrible renditions of those found in the 80s.
Hi Kate. What's your take on including a comp for a novel's protagonist in a query? For example, mine might be described as "a young woman with the instincts of Halo Jones, the stamina of Forever Carlyle, the leadership of Camina Drummer, the bravery of Furiosa and the cunning of Lisbeth Salander."
Feels a little Frankenstein-y to me to be honest. I guess that tells me a lot about the character, but that space may be better used telling me about the book. I might not the be the intended audience but I only know two of those references.
Yes, I see what you mean by cramming too many comps together. Bu it's tricky to guess what comps an agent might be familiar with, whilst at the same time not naming any very obvious (and pointless) big hitters. So I tend to throw too many darts at the board. I've even been given some comps for my novel by two agents on a webinar course, and hadn't heard of any of them! So does seem a bit hit 'n' miss...
Thanks Kate... very interesting article! However, you mention 'agents' towards the end of the piece. I have no idea how to find an agent anymore, as they seem to be laying low, or else make themselves totally unapproachable. I've written both successful published books and self-published books - and did have an agent, who sadly passed away. However, I just don't know how to find a new agent anymore, for my future books. Any thoughts? :)
This is an oldie but a goodie! https://katemckean.substack.com/p/where-are-all-the-agents?utm_source=publication-search