Inbox Insights #2

Inbox Insights is a look into the query inbox at a literary agency. Twice a month, I will go through the queries received on a single day and share my reasons for passing on a project or requesting more material. Hopefully querying writers will pick up new tips for crafting query letters and get a sense of the subjectivity involved in the query process.

#1. Pass. The word count is way off for the category and the description doesn’t match the pitched genre. Tip: Research word count ranges for age category and genre. Your manuscript doesn’t have to be a specific number of words, but try to stay close to the recommended numbers.

#2. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#3. Pass. Not interested in the concept + the query does not follow submission guidelines. Tip: Keep your query as short as possible. Detailed descriptions of plot should be reserved for a synopsis.

#4. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#5. Pass. Not interested in the genre.

#6. Pass. Not interested in the concept. Tip: Be vary cautious of using hypothetical questions. These can easily turn a reader away from your story.

#7. Pass. Not interested in the genre.

#8. Pass. Query mentions multiple manuscripts. Tip: Always query with one book only. You want to pitch your manuscript as effectively as possible and covering too much material (aka multiple books) can be distracting.

#9. Pass. We don’t represent screenplays.

#10. Request. Enough information to give a general idea of the plot, but a few details are deliberately missing to create intrigue. Young Adult. Tip: A great pitch always leaves us with questions we need answered.

#11. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#12. Pass. Not interested in the genre.

#13. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#14. Request. Great use of voice in the query letter and comparative titles that align with my personal interests. Young Adult.

#15. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#16. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#17. Pass. Not interested in the concept.

#18. Pass. Not interested in the concept. Tip: Make sure your query doesn’t focus too heavily on themes. We want to know about the plot.