Reviews from

Query Letter

I am attempting to query an agent.

90 total reviews 
Comment from Ann Smith
Excellent
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This query sounds good to me and seems to have a balance of the information necessary. The last paragraph leaves the door open for the publishing company to make the next move. I think the story you just read about the train would make a good story for a magazine, but I'm not sure how to get started or which magazine. Good luck with finding a publisher. ann

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2011
    I think its too long for magazines. I appreciate your kind words.
reply by Ann Smith on 17-Jul-2011
    I could cut out the part about the engineer. How long should a magazine article be? Thanks, ann
reply by the author on 17-Jul-2011
    that I am not sure of, I am sure it's written one of the books I have. I will see if I can find it.
reply by Ann Smith on 17-Jul-2011
    Thank you. ann
Comment from Joan E.
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I have never submitted a manuscript for publication (just individual poems) but I would certainly want to read your novel after this intriguing description. I liked your analogy to "fireworks/explosive" and your double play on "access." The title is beguiling and your credentials impressive. (I would add a comma after "sources" in paragraph five.) I am thoroughly awed that you have three more romance novels ready! Also, you thought of everything, even the return postcard!! Best wishes with the project. -Joan

 Comment Written 08-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 08-Jul-2011
    Thank you for your kind review and encouragement.
Comment from Magics02
Excellent
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I think this is a very good query letter Barbara and I would love to know the response you received nay or yea on it. This is another great way you can put your work out here on FanStory for others scrutiny or comment.

Great job and best of wishes

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2011
    Thank you for your kind review and good idea. I will do that.
reply by Magics02 on 05-Jul-2011
    Yes that would be great and please let me know:)
Comment from bob cullen
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I would think the advice written in published books would be of greater help than anything you might attract here.

I too am in this situation, I've submitted to a number of agents. In many cases, sadly for the aspiring writer, you receive no response, just keep firing off the queries.

In my opinion you are one of the better writers on this site and I would think your chances of finding an agent would far exceed the chances of most here.

I would suggest two words. Believe and Persevere. Believe in your writing and persevere even in the case of rejection.

Good luck

 Comment Written 05-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2011
    Thank you for your encouraging words.
Comment from AprilShower
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It sounds okay to me, but it is hard to get an agent or a publisher's attention. However, it is easy to get the ones who charge, and they just take your money and do nothing. I sure like to know if you get good results with this Barbara. You have my best wishes. April

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 05-Jul-2011
    I promise if I get any bites I will let my fans on FS know. You will probably be able to hear me shouting.
reply by AprilShower on 05-Jul-2011
    Okay. I wish you the best. LOL. April
Comment from Magic Wand
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You have been recommended by multiple sources and I believe, your expertise in the field of romance novels would be a good match.
omit the comma:

You have been recommended by multiple sources and I believe your expertise in the field of romance novels would be a good match.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2011
    Thank you. I don't have a clue what to do with commas. I leave them, when in doubt leave them out, rule, then reviewers tell me to put them in, so I do then reviewers tell me to take them out and I do.
reply by Magic Wand on 04-Jul-2011
    I know what you mean. I guess the best way to work it in this case is follow the rule that is applied by the most responses. Good luck.
Comment from K. L. Bauman
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I think you did an excellent job with this. You have all the elements there, plus you open with your own, unique voice, which captures the attention.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2011
    Thanky ou for your encouraging words.
Comment from Readywriter52
Excellent
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I thought the query letter was well written. It explained the basis of the plot and some of the main characters. I thought the novel sounded interesting. I would certainly want to read it.

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2011
    Thank you for the encouraging words.
Comment from Tellis
Excellent
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I think you have this query letter down pat and it's not too long and the postcard thing is a nice touch also. Good luck.

Tellis

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2011
    Thank you for your kind review.
Comment from bookishfabler
Excellent
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I liked it. However, I am definetly not an expert on quering. I still read the book, when I query. And it's been too long for me. LOL. You hook in the beginnning with what it's about. Romance and drug cartels, then decribe a bit about the stoy line and characters. Not too long either. I know wordiness is a no no. good. You mention your credentials, and the size of the manuscript. I think you hit it all.
If you can find a book by the publisher that is somewhat simular, you could mention it. but you did well just with the romance thing. Good luck my friend. I will keep my fingers crossed.
hugs
Book

 Comment Written 04-Jul-2011


reply by the author on 04-Jul-2011
    Thank you for the kind review.