Q & A

What makes a good query letter? When am I ready for an agent? Do they really want a proposal package for my novel? Have a question? Send it off to me. I might just have an answer or be able to point you in the right direction. Every month a new poser will be posted along with some possible solutions. 

The Question

I've got a good book. My friends have read it and love it, but I can't seem to get an agent or publisher interested. What do I do?

First, don't give up. The biggest mistake any writer makes is thinking there will be a deal shortly after the manuscript is back from the copy shop. It can takes time, usually a lot of time, to find an agent. And guess what? Finding and agent is easy compared to nailing a publisher. Do not expect instant acceptance and success. The publishing business is not what it was. Editors don't sit down with you in smoky restaurants and tell you how to rewrite your novel. Most writers seldom see their agents or editors face to face. It is not a world of writing process, it is a world of written product. Remember:

1.  Make sure your manuscript is in the best possible shape before you send it out.  

2.  Follow the agency's rules for submission. It isn't cute or effective to ignore their guidelines. 

3.  Keep sending out. If you get two hits from twenty queries, you're doing well. 

4.  If you've queried everyone under the sun and still have no success, re-evaluate the project. Is there something you can do to make it more marketable? Is your query letter as effective as it could be? Are you being professional? Are you targeting the right person at the agency? Maybe he's a non-fiction man and you're sending him your thriller.

5.  Once you have re-evaluated the project and made any necessary changes, start sending out again. 

6.  Some writers prefer to self-publish. Some go the e-book route. If it is appropriate for your project, explore alternatives to conventional publishing houses. Just be aware, fiction and self-publishing... a tough combination.

7.  Don't quit. Yes, it's depressing. Yes, it gets old to be rejected month after month. But if you give up, if you quit, your book will never see the light of day.

Got a question? Let us know. Have an answer or comment to a current question? Send it and I just might post it. Please let me know what name you prefer to post with the question or comment or if you prefer to go the anonymous route.

Send questions and comments to dg@dgwriting.com   Please enter in the subject line: Q&A