How to Query: What Does it Look Like?
WWW #88 Query Manager
We’ve talked about how to query, how to find a good literary agent, and mistakes to avoid when querying but what does it actually look like? You can prepare for everything but until you actually start to query will you see what it looks like. And it can be a jump scare if you don’t know what to expect!
To help you prepare even more, let’s explore what you are filling out when you are completing a query manager form and other ways you can submit your actual queries.
Ways to Submit Your Query
There are multiple ways to submit your query letter to a literary agent but the most important rule is to follow the agent’s directions! As you research potential agents, read the submission guidelines on their agency’s website and see how they accept queries.
Email: Some agencies accept via email to the individual agents or to the agency as a whole. Pay attention to their rules for how to fill out the subject line.
Contact Form: A few agency websites do accept through their website’s contact form. I’ve only seen this a few times but again, this information is provided in their guidelines.
Query Manager: This is the most common way to query an agent. Query manager tracks and manages all your submissions (if you make an account) and is a customized form that agent receives from you.
Query Manager Overview
Query Manager is a website that you can use as both a guest or a member. It tracks the queries you send, replies, and statuses. This is an easy way for agents to make sure they are getting the information they need from you so they can properly determine if your story is a good fit for them or not.
What is generally on a query form?
Your name and contact information
Your book’s title, genre, and page number
Your query letter
Synopsis (Can be 1 paragraph, 1 page, 2 pages—have all three ready!)
Sample pages or chapters
Comparative titles
But what is actually on the form? They can be different depending on the agent but let’s see!
Query Manager: The Form
In order to help you best prepare, this is what a Query Manager form looks like! I have taken screenshots of the lovely Jennifer March Soloway of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency’s QM page.
This will help you not only know what to expect but to know exactly what you might need to prepare your query!
This is generally what you can expect! Do you feel a little less nervous now? If you need some pointers about how to write your pitch, querying, or what a COMP title is, be sure to check out my other articles here:
Conclusion
I hope this helps you prepare as you continue into the querying trenches. I always believe that the more you know, the higher your chances for success. Be sure to learn about the querying process, know you should expect lots of rejection, and come up with a way to track who you want to query! This is a lot of work, but I am here to cheer you on!