Category: Process

#20 Query Corner: ‘MARTIANS, EXES, AND REBELS’

[MARTIANS, EXES, AND REBELS] is an SF romance.

Working with his ex is the only way for Jack to stop the Martian rebels from destroying the colony. Now, if only he could find her.

Overall Impression:

This sounds like a fun, adventure romp! I love the politics and exes.

 

  • You’re falling into the standard habit of summarizing all the action high-points
  • Remember to give us the main character’s wants, goals, and obstacles

#19 Query Corner: ‘THE REAPER’S REDEMPTION’

THE REAPER’S REDEMPTION is a YA historical fiction.

When Chiara’s father, the general who led the Knights to victory in the Crusade, is murdered, it seems a Grim Reaper is to blame. If she can’t find the Reaper in time, all of Christendom is at stake.

Overall Impression:

I’ve seen reapers and crusade stories, but not together. Great innovation and solid base to your query. There are a few things I’d tweak:

 

  • There’s a lot of backstory
  • The format is a little too casual
  • Unless your self-published work has excellent sales, it’s typically best not to mention it

How To Find An Agent For Your Novel

I talk a lot about my querying process, but one thing I haven’t talked as much about is HOW to find the agent in the first place.

It takes a bit of research, but most of us writers are pretty comfortable with research, especially if it means we’re putting our manuscript in front of the ‘right’ person. It’s a little time consuming, but ultimately not usually challenging.

[caption id="attachment_9301" align="alignnone" width="1880"]Person holding a blue ballpoint pen writing. Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com[/caption]

Step One: Pick a list of literary agents

Where can you find a list of literary agents? All over the place.