Two weeks ago I sent out a couple of e-mail queries. I know we need a hook at the beginning of the letter to rise in the slush pile. Mine was a wee tad different.
I read about this agent in an interview on Chuck Sambuchino's blog. In the interview, the agent said she preferred to receive e-mail queries with the first chapter attached. I checked out the web site where I learned that the agency preferred snail mail, query and SASE only. There was an "if you must send e-mail. . . " statement. So my query letter began with:
"I read your interview in Chuck Sambuchino's blog today and am submitting a query to ask you to consider representing UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, a complete work of women's fiction. While the agency web site states a preference for snail-mail queries, I am following what you said in the interview and am submitting an e-mail query, plus the first chapter."
And the response from the agent:
"Thank you for being savvy enough to know to send an e-query--and for
bringing this to my attention. You make a good point: I'll be sure to
fix that on our site.
Thank you for sending your query and sample chapter--I'll take a look."
At least it was a response. And I wait. . . .
Nice! Way to do your research! Hope it turns into something more for you. :)
ReplyDeleteBetsy, this is good! The agent will remember your name, maybe read the first chapter at home (as opposed to the subway)without the TV or radio on or a child screaming for attention.
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