Queries are important—they are. I've seen people de-emphasize them (and I must admit I was a little flippant about them at first too), but really, your query letter is your first impression; if it isn't good—it's also your last. Dun! Dun! Dun!
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One of the things I would suggest any wannabe author do, is spend a boat-load of time on AgentQueryConnect.com ! I can't recommend it enough! Sure there are a lot of good step-by-step guides—"query how to"s—scattered all over the internet, and you should start there. Read a bunch of guides. They are not all going to say the same things (and some of what you'll find is a bit antiquated), but most of the advice should be the same straight across the board.
Write your first query. After you've made your first attempt, step on over to AQC! There is just no substitute for actual real-life queries, and real-life critiques! You will get both, from fellow wannabes, and from agented/published former wannabes! Not everyone critiquing on there is an expert on the perfect query, but (to steal a phrase), everyone there is an avid reader, and as readers they can tell when something works, and when it just doesn't. The best part is: they will tell you.
Here is where things split.
Version 1: If you want to, create an account and post your first query right now. I can tell you it will get a lot of feedback, and a lot of it probably won't be good. You can work on your query this way: post; feedback; revise; feedback; revise. I've seen some threads go on for hundreds of posts. There is nothing wrong with doing things this way, and there are plenty of awesome people who will help you reach that perfect query.
If you're like me and like to sit back and study first, this is my advice:
Version 2: Review the backlogs on AQC first. Read as many query critiques as you can stomach (even those not in your genre). Make notes of consistent criticisms. What are common mistakes? What as a reader do you like? What don't you like? Then make an account and try your hand at critiquing the work of others. It will help stimulate the editor in you. I graduated in Fine Art, so I can tell you, critiquing is a learned skill. And like any learned skill, you have to do it (and practice) to get good at it. Once your inner critic is awakened, it will really help you to weed out your own mistakes (Remember: if something doesn't work for them, it doesn't work for you.). Helping others will also improve your chances at getting help on your own query!
Once you've critiqued the heck out of other people's work (and read the critiques others have given), re-write your query keeping in mind the new things you have learned. Write it as many different ways as you can. Try different angles; different approaches using different elements; keep going until you find the sentences that just work. It may take days...agonizing days, but now that you know the ropes, you can do it. Once you've looked at it enough, painstakingly trying every which way to punctuate a sentence for the best effect, tweaking it until your eyes bleed and you've reached the WEARY QUERY stage—then post it, and brace yourself for feedback!
I for one am glad I did the work preemptively! It just feels good to get good reviews!
Other reasons to use AgentQueryConnect:
- Join for the support. As the quiet writer types, we need it! Everyone on there wants the best for you, and it's nice to know you aren't alone--that others share your dream, and are striving for the same goals. It's also nice to get cheered on!
- There is more to the site than just query critiques. There are forums for just about anything, and I have gotten a great deal of my questions answered on there.
- Yes you might get bad reviews, but it's better to get them from fellow writers, than from agents!
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