Feeling a bit masochistic today, so I posted a new page (see pages on top) with my query letter. It still has to go through QLH - I'm not feeling that masochistic yet. I'm also debating whether to post my first chapter on the blog. I have heard of instances where people get agent hits off of their blogs, and that chapter is definitely my best writing and I would like to showcase it, but I have these weird issues of protectiveness going on in the back of my head. Any thoughts??
Also I will be looking for a couple more beta readers in the near future so if the premise interests you, send me a message (email to the right).
Thanks peeps!
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Thursday, July 22, 2010
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9 comments:
I wish you the best of luck, Nikki's Wish sounds interesting. I haven't read a lot of genie themed novels:)
Posting the first chapter seems like a good marketing strategy. I've seen some blogs making their excerpts password protected.
But I would be nervous about it as well.
Aw, you'll be an old hat at QLH in no time. The first time is definitely a bit painful, but you get used to the feedback pretty quickly. I can see areas where your letter can be tightened a bit, but it is TRULY an awesome start. The book sounds fantastic and I already know how solid your writing is, so I'd be surprised if you weren't choosing among offers.
First chapter issue - I put my first chapter out there because I was only including the first 5 pages in my query and wanted agents to see more if they wanted to. Now I keep it out there because it's attracting new writer friends and how can that be a bad thing? I think it's also a great marketing tool. But...that's just me. I totally get your hesitation.
Tracey - thanks for commenting.
JoAnn - I think you just made my day. :) I did post a query about ten months ago with my first version of NW - it was kind of scary and I think that's why I'm so nervous. The book and the query have changed a lot since, and I know it's not that bad, but yeah, I'm still scared. Honestly, I'm not even as scared of form rejections as I am of those darn squirrels. Maybe when I post in QLH I'll send you a PM so you can let me know what things particularly stood out to you?? I think that I may post my first chapter when I actually start querying. Thanks for the advice.
Absolutely! I am by no means an expert, but I'm happy to let you know which issues I'd address. I didn't realize you'd been in QLH yet - yup, it's not super pleasant the first time around and SO many differing opinions. I hope you get some good help there.
well done on the wuery letter. you've identified the conflict and the stakes and left us on a cliff=hanger wanting to know more. Not an easy thing to do :)
the main things I'd change would be little phrases that aren't unique, like "falling for" see if you can swap the verb, "budding relationship" etc - same thing, although while easy to get what you mean, maybe they are little places where you can add voice rather than going for standard phrases :)
I'm scared of QLH too...
Ah yes, cliche phrases. I'm terrible at those. I'll pay more attention to them. Thanks, Nomes. :)
Wow Angie I loved this, it was awesome!!! I would definitely pick up Nikki's Wish in stores when it's released (which I know you'll snag someone with this storyline!)
Ahh, yeah, QLH. That place is terrifying, but you'll get rockin help there. I think you're query letter has all the basics down, and it'll be okay for you. You just have to make it shimmer :D Good job!
Jen - thanks so much for the lovely compliment.
Lia - Thanks for the vote of confidence. You're helping me control those irrational fears.
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