A friend who went to a recent writer's conference passed on her notes to me, and I found some interesting tidbits, although more confusion.
With queries, an industry staple, there is much conflicting info. An agent at a top agency said to "Give just a hint of the plot" in a query, yet I've read/heard to give a full paragraph blurb, including the ending. Another agent advised not giving a genre label, yet I've read that you should, that it lets the agent/editor know you're industry savvy. Same with the market.
One agent advised including the first five pages with a query. I've never heard that before. I've heard/read to send absolutely nothing but the query and even some who said to send the first three chapters and synop, and if the agent/editor is intrigued by the query, he can read something and then ask for more.
Amazing how individual industry people have a different take on things. And then they expect us lowly writers to "have a handle on the markets."
With one of my rejections, an agent told me sci-fi is not a good sell now, yet an agent at this conference said sci-fi and fantasy are doing well and even "breaking traditional boundaries" and that "people love genre fiction." An editor said he was expecting a sci-fi comeback, which means he believes sci-fi is now in a slump.
Rather confusing, no? Frustrating, but encouraging, too, since we can hope to get that industry personality who is receptive to our particular project.
Interesting note: Editors have separate contracts for agented and unagented authors. Should we read a word of warning into that?
Ah well. Such is the writing life.
[This message has been edited by Kolona (edited September 20, 2005).]
Posted by thexmedic (Member # 2844) on :
Don't know a lot about most of this, but as far as what to subit with your query letter, "Writer's Market" is a good place to look. Lots of different publishers have lots of different requirements, so it's always good to send them what they want.
Posted by wbriggs (Member # 2267) on :
I can't imagine an editor who publishes F/SF saying he doesn't want a genre label in the letter. How would he know how to market it? I can only imagine that from editors who sneer at "genre" fiction, and I have no chance with them anyway!
Posted by yanos (Member # 1831) on :
Agented authors have to pay the agent. I do think that if you can find an agent do so. Spend your time on writing and not things that others can do better.
Posted by rcorporon (Member # 2879) on :
Sounds like that old quote, "Don't ask me, I just work here."
I think that us lowly writers have to be on our toes, ask the right questions about different publishers / editors, and make the best calls based on our info.
Not much more we can do.
Ronnie
Posted by Phrasingsmith (Member # 2773) on :
OSC has a very informative chapter which deals with many of your questions, in his book, How To Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. In chapter 5, The Life and Business of Writing, he says, you should send a cover letter, a synopsis, chapters 1&2 and an outline. Once you have a contract in hand but before you sign the contract you should find an agent. There are important rights you will need to hang onto which the agent will be able to assist you with, and with an offer in hand the agent knows you are already able to create something that publishers are interested in publishing. You should read the complete chapter before making any decisions. It's very helpful, IMHO.
Posted by Noctivigant (Member # 2843) on :
There's a section with some info on query packages called "Do I need an agent?" in Uncle Orson's Writing Class.