tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post1420850549416367654..comments2022-12-26T19:50:27.178-06:00Comments on Fiction City: Finding Consistency in Query Letter AdviceLisa Katzenbergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03541571187216239983noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-40304615910975223362009-10-27T17:10:15.624-05:002009-10-27T17:10:15.624-05:00Hey Michelle! I actually timed myself reading my q...Hey Michelle! I actually timed myself reading my query like Janet suggested. I got through plenty in twenty seconds.Lisa Katzenbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03541571187216239983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-57899912458993426132009-10-27T16:50:00.588-05:002009-10-27T16:50:00.588-05:00I think the 20 second rule of thumb is helpful, ac...I think the 20 second rule of thumb is helpful, actually. It means you have to put your hook front and center. If you get the agent's attention, said agent will keep reading to ensure that your hook comes with a plot, with a voice, and with writing that isn't abjectly terrifying. And if you've got all that, he or she will be more likely to ask for pages.MHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16748209334943163314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-12698760331075915942009-10-27T15:08:18.041-05:002009-10-27T15:08:18.041-05:00Forgive me, Janet, I didn't mean to offend. In...Forgive me, Janet, I didn't mean to offend. In rereading my comment now, I see I didn't make clear what I really meant. I can't imagine being able to make up your mind in 20 seconds. But I also understand that agents like you have "read it all" so you DO have the skill to instantly make a judgment. And like I said, you know what you want, and you know how to spot it in 20 seconds ... or less!Linda Cassidy Lewishttp://lindacassidylewis.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-1086763617220810182009-10-27T09:30:25.955-05:002009-10-27T09:30:25.955-05:00Hey Janet! Thanks for stopping by. I know you guys...Hey Janet! Thanks for stopping by. I know you guys can spot what you like instantly. It didn't go unnoticed that the guy you slid your business card to after hearing his query during class was the same gentleman who walked home with an armload of awards at the ceremony later that night.<br /><br />Writers: learn agent's taste and trust their judgment. They are pros at this stuff!Lisa Katzenbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03541571187216239983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-14030647653618245842009-10-27T09:08:47.173-05:002009-10-27T09:08:47.173-05:00i understand your shiver of fear at 20 seconds, bu...i understand your shiver of fear at 20 seconds, but do this: set a timer for 20 seconds. Or have a friend help you mark time. Read your query letter for 20 seconds. How far did you read? Probably most of the page.<br /><br />Don't confuse 20 seconds with slapdash or cursory.Janet Reidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-90492962145516518312009-10-27T07:19:09.905-05:002009-10-27T07:19:09.905-05:00Linda, I know, twenty seconds feels like a tiny am...Linda, I know, twenty seconds feels like a tiny amount of time. But that's just one agent's rule of thumb on a gut feel. So yes, query widely. But your book is fantastic and I'm sure it will find a lovely home!Lisa Katzenbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03541571187216239983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3826574269910454849.post-5765748956581182772009-10-26T16:08:07.217-05:002009-10-26T16:08:07.217-05:00I don't think it's a big deal to follow th...I don't think it's a big deal to follow the individual agents' preferences. What gives me the shakes is comments like "Scott gives about twenty seconds" for a query to sell him on a book!<br /><br />Twenty seconds! I find it hard to believe anyone can make an educated decision that quickly.<br /><br />Nevertheless, what this really means is that agents have already made up their mind before they read your query letter. Each one is looking for a very specific book ... not just any book ... not just any GOOD book, even. So as a writer, it's my duty to query as many agents as it takes to find the one who's looking for MY book.Linda Cassidy Lewishttp://lindacassidylewis.comnoreply@blogger.com