Tracking Queries
Hi everyone,
Today, I researched agents and identified one who wants more than the standard ten pages, so I spent time proof reading the extra pages. Not an activity packed day. So I’ll talk about how I’m keeping track of my queries instead.
I set up a google docs sheet. I have eight columns:
Agent name and agency name.
The name of the novel under submission.
Submission status: prepared, submitted, accepted, rejected.
The date sent.
Latest expected reply.
The link to a google file with all the materials I sent (each agent asks for slightly different things-eg some want a synopsis and some don’t).
Why I’m querying this particular agent and any feedback given.
The method used to query: QueryTracker, email.
At this stage it’s not possible for me to forget which agents I sent my query to, but I hear that you do eventually have difficulty keeping track so I’m starting the way I mean to continue.
I’m mostly querying through QueryTracker because most agents seem to prefer this.
I think it’s a good idea to look at some agents on QueryTracker before you’re ready to submit because it’s no longer just the query letter you need to submit. There are other little questions on QueryTracker to fill out.
Some overlap with the query letter but want a little more detail.
Other questions you may or may not have covered in your letter.
For example:
Who are your audience? Fans of…would like my book.
They ask for more than the couple of comparative (comp) titles in your query.
Some want one sentence to describe your novel. You can pull it out of your query, but usually, you’ll have to refine it a bit.
There’s a bio section. You can cut and paste from your query letter if you wrote a decent amount about yourself but if you didn’t, then you have to write that too.
It takes time to answer these questions. I’ve put all the answers in one document. I add more answers as new questions pop up.
I suggest looking at the agents who represent the books you like (easily googled) and checking out their QueryTracker page so you know what their additional questions are. Also I’d look at other books they represent and their manuscript wishlist so you can start reading these books now as there is a lead time. It can be a good idea to get your TBR list from these.
Okay, that’s all from me tonight.
See you tomorrow for another query related blog where I talk about the query letter itself.
Happy writing,
Joanne.
