Query Season and #MSWL

 

Happy Friday Query-ers!

 

We are hitting Mid-January; agents are getting back to work following a break (hopefully well rested and fresh), and we are entering what I unofficially have dubbed:

Many agents tried to clear inboxes and/or closed to queries during break, the rush from NaNoWriMo is over, and several agents are helpfully posting

                                                

#MSWL

My query tip: Make good use of this specific and targeted intel.

 In addition to the awesome site https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com, you can search twitter using #MSWL and know the latest and greatest in terms of what agents are looking for what.While I would never suggest writing a book based on what an agent asks for (by the time you finish they’ve most likely moved on), it can be great for targeting queries.You can use this in queries, like name dropping but more effective. The agent will know you have taken the time to send them something you think they might actually enjoy. This may make your query stand out from a crowded inbox. 

Win/Win.

Some times editors use this hashtag too, so it can be helpful to get a sense of what is wanted/moving in the market. 

Please let me know if you plan to search agents this way or use this in your query in the comments below!

Happy Querying!

B

      

              

 

 

 

 

Dear O'Abby: From the archives - formatting a manuscript

O'Abby is still on vacation, so here's another favourite question answered from the archives... 

Dear O’Abby,

I’m about to start sending my manuscript out to agents, but I’m not sure how it should be formatted. And Google-fu has not been of much help... Some articles say 3 inch margins on the left, others say 1 inch on both sides, some say to start each chapter halfway down the page.  Is there a standard manuscript format I ought to be following to give my book the best chance at being picked up?

Yours,

Stumped

Dear Stumped,

Agents are looking for great stories and great voices and if you have those things, how you present your manuscript is secondary. That said, presenting your MS well shows the agent receiving it that you’re careful, professional and thorough. And first impressions really do count.

Some agents ask for manuscripts to be formatted a specific way and failing to do this shows you are not great at following directions. So before sending anything, check that the requesting agent doesn’t have a preference in how she receives the pages.

If not, here are a few very simple guidelines for making your MS look professional.

• Keep your margins standard – usually around 1-inch
• Use a standard font like Times New Roman and keep it no smaller than 12pt
• Start each chapter on a new page
• Indicate breaks within chapters using either **** or ####
• Number your pages starting from the first page of actual text (your title page should not be numbered)
• Put the name of the novel and your name in the footer

Title Page
Your title page should be a separate page, unnumbered, with the title in a large font. Your name or pen-name goes under this, and in either the upper or lower right corner, the wordcount for the MS (rounded to the nearest 1,000 words) and your contact details (address, phone number, email).

Good luck with your submissions!

XX O'Abby

Happy 2022!

I had planned a first post of 2022, but you'll notice that I didn't post anything on the first Monday in 2022.  I spent the last day of 2021 and the first several days of 2022 visiting my neighborhood emergency room.  Thankfully it was NOT COVID related, but it was still not fun.

But I'm back!  Here's a link with author resolutions for 2022.  These resolutions can work for any year, but choose 1-2 to focus your energies and make 2022 your best writing year yet!

https://thgmwriters.com/blog/new-years-resolutions-for-writers/

My resolution for 2022 is to re-enter the query trenches.  What is your resolution?  Tell us in the comments!