Comments on: The Secret to Writing a Successful Query Letter https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/ #MSWL: What do you wish you had in your inbox? Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:35:57 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 By: Melissa L. White https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-88 Wed, 21 Sep 2016 02:35:57 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-88 Thank you, Andrea, for this eloquent query letter example and your concise break down of its elements. This post is so incredibly helpful, to see how to construct a query letter so that it creates questions with every sentence.

Thanks so much!

]]> By: Kevin Lavey https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-50 Wed, 29 Jun 2016 12:34:48 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-50 Thanks, Andrea, for a great post. You made it super clear what works in a query letter. I’m out here sponging up everything I can on how to write a fine query. It’s an art in itself. I’m keeping a copy of your post nearby for frequent reference. Best to you.

]]> By: Andrea Somberg https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-45 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 21:21:55 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-45 In reply to David VonAllmen.

Good question! I would say that anything that doesn’t add to our understanding of the protagonist, the conflict or the stakes, and anything that doesn’t intrigue should be left out. Most query letters are way too long…

]]> By: Andrea Somberg https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-44 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 21:19:55 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-44 In reply to Ellen Mulholland.

It’s so true! Voice is so important! I’m glad you found the post helpful.

]]> By: Andrea Somberg https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-43 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 21:17:17 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-43 In reply to Gail.

I hope you enjoy the book–definitely let me know what you think! And good luck with pitching your YA novel–it’s a terrifying time, I know, but so exciting as well.

]]> By: Andrea Somberg https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-42 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 21:16:24 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-42 In reply to Lara Willard.

ha! I won’t tell St. Martins…. 😉

]]> By: Andrea Somberg https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-41 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 21:15:04 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-41 In reply to Kaye Baillie.

I’m so glad you found it helpful!

]]> By: Kaye Baillie https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-38 Sat, 28 May 2016 04:50:08 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-38 Thank you for this fantastic, succinct query letter lesson. I love it – and no wonder you wanted this manuscript. Had me going this way and that in the space of a few sentences.

]]> By: Gail https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-37 Sat, 28 May 2016 04:01:38 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-37 Well now I REALLY want to read this book! Thank you for breaking down this fabulous query letter (I’m gearing up to start querying the YA novel I just finished and soaking up posts like this like a sponge!) and I look forward to discovering Kim’s work!

]]> By: Ellen Mulholland https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/2016/05/the-secret-to-writing-a-successful-query-letter/#comment-36 Thu, 26 May 2016 00:19:34 +0000 https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/?p=1022#comment-36 I read every post I can about “how to write (the best/most amazing/perfect) query letter,” but this one spoke to me. Kim’s query has voice. So often, I’m trying to construct my query like a recipe that I sometimes forget my voice.
Thanks for this post and that reminder.
Voice is what separates one writer from the next.
Ellen

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