Following Query Letter Rules

[Nicole Wilson]

We've talked *a lot* on here about query letters and following the rules. Some didn't necessarily agree with following the rules because it doesn't let you stand out. Straight from a very prominent lit agent's blog, here's why you should:

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2015/12/aw-screw-it.html?m=1

 

[Jason Byrne]

The first comment is a great contribution:

"This is why you need writing friends. Not just regular old friends who know you write, **writer** friends who understand the glacial pace of everything publishing, the frustration of staring into the abyss that is the no-response means no, and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, who can talk you off the ledge when you think the above mentioned email is a good idea.

Venting about your agent search is fine if you do it privately. Doing it in a query letter (or on your blog or twitter or whatever) is not."


A couple of you have heard me vent and patiently waited for me to tire myself out, and for that I will be forever grateful.

 

[Jennifer Stone]

It is good to surround yourself with like-minded fellows, who not only understand your plight but sympathise with it. That's why Litopia is such a valuable asset to the writing community.

 

[Jason Byrne]

It is good to surround yourself with like-minded fellows, who not only understand your plight but sympathise with it. That's why Litopia is such a valuable asset to the writing community.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[Chase Gamwell]

Thanks for posting this @Nicole Wilson. I'm still not used to the slow pace of publishing and have wanted, many times, to throw query letter rules to the wind. I haven't because of everyone here helping me stay the course.

 

[Carol Rose]

Yep. Love her blog. Always great advice on there.

 

[Alistair Roberts]

Well it's true. But some guidelines are a right pain in the ass, ie, put your title on EVERY page.... well that means re-writing the whole manuscript, because it pushes text onto the next page buggering up the format and you have to edit every damn page! Those who ask for that (only about two) I just don't bother with. But font must be 12 pt Times New Romans, and anyone who ignores that most basic thing deserves to be ignore as well lol

 

[Emurelda]

Well it's true. But some guidelines are a right pain in the ass, ie, put your title on EVERY page.... well that means re-writing the whole manuscript, because it pushes text onto the next page buggering up the format and you have to edit every damn page! Those who ask for that (only about two) I just don't bother with. But font must be 12 pt Times New Romans, and anyone who ignores that most basic thing deserves to be ignore as well lol

Just put it on the heading for that..it does it automatically.

Putting it on EVERY page manually is not expected

 

[Alistair Roberts]

I am well aware you can put it as a heading. HOWEVER that still forces the text down as you have added text to every page, splitting the last paragraph (sometimes) which editors don't like.

 

[Carol Rose]

I am well aware you can put it as a heading. HOWEVER that still forces the text down as you have added text to every page, splitting the last paragraph (sometimes) which editors don't like.

Honestly, Alistair I wouldn't worry about that. The formatting would be changed anyway if it went to print. No one expects your formatting to be absolutely perfect. But if they want the title on every page, then give that to them. It's easy and quick to do.

 

[Emurelda]

I am well aware you can put it as a heading. HOWEVER that still forces the text down as you have added text to every page, splitting the last paragraph (sometimes) which editors don't like.

Really? Ok..i've never noticed that. The page already has space for a header at the top. Of course adding lots of lines will make it 'fatter' but a single line shouldn't make a jot of a difference. My assumption might be wrong