Why I Write About My Querying Process
As a writer, learning about querying often feels like a bottomless well of information.
Outside of the publishing industry, I’m not sure anyone even knows what querying is, let alone what it entails. I know I didn’t until I began seriously considering making writing my career! Today I want to talk about why I’ve chosen to share my querying journey as it’s happening, and what I hope to accomplish by doing so.
But first…
What Is Querying?
Definition
Put simply, querying refers to the process of sending a formal letter, known as a query letter, to literary agents or publishers in the hopes of securing representation or publication for a manuscript.
The General Process
In the context of traditional publishing, querying typically involves:
Researching literary agents who represent our genre and style of writing.
Once we’ve identified people we may want to work with, we (the author) send a query letter introducing ourselves, providing a brief pitch for our manuscript, and explaining why we believe our work would be a good fit for the agent's representation.
Tracking these queries is essential. I use Query Tracker, but I also keep a spreadsheet of my own that I can write in important/relevant information (agent name, agency name, their manuscript wish list, reasons why I’m interested in them specifically, when I sent the letter, how they responded, etc.) and keep track of all the extra personalized details for each agent in one place.
If an agent is interested in representing us, they may request to see a partial or full manuscript for further consideration.
If they ultimately decide to offer representation, they will usually set up “the call” where it’s somewhat of a joint interview to make sure we fit and will work well together.
Once the contract is signed, our new agent will work with us (the author) to refine and polish the manuscript before submitting it to publishers on our behalf.
Why Query At All?
Querying is a crucial step in the traditional publishing process, as it provides us with the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who can help us navigate the competitive world of publishing and increase our chances of securing a book deal. Although some publishers will take unagented submissions, it’s rare. If we’re really wanting to give ourselves the best shot at traditionally publishing, I fully believe that having an agent is ideal.
Why Am I Sharing My Journey?
Transparency
I’ve benefitted so much from others in the publishing industry—whether authors, agents, or editors—who have shared their experiences and expertise. I’m no expert, but I want to pay it forward by being transparent about my own process. I love that there are so many resources now which demystify the process, so I’m just happy to be another one of those for other new and aspiring authors.
Accountability
Making my querying journey public can only help me stay accountable to my own goals. It’s not accountability to anyone other than myself, but knowing that others may be following my progress provides motivation to keep pushing forward, even when faced with inevitable rejection.
Documentation
Documenting my querying journey publicly allows me to keep a record of my experiences and progress. Hopefully it will serve as a valuable resource for reflection and learning, helping me to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. We all know that things sometimes look completely different once we’re looking back on them, so these blog posts are my own personal record and reminder of what it was like, as it was happening.
Community
Some of the most helpful resources I’ve discovered over the past year come from others in the writing community being brave enough to share all of their journey—successes and failures alike. Sharing the querying process with others can create a sense of camaraderie and support among my fellow writers who are going through similar experiences. It allows us to connect with each other and find people who understand the challenges and triumphs of querying. Writing is often such a solitary endeavor, but the more involved I’ve become with the writing community, the more I’m convinced this is one of our greatest resources as writers.
One of these days I’ll do a writing tip post specifically for what a query letter should include, and suggestions for writing a good one, but only once I know I’ve written a letter that’s actually secured representation. I’m no expert on the subject and haven’t even gotten an agent yet, so I feel like anything I write would be no different than what would come up with a google search. I suppose I could compile resources from all over (and I may still do that), but there are plenty of those posts and articles out there, so I’d like to be able to provide personal insights as well. That makes it a post for Future Me.
In the meantime, I am happy to share my process. Hopefully at the end of it I’ll be able to share that I’ve signed with an agent, but until then I welcome you to come along with me as I get rejected a lot! LOL!
