Query Letter Draft

[wednes]

Please consider reviewing for publication my first novel A Stabbing for Sadie, a horrific tale of a disturbed woman who commits a violent murder. It is an intense, disturbing story of a tormented child who grows into an unbalanced and eventually murderous woman, intent on destroying the "monster" which plagued her childhood.

The story itself begins with Sadie, waking up on the floor of her childhood home, covered in blood. Rather than a straightforward account of events, we are treated to a tour of the brutal, terrifying world of Sadie's psyche. The first person narrative style allows us to experience Sadie's eccentric, sarcasm and to feel her pain at a world that has abused and disappointed her. This pattern continues through the actions of her legal counsel, her family, and even the police who question her. The non-linear story telling allows for intriguing flash backs interspersed with tales from Sadie's childhood. Her story culminates in an incredible surprise ending that will stun even seasoned horror and suspense fans.



I would appreciate tips or pointers if you have any. I'm also concerned about how to address my utter lack of publication credits. Is it even worth mentioning publication in a college literary mag if you went to a school no one has heard of? Anyway, I'm not sure how professional I want to be with this. I don't know if I'm talented enough to get away with being flip about publication.

I'm also starting to worry about how "hung up" I'm feeling about getting published. Sometimes I think I could take it or leave it; but more often it seems very very important. Publication won't validate me as a writer, not really. But then...what will? Sales? A fan base? Respect from other writers? Gobs of money? Good reviews? Certainly respect from peers is more important than popularity.

Comments

[itches]

'Is it even worth mentioning publication in a college literary mag if you went to a school no one has heard of?'

Yes.

[haroeris-astrum.livejournal.com]

"imbalanced" :P The word is of French origin (Yes, I am being silly - good look)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Actually, it's not silly at all. That exactly the kind of fine tuning I need.

[madush69.livejournal.com]

I'd say popularity and gobs of money are important...but I'm sure you could have guessed I'd say that.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Yes, but I don't really understand why. Look at movies, Mummy Returns and Van Helsing were popular and made money. But they sucked. I don't want to suck.

[jere7my.livejournal.com]

Typos: delete the comma between "eccentric" and "sarcasm"; "storytelling" and "flashbacks" are one word.

Don't worry about your lack of credits; just leave that bit blank. Most first-time novelists aren't published.

They'll want a more thorough synopsis, I think; you should spend a couple of paragraphs describing the plot. And they'll want to know what that surprise ending is—don't worry about spoiling the book for them. Don't praise your book; be straightforward in describing it. If they see "incredible surprise ending", they'll probably roll their eyes; they want to know what it is, not what you think of it. :) Lose as many adjectives as you can.

Google "query letter tips" for more help, like this site. Many of them are written by actual editors, and they tell you exactly what they want to see.

Good luck!

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Many thanks!

It will also have a full synopsis or outline separate from this letter. Plus I'm sending 3 chapters.

[hortonhearsawho.livejournal.com]

I haven't the slightest idea of how to write letters like this, and others seem to have caught editing mistakes, which are all I'm good at finding.

However, good luck and I'm very much looking forward to buying your book and doing a jig in the process. And then, from what I gather, apparently being scared out of my wits and not sleeping for weeks. So weeeee.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Tee hee...

Thank you!

[beninem.livejournal.com]

I'm in a different field, but I suspect some of the submission tips will still apply.

Most likely, the person receiving your submission has been doing it so long they're almost immune to enjoying anything they read. When they go through these submissions, they're trying to find out if the story can make them some money. You could have the most kickass novel out there, but the real key is convincing them that it's profitable. If your past experience helps convince them you can make them $, mention it. If not, don't bother.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

That makes sense. I hate thinking about that end of it. I guess I'd like to think that publishers will be more interested is the work than in the marketing...but that's probably very naive.

Thanks!

[beninem.livejournal.com]

I may have portrayed them as greedy bastards more than necessary. I think the most important thing to remember is that the people reading this stuff are doing their jobs, and even cool jobs can get stressful and boring. They read tons of submissions, some better than others, it's bound to get tedious after a while. Think of a cashier, scanning book after book BUT WITH THEIR EYES INSTEAD OF LASER SCANNERS!

Remember they're at work too, and making their job easier will get you on their good side.