wednes | Sadie's Query:

Hi all,

I have rewritten my query letter for my first novel A Stabbing for Sadie. I could really use some input, if anyone is so disposed. If you've read the book, I'd like to know if this is a fair representation of it. If not, I need to know if this would make you want to read it. And feel free to add any suggestions on how to make it better, no matter how nitpicky.

Keep in mind that these letters are supposed to be written without adjectives describing the book, and that things are properly underlined in the actual text.

Please consider reviewing for publication my novel: A Stabbing for Sadie, a work of horror fiction. This is one of those stories that appeals to anyone who has ever questioned their own sanity (but those funny-looking goth-type teenagers will embrace this book as well). It is the story of Sadie, a precocious but horrifically abused child who grows up to commit a terrible murder. Through a combination of narrative and flashbacks, we gradually piece together the disturbing events that made Sadie what she is. An evocative and morose tale, A Stabbing for Sadie is almost a modern murderers version of Catcher in the Rye. The tone is sarcastic and almost comedic (similar to, but darker than the work of Christopher Moore) as Sadie's wry cynicism permeates every scene. It culminates with a surprise ending that will shock and disturb both seasoned horror fans and thriller junkies alike. Honestly.

I am college graduate with a BA in theatre and broadcasting. My previous writing experience includes scripts for radio broadcast including Sexism, Good Humor Men and You which aired on NPR in 1991, as well as several titles for collegiate campus radio. My short stories have also appeared in the literary magazines Xenolith, and Garfield Lake Review. I have written advertising copy for print and broadcast, and am a 1992 graduate of Olivet College. I have worked in broadcasting, theatre, and marketing; but my passion for fiction and especially horror remains at the forefront of my ambitions.

Thank you in advance for reviewing the enclosed synopsis. A Stabbing for Sadie is completed and a full manuscript is available at your request. I eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,

you know the rest

In zombie culture news, I'm sure by now you've all heard about the lunatic who shot up a zombie-themed raid in Seattle. As I was saying earlier to

aicerno, it's people like that who make people like me look like total fucking jackasses. By all means, have a zombie survival plan. But if you're that afraid of zombies, a zombie themed rave may not be the right place for you. I can only assume he was tripping on LSD and lost his grip on reality. I've been close to that on acid a time or two, which is one of the many reasons I don't strap bandoliers across my chest before going out.

And who the hell is stealing dogs around Ann Arbor and killing them? As we all know, I love cats and have a mild distaste for dogs. But c'mon! That's a whole new level of horror. People say that animal killing is only a step away from something "really bad" like hurting people. I have to say that if you can look at a (non rabid) dog and hurt it--I mean they're cutting off heads for crying out loud--that you are already dangerously disturbed. So hey coppers, how 'bout you find these nut jobbies and get them the hell out of my town?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sorry. When I said "ask" I meant according to the press packet guidelines at Writers market. Most of the listings there indicate what specifically the different houses want in the query packets. I always send whatever they ask for, SASE, chapters, query and synopsis, usually. But it varies. Sometimes they specifically say "query only" and will not even look at a big envelope.

But yes, I always send chapters unless they say not to.

1 to 3 pages isn't a big envelope. Sometimes breaking the rules with a extra page that is your first page is worth the risk.

I think only one place so far has said "query only" and I got a simple "no" after they made me wait 3 months for a response.

Right now, I have 3 queries out (even though I often have to send them one at a time, as many house require that) since the first week of Jan--and all three of them got chapters. So hopefully some constructive criticism will arrive with the rejections. Actually, one of the houses is located in my state (Michigan) and I am fairly hopeful about them.

Ok, keep going at it!

Right on! Thanks for the input.

and sorry to hear no one's helping with the move. Funny, as everyone seems to have an opinion how things should be done.

I'll get moved one way or another. No problem.

Btw...the reason why I suggest to add a page or 3 is because your querry letter doesn't make the reader very curious about the book. Thus having no reason to write you back about it.

Will my suggestion you cheat. And no they won't throw your querry out if its one little page attached to the back.

Actually... most editors (and I imagine agents as well) get really pissed off when writers don't follow their stated submission guidelines. They're far less likely to read. It pretty much kills your chances, because right off the bat you've proven yourself to be a writer who's going to be difficult to work with and who doesn't provide what's been asked for.

wednes is on the right track by sticking with what the houses request.

They only get pissed off at the front pages. If you slip a last page at the back it will be ok. I don't know who you are Roane, but I'm published.

Hey, good for you! I am too. I think published writers are a dime a dozen on LJ. ;) I'm just going by what editors have told me and what I've heard from agents like Jennifer Jackson (

arcaedia here on LJ). Maybe you're the sort of brilliant genius writer who can get away with breaking the rules, but most of us ordinary mortals are better off not doing so.

I know arcaedia. Throwing her name in my face won't help your case. Be a bitch to someone else ok. I've already told Wednesday my reasons as to why I think she needs it. I've also already told her that if she doesn't get published this way well then I'll throw the manuscript at my publisher who I'm 80% positive will publish it. I just think she should try this way first because the book could easily be a big time seller. I've read it.

I'm not in her LJ to start fights with anyone. I was leaving advice for my friend. So take your bitch party somewhere else please thankyouverymuch.

I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that it seemed as if I was trying to start a fight. Nor was I trying to "throw names" in your face. I was just trying to explain why I thought breaking the rules might put

wednes at a disadvantage with the major houses. Small presses might be different. It's all good; we're both just trying to help, so there's really no need to call me a bitch. Thanks!

I didn't call you a bitch.

I was refering to the large publishing houses. Her query letter is weak, so I suggested a cheat. However it is the best query letter she's come up with so far.

I hate query letters. Worse than tax forms.

Funny...I was an inhouse editor at Ace Books and Macmillan, and I pretty much concur with Roane.

There are good editors and bad editors.

I just won't give advice anymore.

I thought I was posting to a FRIEND'S LJ and not some writer's click list.

Cya.

Actually, I'm a very good editor. But you're right...it wasn't fair of me to jump in on someone else's journal. I apologize.

Thanks.

I'm taking all of this a bit too personal, so I've decided to stop giving advice all together.

Sorry for the 'editors' comment.

I need a vacation. :/

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