Querying

I checked each of the first four agents’ requirements, assembled the documents and sent them off. Now the waiting begins

I have compiled the list of literary agents on Query manager, who are open to queries and interested in Crime Fiction, the genre my book falls under. 161 literary agents. Surely one of them will be interested? I only need one. Let’s get started in sending out the queries properly.

Convention and advice say do not splatter-gun your query pitch to all of them at once. The suggested is somewhere between 5 and 10 at a time. This is because there may be some error in your query proposal which can be corrected for subsequent queries. I selected 4 names from the list. Now to

This query business is not just a case of ‘asking’ someone to represent you. You have to sell yourself, and you likely only get one shot at it. You have to remember that agents are getting maybe 100 queries a DAY.

I started looking in earnest on the ‘Query Manager’ website, as recommended by the developmental editor, Alyssa Matesic, who I have been in touch with while developing the manuscript, and others. She has an informative channel on YouTube and I recommend it to any other budding authors. Query Manager lists most of the literary agencies

Had a few days completely away from the book – I earned it. Now comes the hard part – finding a literary agent / publisher.