I've wondered about this a lot... my query has been pretty boilerplate, but the memoir itself is kind of funny and has a very distinct southern voice. So I recently made the query funny. I have wondered if it would be off-putting to most agents who want "a professional business document" (as I've heard the query called). But I think it's probably high-risk/high-reward... as in the one or two agents who get it might *really* get it.
Courtney - thank you so much for all you do to help aspiring authors! This is by far my favorite Substack. Obviously, you are busy and can only take on so much. Are you doing any coaching? If so, what are your rates for which services? I’m not at the Query Doula stage but could benefit from your wisdom. There’s so much good stuff here in your Substack but I’m not always capable of following through so well on the guidance in my actual writing!
I'm excited to renew my subscription to Before and After the Book Deal. Thank you for using your extra energy to help others learn about this ambiguous field (if you're on the outside). You always shoot us straight and give us useful tactics to move forward. We appreciate you!
I really liked the responses to the “why should I turn the pages” question. I hope that my query answers that, but are you suggesting that the first two or three pages do it as well?
Thank you so for this series. So valuable and practical and encouraging. When you polled a few weeks ago I accidentally hit the wrong button and I’ve thought about that error at least once a day. So please subtract one vote from your results!
I’m now down a rabbit hole about epigraphs, using one to replace a prologue is maybe the best idea I’ve ever heard, but how are they received in your opening pages? Are they rare or common? Do agents find them at all polarizing? Can you use anything as long as it is cited*? (*Not the right word I’m sure)
Hi Courtney! Quick peripheral question related to sharing work with 'VIP's'. What are your thoughts on meetings with an agent/editor that you pay for (for example via a conference)? Thanks
I've wondered about this a lot... my query has been pretty boilerplate, but the memoir itself is kind of funny and has a very distinct southern voice. So I recently made the query funny. I have wondered if it would be off-putting to most agents who want "a professional business document" (as I've heard the query called). But I think it's probably high-risk/high-reward... as in the one or two agents who get it might *really* get it.
Wow, did I need this tough-love guidance on prologues...and that question from your agent, Courtney. Thank you!
Courtney - thank you so much for all you do to help aspiring authors! This is by far my favorite Substack. Obviously, you are busy and can only take on so much. Are you doing any coaching? If so, what are your rates for which services? I’m not at the Query Doula stage but could benefit from your wisdom. There’s so much good stuff here in your Substack but I’m not always capable of following through so well on the guidance in my actual writing!
I'm excited to renew my subscription to Before and After the Book Deal. Thank you for using your extra energy to help others learn about this ambiguous field (if you're on the outside). You always shoot us straight and give us useful tactics to move forward. We appreciate you!
Congrats on turning in your new novel!! So exciting! Can’t wait to read it!
I really liked the responses to the “why should I turn the pages” question. I hope that my query answers that, but are you suggesting that the first two or three pages do it as well?
Thank you so for this series. So valuable and practical and encouraging. When you polled a few weeks ago I accidentally hit the wrong button and I’ve thought about that error at least once a day. So please subtract one vote from your results!
I’m now down a rabbit hole about epigraphs, using one to replace a prologue is maybe the best idea I’ve ever heard, but how are they received in your opening pages? Are they rare or common? Do agents find them at all polarizing? Can you use anything as long as it is cited*? (*Not the right word I’m sure)
Thank you again for your wisdom
Hi Courtney! Quick peripheral question related to sharing work with 'VIP's'. What are your thoughts on meetings with an agent/editor that you pay for (for example via a conference)? Thanks