The Contradictory World of Querying Agents

It's fun to complain, isn't it? Let's complain about querying! Querying is complicated! Querying is messy! And every time I query, I am simultaneously delighted that I seem to be doing OK and terrified that I'm doing everything wrong. And both might be true! Nothing makes sense. Everything is anxiety-inducing. This post has no point! …

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Fun With QueryTracker: How to Spend Too Much Time with the Data Explorer

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm back in the query trenches. And that means I'm spending way too much time thinking about querying. So let's talk about one of my favorite QueryTracker tools: the Data Explorer! What is the Data Explorer? The Data Explorer shows every time a QueryTracker user has submitted a …

Finding Agents to Query

I'm officially back in the query trenches! I've got a brand-spanking-new YA fantasy ready to go, and I'd dearly like to get a literary agent for it. It's harrowing! It's nerve-wracking! I'm anxious! And, well, that's a lot of emotional energy. I just sent out my first batch, and... hey, it looks like most could …

Writing for Modern Teens, Or: Hey, Want to Feel Super Old?

It's a busy week! So instead of a proper post, here's a link I found fascinating. This is from agent Sarah LaPolla, and it discusses what to keep in mind (and to not get too hung up on) when writing for the teens of the 21st century. And if that doesn't make you feel old, …

Pitch Wars! And Also Some Tips for Writers

First off: Pitch Wars! If you're participating, you have until the end of the day to send your stuff in. Do it!...And, uh. Now I'm not really sure what to say. I was going to write a rousing post about Pitch Wars and how everyone had a meager 24 hours to get their stuff in. …

Absolute Write is Amazing

Oh, wow. The 2012 Guide to Literary Agents (yes, I'm aware they're on 2014 now) listed the Chamein Canton Literary Agency. Since they did both YA and fantasy, I figured I'd glance at their website. Annnnnd it was gone. I wasn't sure if they had gone out of business, so I did a quick search. …

Query Shark

I was curious if there were any good query letter review sites out there, so I asked about on Reddit. And here's a fun one: Query Shark And I'd have to agree with the one who recommended it--you don't even have to get your letter reviewed. You can learn tons just by looking at the …