As promised, this week’s blog is brought to you by Deanna Klingel. When I read Deanna’s Facebook post about how a query letter resulted in a contract for three picture books that “had been in her drawer for 25 years,” I asked her to be a guest blogger. Without further ado, here are Deanna’s thoughts about writing a query, followed by a portion of her winning query.
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| Deanna lives and writes in the mountains of western North Carolina, with husband Dave, and golden retriever, Buddy. Her blog “Selling Books” chronicles her adventures while selling books. |
There’s always a short cut. You can steep a perfect cup of
tea, or you dunk a bag in microwaved water in 45 seconds. Not a perfect cup,
but you can drink it. You can let your yeast dough rise under a damp cloth or
you can pop a freezer loaf into the oven. It tastes like bread. But it won’t
have that memorable lasting aroma. Some things just take longer if you want
perfection.
the short cut is often the query letter.
Recently I received a reply from a submission. It was rejected because
they have that line through 2015. However, the letter raved about the query
letter. Her opening line was congratulations on a very nice query letter. Well
done, she said; a pleasure to read; an excellent query letter. I felt like I’d
won the lottery. What made this query stand out and get this publisher’s
attention? I compare it to many others I’ve written, and see hardly any
difference; nearly the same, yet not quite.
children based only on the query letter. She hadn’t seen the manuscript. When I
compare this query to previous ones, I don’t see any one thing stand out.
the difference between a steeping and rising or a quick trip to the microwave
that makes a difference. It’s all the small, seemingly insignificant things,
including format and tone. It’s following to the minuscule guideline, and the
same amount of polish as you use on a manuscript.
memo, no proofing, no format, no formality; the short cut. The query is not the
place to short cut. Everything depends on its perfection.
(Please note that Deanna mentioned an illustrator because the publisher had requested input on illustrations, she had previously worked with him, and he was known to the publisher. It’s VITAL that you play by the rules–and completely follow a publisher’s guidelines.)
consider the following works which are completed and edited for line and
content.
Beth Books
series of storybooks for very young children. Beth’s
Birds is a “bird identification” book with little Beth
physically displaying the various bird’s attitudes. Beth and the Night
is an explanation of the night noises that are frightening until she knows what
they really are. Beth’s Backyard Friends is an identity book of the
small mammals that frequent backyards, told by Beth, of course.
are beautiful chalk drawings and remarkable birds. However, if the books are to
be done as a series, they should have all the same artwork done by the
same artist. I do have an illustrator to work with. He’s also created two of my
covers.
Oh, so Kathy B is a tea drinker, huh?
I'm glad it was helpful, Rosie.
You are welcome, Clara
Thank you, Kim. Glad you found it helpful.
Linda, your jester hat makes me smile! You are so generous, that makes me smile, too.
Thank you Jeanne and Samantha. You are welcome. And Samantha, congratulations to you. I'll see you next Friday at Fiction Addiction in Greenville. I'm sure it'll be a great event.
Gail, you and I might be in the same boat. I keep looking for my response comments to everyone and so far none have shown up. I've sent a thank you to every one of you, sincerely. I'm not ignoring you, honest! Maybe I've not convinced blogger I'm not a robot. I AM NOT A ROBOT> THANK YOU ALL FOR POSTING>
Congratulations to Jeannie Smith. I will get your book in the mail.