In the past few months I’ve taken on a handful of talented writers as clients and each pitched their books through a query or Twitter pitch that stood out above the rest. Today I thought it might be fun to share a few quotes from each of their pitches and/or queries in hopes of shedding light on what makes a great writer stand out to an agent like myself. All of the following have given me permission to reprint their queries in full or part for this blog post.
This first pitch was from my client Jason A. Rust. Not only was the pitch clear and concise, but it also appealed to my SciFi loving heart. This is the perfect example of how to get your Twitter pitch across quickly and effectively.
#PitMad MG SciFi Two bickering brothers and the Governor’s daughter have to stop an intergalatic war in a beat-up, “borrowed” salvage ship.
— Jason A. Rust (@jasonarust) March 29, 2013
Joanna Rowland was one of my first clients and her query came after one of our Partners here did a #tenqueries feature on Twitter. After seeing the comments Joanna felt she had something to offer in response and sent this within her query:
I just watched your #tenqueries and you passed on one because it was a whole lot of “daddy did wrong”. I promise it’s not one of those. I hope you see why I chose to write on this topic in the style I did. My main goal in this book is to provide an example of how children can still have wonderful moments with their parents even if their parents are separated and to know that they are loved.
Another client of mine with an excellent query was Maria Burel. A long time follower of my book review blog, she was familiar with the types of picture books I enjoyed and addressed that in her query.
I know from conversations and from reading your reviews that you’re looking for child characters that have a strong voice. Jules has that voice.
When I received Julie Falatko’s query I couldn’t help but want to read more. She not only kept her query to the point, but she addressed me personally, showing that she’d taken the time to do some research prior to sending out her queries. Julie also took the time to show a comparison using current popular picture books out on the market.
SNAPPSY THE ALLIGATOR, a 716-word picture book for 4-8 year olds, is STRANGER THAN FICTION meets CHLOE AND THE LION.
I am passionate about picture books, and I love what you wrote on the blog about picture books being a form of communication between grownups and kids. It’s amazing how often we can relate what happens in a picture book to something in our own lives – to say nothing of the picture book vernacular that develops when you spend years on the couch with a pile of kids and a pile of books (I think 80% of what I say is a direct quote from a book).
I am a member of SCBWI and the picture book reviewer for Katie Davis’s “Brain Burps About Books” podcast.
Rina Heisel is one of my brilliant middle grade writing clients. Her query was consistent with the writing I’ve fallen in love with in her book. Often times though a query lacks critical bio information in a concise manner, but not in Rina’s case. Her bio was clear and even contained information about the length and her background that was applicable to her MS.
RULES OF RODENTIA is a middle grade fantasy complete at 35,000 words. While working for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, I wrote many natural science themed television scripts. The wildlife featured in those segments helped inspire this novel. I’ve been a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators since 2009 and I’m a member of the SCBWI Osceola County Critique Group.
My most recent client, Kelly P. Simmon, shared her query with me after an online pitch contest that I was invited to be a part of. After initially enjoying her picture book manuscript I wondered whether she had other books she’d be working on, which is something I always think of with picture book clients. When I received her full query I had the information I was looking for:
While querying BELLA THE COW, I am currently working on a couple of other picture books with the working titles…
These are only a sample of the fantastic queries I get each and every day. I’m always impressed when a writer is able to put themselves and their work together so clearly that it grabs my attention in a span of only three paragraphs. Keep up the great work and keep those queries coming!
