So the only experience I have ever had with query letters was over a decade ago when I was inexperienced. I always got positive results in my rejections and the economy had crashed so usually it was ‘due to the economy’. But they had good positive responses that helped me continue my work. And I have improved a great deal since then. It was a learning adventure.
So I started self-publishing because if the economy sucked and they only had space for one or two authors… well I’d go self-publish and get it out there. Although, self-publishing has a massive learning curve because you literally do everything yourself. And I feel like I would like help with some of those things I have yet to master.
But for this series, I thought let’s try traditional again and see what happens, eh? It can’t hurt. Although I strongly suspect the second novel in the series will be done long before I ever get a response from an agent… good or bad. Most of them I have seen do not even send rejection letters. So if you do not hear from them in that time frame time to move on.
The Problem with Query letters
- I literally am just winging it because I have no idea what I am doing, but I know I want an agent to help me with the process
- There is always a wait time. Sometimes over a month or two. Sometimes just a few weeks. And I hate the wait. I want to know Now.
- I always have this temptation after I send a query and learn about the wait time to self-publish and get that immediate gratification of people seeing my work.
- I don’t think writers are very skilled at the query and synopsis business. We are not used to marketing our work. It intimidates us. And certainly, it intimidates me.
- And there will be rejections. But I have never had issues with them. Just part of the process. Sometimes when they actually respond you learn a little about your writing or find out they are just not looking for that type of work.
- Every company as different ideas of what they want in their query. So no form letter can be used. Bummer. I could handle using the same one for everyone. And if I get nothing from it, then obviously upgrade the query letter.
But I am giving it a go and we shall see if anything comes of it. Worst scenario I self-publish this series later when it will be more than one book by then… so I can space them apart and use all the marketing information I have learned over time from the get-go. And there is nothing wrong with that. But I really want to give this a good go.
And the anticipation is going to drive me bonkers. But I am working on the next book in the series so that gives me something to concentrate on.
The Blurb:
The Lost Magic is an urban fantasy novel taking place in Coldbrooke, Alberta. This is a book about a hundred-year-old, young, talented Sorcerer. The Alignment between the Realm and our universe began fifty years past. And during Alignments, wizards are born to the world again. The Fae living in the Realm can slide into our world. Vampires and shape-shifters have been created once more by the infection of Realm spirit parasites. But a forgotten magic has been found in Coldbrooke and Irelynne Chedaka has encountered it in a murder investigation involving witches and wizards.
Other random posts of interest:
What to do about writer’s block
The Wyrd 
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