Seeking advice in regards to querying... - Writers Forum

nethawk · 11-26-2005, 03:24 AM

I'm hoping someone will be able to provide me with insight in regards to a situation I'm facing.

My first book is nearly complete and the proposal as well as the query package are also nearly finished. Bio, synopsis, market analysis, chapter outline - the works. Anyhow, for the past eight months I've been planning a huge undertaking: walking for 8,000 kms across Canada. This solo trek without vehicle support will start in March and end in November. My dilemma is this: I want to have my query package and proposal package out there doing some footwork for me while I'm on the trek. Do you think it would be ok if I query multiple agents before I leave, or should I wait until the trek is over to begin querying? My support team consists of my stepmother and father, who will be handling my mail and inquiries while I'm gone. If I do mail out queries before I take off, what number is sufficient? Ten? Twenty? Forty?

I was thinking of sending out ten at a time maybe every month or so - to give agents a chance to reply back before the next batch gets shipped out. Then if I do get interest, I'll have my team send out the proposal/manuscript as well as other materials the agent wishes to browse over. I can even phone agents back should they wish to contact me directly.

So, that's it. Should I query before taking off on the trek, or wait until after it's over? I've been wanting to walk across Canada for a very long time and next year is the year. But I don't want to let another year of not being accepted by a professional pass by either. I know I can contact agents by phone if asked to do so, and I can work on changes and adjustments to the manuscript once the trek is over. Any help greatly appreciated.

mammamaia · 11-26-2005, 10:24 AM

since you don't have a completed book, and haven't been majorly published previously, it makes no sense to spend time, energy, and money on querying agents or publishers, when you have nothing ready to sell, yet... only established writers with a good track record can sell an unfinished book...

are you referring to a work of fiction, or non-fiction?... if the book is connected to your trek in some way, you're really not going to be 'news' till you make the journey, so touting yourself and the enterprise ahead of time won't impress the publishing world... if you make news along the way or at the end of your trip, then it may help sell the book... but it seems premature to me, for you to try to do so now...

good luck, and bon voyage!

love and hugs, maia

nethawk · 11-26-2005, 02:27 PM

Hmm...the book is already "written". I meant complete as in it is going through the final proofread by a third party. And the book is not about the trek whatsoever. It is narrative nonfiction on human origins and Egypt's Great Pyramid. Would you mind reanswering my question then? Thank you.

mammamaia · 11-26-2005, 02:32 PM

in that case, the only problem i see in starting to approach agents while you're on your trek is that if one should be hooked and want an in-person meeting, you wouldn't be immediately available, unless you have the will and the wherewithal to interrupt your walk for a meet that may be far from your current location...

not that that would be very likely... i'd say go ahead with whatever plan you have for sending out queries and keep you fingers crossed as you walk...

that said, don't be expecting replies within a month... most agents take up to 2, or even more, to respond...

best of luck... m

nethawk · 11-26-2005, 02:48 PM

Excellent. This is one instance when the slow process of being published makes me happy. Now...do you think I should go ahead with just querying, or should I send out proposals as well? The manuscript itself will only be sent to those who are interested in receiving it. As for meeting them in person, I've stated in my query letter that I'm committed to the walk yet will be able to speak with them by phone through my support team. [Edit - actually - if the trip were paid for, I probably would interrupt the trek to see them].

mammamaia · 11-26-2005, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Excellent. This is one instance when the slow process of being published makes me happy.

...not the usual reaction...

Quote:

Now...do you think I should go ahead with just querying, or should I send out proposals as well?

...it's not up to you... you must follow each agent's guidelines, if you don't what what you send tossed... some will want only a query letter, some may accept a full proposal along with it, some may want only the query and a sample chapter or 2... it takes a lot of work to find out who wants what and tailor each query accordingly... make sure all your letters are addressed to a particular agent, by name... and that each starts out with some specific reason why you are writing to that one...

Quote:

The manuscript itself will only be sent to those who are interested in receiving it.

...that goes without saying, since legit agents and publishers won't accept unsolicited mss... you have to wait till they ask for it...

Quote:

As for meeting them in person, I've stated in my query letter that I'm committed to the walk yet will be able to speak with them by phone through my support team.

...don't go into much detail on that... they really won't care...

Quote:

[Edit - actually - if the trip were paid for, I probably would interrupt the trek to see them].

...not to worry... that's not at all likely!...

nethawk · 11-27-2005, 02:18 AM

Quote:
[Edit - actually - if the trip were paid for, I probably would interrupt the trek to see them].

...not to worry... that's not at all likely!...

I was partly kidding there, but still...

mammamaia · 11-27-2005, 07:49 AM

the 'not at all likely' refers only to their paying your way to the meeting... not to you finding an agent to rep your work...

nethawk · 11-27-2005, 11:50 AM

Yeah, I know. Thank you for responding though. I appreciate the advice. I have to admit my hopes this time are very high considering the new tool I have in my search for representation: a short video of the book in storytelling format and a self introduction. It may help at least a few percentage points more I feel.

mammamaia · 11-27-2005, 11:55 AM

i wouldn't waste any money on sending a video... legit agents and publishers don't look kindly on those who resort to gimmicks and don't have time for them... sending anything other than a standard, well-written query letter will not add percentage points, but will most likely subtract any you might have made with just the letter...

they want to know you have a well-written ms that's marketable, period...

nethawk · 11-27-2005, 12:05 PM

As I had mentioned in another thread, three reputable agents (including one who represents a writer blessed with a film made of his book) told me that it is an excellent idea as long as it's short and concise. Therefore, the video will be sent. Thank you for the advice though.

mammamaia · 11-27-2005, 12:17 PM

de nada... as i noted in other thread, times may be a-changing, but i still don't think most agents have time or patience for such gimmicks... if you have the money/means to do it and it's worth it to you, who am i to quibble?

best of luck with it... be sure to let us know if anyone bites due to the video, willya?... i need to keep current on stuff like this... hugs, m