Querying Agents?

by Ane Mulligan

When is an agent query like a party?

Writers partying 

When you ask the agent to meet too many characters in the space of one page. It's like getting introduced to a dozen people at a party and trying to remember their names, what they do for a living, and how they relate to the host. Stick to your POV characters for using their names. Everyone else, refer to in the manner they relate to the POV character; i.e.: husband, daughter, boss, etc.

Check your name tag

If you're the one writing those nametags everyone has to wear, be sure you spell their names right. Oh, and for pity sake give the right one to the right guest. Slapping Brandilyn Collins on Chip MacGregor's chest is just wrong on so many levels. If you use the same query email, make darn sure you've replaced the previous agent's name. Sending Chip a query with Steve Laube's name on it will guaranty your email is deleted before it's read ... or forwarded to Steve.

When the guests don't know when to leave, the host can only turn the lights out and go to bed. The query synopsis should be short, like a back cover copy. Save the 3-page one for when the agent asks for it. The query is a teaser, a hook. Pique the agent's interest but don't put her to sleep.

Now, make sure you have the directions to the party. Go to the agent's website and know what they're looking for. If they only want romance and suspense, don't send your YA sci-fi. That's the shortest route to the delete key.

Always check the dress code

Oh, and finally check the dress code. Showing up for a dressy dinner party in jeans shows class. Unfortunately, it's third class. Read the agent's guidelines and follow them. It'll save you a lot of embarrassment.

If you follow the party rules, you'll get an invitation to the next event or at least invited to send your proposal and sample chapters.

Ane Mulligan writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. Her debut book Chapel Springs Revival releases in 2014. She's a multi-published playwright, a humor columnist and a syndicated blogger. She resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband and two very large dogs.