I sent out my second batch of queries today after taking a long, hard look at my basic query letter. My pitch needed some work.
The standings are now thus:
Sent: 15
Rejected: 4
As soon as I revise my synopsis I'll send out some more. The synopsis... is just okay. It's work to me to do this. Writing the book was the easy part. This is nerve-wracking, wear-me-down, make-me-bleed work. Writing a query wasn't so tough, but for some reason that synopsis is killing me. I don't know what balance to strike between speed and detail, what rhythm I should follow, how much I should hold back, and how much I should let go.
And the thing is... there's no perfect solution.
Because people are different, there's not an answer that will appeal to every agent. I just have to trust myself. And that scares me.
...
-Tsira
I hated the synopsis, I actually avoided agents who requested them until I found a different angle. I wrote it in the POV of my MC, which gave the 'and this happened' a voice other than my own. It's so far been successful...maybe try it and see how you like it. :)
ReplyDeleteRachel, I'd love to look at it. I offer critiques on synopsis and queries on my blog come check me out. the newest one will be posted tomorrow (Monday)
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the synopsis as well. It just doesn't SOUND as awesome as everything else!
ReplyDeleteSuzie Townsend had a post on synopsis a while ago, maybe it will help.
http://confessionsofawanderingheart.blogspot.com/2011/08/tips-on-evil-synopsis.html
Good luck!