tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post4957679584278787136..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: So, top ten in a contest!Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-58489447330515397212017-09-28T22:19:18.808-04:002017-09-28T22:19:18.808-04:00What would I do without you guys? This place... I ...What would I do without you guys? This place... I am totally buying all of you drinks and cake one of these days. Even those of you in Australia.<br /><br /> I will simply base my book tour or my jwandering around the globe just cause what the Hell else am I going to do tour on where each and everyone of you live. It'll be a blast. I can collect signed copies of all the best sellers you guys will write while I am still working out this blasted query letter. <br /><br /> I did finally write a decent query letter .. great voice, fantastic protagonist, clear stakes and problem. Unfortunately, this query was not about the book I actually wrote :/. Do you think Brandon Sanderson would mind much if I queried his Wax and Wayne Mistborn trilogy? I am positive it will be a bestseller because it already is.<br /><br />I am going to read Donna's book, cry a bit, and then sleep. And drool. Thanks again for all the encouragement. I do appreciate it. <br />E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39833666753496758892017-09-28T21:56:58.049-04:002017-09-28T21:56:58.049-04:00I was lucky enough to experience success in queryi...I was lucky enough to experience success in querying my nonfiction, way back when. Fiction, however, has exposed me to an entirely new world - I recall cringe-worthy tidbits I'd included in my noobie exuberance of believing everyone would want my first fiction novel (I kid! I kid! I never actually used the term fiction novel). But, OY! When we know better, we do better. <br /><br /><b>Elise</b> I feel a true and genuine rush of joy for your upcoming journey. We're all here for you! And YAY you.<br /><br />Now I just wanna know when <b>2Ns</b> and <b>Colin</b> are going on the road with their comedy routine. Melanie Sue Bowleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820711791019410116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2287234282519787962017-09-28T21:53:16.363-04:002017-09-28T21:53:16.363-04:00Yeah... I know what you mean, Megan.Yeah... I know what you mean, <b>Megan</b>.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71978868845695913872017-09-28T21:47:40.137-04:002017-09-28T21:47:40.137-04:00I like to believe that I am always right Colin b...I like to believe that I am always right <b> Colin </b> but then, somehow, some way, reality kicks in. Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-22272131407684565002017-09-28T21:45:05.871-04:002017-09-28T21:45:05.871-04:00You got that right, Megan: :DYou got that right, <b>Megan</b>: :DColin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54481443189876086392017-09-28T21:16:03.665-04:002017-09-28T21:16:03.665-04:00Pfft. Who cares about being the first comment? It&...Pfft. Who cares about being the first comment? It's the last comment that matter. They who laugh last, laugh best. Especially since they get to read all of the glorious comments that come before them. <br /><br />Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-5348477626452742332017-09-28T20:25:29.823-04:002017-09-28T20:25:29.823-04:00The RUBY trophy is very pretty, Her Grace. I'm...The RUBY trophy is very pretty, Her Grace. I'm sure it will be much nicer than your husband's fencing trophies =)AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17053188339935374052017-09-28T19:44:16.219-04:002017-09-28T19:44:16.219-04:00Have been thinking of entering prestigious contest...Have been thinking of entering prestigious contests next year (when i have something that qualifies). A RUBY would look very nice next to my husband's Commonwealth Fencing trophies. <br /><br />Also, when you get something published, isn't that like winning a contest? Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54936359943380456392017-09-28T19:30:41.194-04:002017-09-28T19:30:41.194-04:00Congratulations, E.M., on being the tenth comment...Congratulations, E.M., on being the tenth comment.Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-44523687866289658362017-09-28T17:56:31.338-04:002017-09-28T17:56:31.338-04:00Elise, I think you are on to something...but rathe...<b>Elise</b>, I think you are on to something...but rather than Howlers, we'd need Whisperers. The query letter is whispered at nothing more than ant volume before exploding in a shower of sparks, thus leaving the agent with only your pages to go on.<br /><br />I often wonder how many amazing books aren't ever picked up because of dodgy query letters?<br /><br />A side note, the silver lining from having to write a query letter is that my "to do" list for house chores is finally under control =)AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-68370072843123679932017-09-28T17:45:30.110-04:002017-09-28T17:45:30.110-04:00Elise I just read your winning entry. Holy moly. S...Elise I just read your winning entry. Holy moly. Sometimes I'm awed by the power that the ordering of a bunch of words has on us humans. This was most certainly one of those times. Brighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04404682134487083817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-84230161788026796832017-09-28T16:03:45.630-04:002017-09-28T16:03:45.630-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Joseph S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07437663031050410028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70510173443256539702017-09-28T15:54:34.821-04:002017-09-28T15:54:34.821-04:00And I realize I have once again stuck my foot in m...And I realize I have once again stuck my foot in my mouth. To the OP. Winning any kind of a contest is wonderful. Coming in tenth in a prestigious or recognized contest is out of this world and congratulations. I envy both your courage and your accomplishment.<br /> <br />Look how exciting it is to get named on the shortlists in the flash fiction contests here! As wicked as the competition is, I might be tempted to mention it in a query.<br /><br />However, unless it's a really well-known contest, as QOTKU says, I think I'd focus on saving that very valuable real estate for selling te story.<br /><br /><br />Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-16161869473129100242017-09-28T14:09:49.443-04:002017-09-28T14:09:49.443-04:00I don't know... I think I would query Janet, e...I don't know... I think I would query Janet, even if I had written a dino porn sci-fi picture book. After all, she might say yes just so she can include my exile to Carkoon in a contract and make it legally binding. :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-12099390245333373132017-09-28T13:53:45.996-04:002017-09-28T13:53:45.996-04:00Popping in because I am procrastinating. I should ...Popping in because I am procrastinating. I should be taking the car to get a flat fixed and don't want to get out.<br /><br />Years ago when I was writing races stories, I used to cover the northwest tracks on my beat. One of the mares who raced up there frequently as well as California was almost unstoppable. If she lost, it was by a nose and she wasn't believing those lying cameras. She'd throw a fit and insist on going to the winner's circle to get her picture taken. People just got used to her and laughed it off. They let her go have her picture made and Princess was happy. I talked to the trainer, never the owner Princess Kawananakoa, after one race and said, "Well, it was a shame to break her winning streak, but the last race was only by a nose."<br /><br />"Yep, but second place is first loser. You still lost."<br /><br />I dropped out of a rodeo queen contest once because the rodeo committee decided they would award it to whichever girl sold the most tickets. So, would first place have meant anything in that contest? Not to me.<br /><br />Perspective, I guess.<br /><br /><b>Sherry</b> "And, yes, I'll query the queen even though it's not her thing, middle grade Mystery Thriller"<br /><br />I've thought about this a lot. I'm not sure if I will query QOTKU with Rain Crow. I don't think it will be her thing. I know Far Rider isn't and I will revisit it one day. I know Cowgirls is. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw5M-4Fo2wE" rel="nofollow">This is me whining when I think about writing a query.</a><br /><br />Julie Weathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13725236516593676381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74985625958561543612017-09-28T13:52:11.562-04:002017-09-28T13:52:11.562-04:00EM - If your novel can make somebody cry, you can ...EM - If your novel can make somebody cry, you can write a kick-ass query. What a great affirmation that must have been!<br /><br />Donna - going to order Bittersweet tonight, even though it won't arrive until December. I am going to need something good when I get through A HANDMAID'S TALE. Can't believe I've never read it - it is spine-chilling. It's humbling to think that anyone can write that beautifully!<br /><br />Cheers, Reiders! It is inspiring the amount of support that resides here!Timothy Lowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07514224628760035696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78983091528539071782017-09-28T13:11:56.823-04:002017-09-28T13:11:56.823-04:00EM, don't use a howler. Have your owl deliver ...<b>EM</b>, don't use a howler. Have your owl deliver the query by Owl Post.<br /><br />When I was querying I said that I should have my irresistible dog visit Manhattan agencies with a red wagon containing my manuscript. No one could say no to that face. :-)Barbara Etlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07190731838738606727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-24938123115103858982017-09-28T12:56:32.256-04:002017-09-28T12:56:32.256-04:00I definitely remember Elise's winning Flash Fi...I definitely remember <b>Elise's</b> winning Flash Fiction entry. <br /><br />I also remember the query used on Query Shark as an example of how to break the rules and end up a BIG winner, for a story called Premeditated, by Josin McQuein. Yep. Remember them both. VERY WELL.<br /><br />And thanks for that shout out about the ARC <b>Elise!</b> Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-41951871090522412162017-09-28T11:11:51.143-04:002017-09-28T11:11:51.143-04:00E.M. Goldsmith Oh, you're right, blog promine...<b>E.M. Goldsmith</b> Oh, you're right, blog prominence is a great idea!<br /><br /><b>Colin</b> now that's a teensy bit disingenuous.....I <i>start</i> lots of stories but it takes longer than a query letter to finish them! Maybe an episode of Murder: She Wrote? ;)Jennifer R. Donohuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00363886899308588391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-56293764433116654802017-09-28T10:02:23.588-04:002017-09-28T10:02:23.588-04:00Elise: Isn't it sad that the best queries I...<b>Elise</b>: Isn't it sad that the best queries I've written have been for novels that don't exist? But given the creativity in this place, I think Janet would be hard pressed to pick just five. I do think, however, that such a contest would be a good exercise for learning how to write a query. It forces you to think in terms of the protagonist, what s/he wants, what's stopping him/her, and what the stakes are.Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70063198063539999372017-09-28T09:54:41.975-04:002017-09-28T09:54:41.975-04:00Jennifer: If I were you, I would just say, "M...<b>Jennifer</b>: If I were you, I would just say, "My name's Jennifer Donohue, and I wrote three short stories just now, while you were opening my query. And by the time you've finished reading it, I'll have written three more. If you publish my story, I'll mention you in my Hugo acceptance speech." :)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54377620862446045782017-09-28T09:54:15.822-04:002017-09-28T09:54:15.822-04:00Jennifer That sure seems like a big deal. Make sur...<b>Jennifer</b> That sure seems like a big deal. Make sure it is prominently featured on your blog/website so when agent checks it out (because you put it in signature of your query letter), they will see it. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-57769448026144722262017-09-28T09:51:25.188-04:002017-09-28T09:51:25.188-04:00Colin You would win that contest by a mile. But it...<b>Colin</b> You would win that contest by a mile. But it sure would be funny to see what you could do with that 350k word Vegan Dino-porn book you been peddling in Carkoon. I hear Kale Leaf Literary already anticipates an auction for it and so are busy trying to have you back in Carkoon. There be Lima beans to be made. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69943300166615817972017-09-28T09:46:01.819-04:002017-09-28T09:46:01.819-04:00I've wondered about this, though not for novel...I've wondered about this, though not for novel queries, for cover letters on story submissions. Granted, the importance of cover letters varies by market, editor, etc. But, I entered one of my short stories in the (free!) Baen Fantasy Adventure Award this year and was a finalist. (I also have déjà vu so maybe I already mentioned/asked this here and if I did I'm sorry!) The story was ultimately not a winner, but I'm still listed on their site, in Locus, etc. as a finalist and have wondered if I should mention that. Or if it doesn't matter?<br /><br />Also, (and again I'm so sorry if I've already said it, my memory sometimes...) my story "Daddy's Girl" that was published this summer in Syntax & Salt, is on the Nebula Reading List. The nominations aren't for awhile and the reading list doesn't ultimately "mean" anything....but it sure feels like it does!Jennifer R. Donohuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00363886899308588391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49535799934629997782017-09-28T09:43:51.317-04:002017-09-28T09:43:51.317-04:00Mmm... Might it be fun to have a fake query contes...Mmm... Might it be fun to have a fake query contest? We all write 250-word queries for made-up novels. Janet would then pick the top 5 and tell us why these queries stand out. And of course she would pick a winner, who would then have to write the novel... hahahaha!!! ;)<br /><br />Should I pack for Carkoon now? Actually I never really unpacked from the last exile... can never be certain when the fickle fin of fate will send me on my way again... *sigh*...Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.com