Here are some things I read today that discouraged me from taking the query seriously:
1. A title page with "first draft/unedited."
2. A note at the bottom of the cover page that told me I'd be subject to fines if I copied or stored the material electronically.
3. The author mentioned he is the relative of a famous author.
4. A disc with the manuscript (unsolicited).
5. Single spaced, right justified manuscript pages
Quote:
ReplyDelete"There was no return address, it was poorly written, poorly addressed to the university, there were misspellings," said Vicki Woodard, a university spokeswoman. "There was some tape over it. Just the overall appearance was rather strange."
**Couldn't resist opening the duct-taped package? (grin)
Are you serious about #1?
ReplyDeleteEverything else I can understand. I wouldn't do it, but I can imagine what would lead someone to do those things.
Specifically pointing out you haven't bothered to edit your work, however--this I cannot understand.
Well...yeah. An agent's job is to edit. So, what's wrong with sending in something unedited?
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, it's like:
Painting your house before the painters arrive.
Bringing your own food to a restaurant.
Having sex with your husband before meeting your date.
See what I'm saying?
If this were a sitcom, there'd be a hard cut to my bemused face right about now.
ReplyDeleteWere these all on one query or multiple? #2 was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteChurch Lady has marked your blog as a special place. Hope that's okay!
ReplyDelete;-)
No, no, no, no. Draft?? Too damn funny. Did anyone mention that Joe Hill NEVER said boo about his Dad when querying and on his entire journey to publication. OH you must have enjoyed that "I'll pass" VERY much.
ReplyDeleteThere go my plans to send you my latest. 50 point font, centered on the page, a column of words, one word per line. It's my 100,000 word opus.
ReplyDeleteI
ReplyDeleteGOT'S
YER
OPUS
RIIIIIIIIGHT
HERE
Hey, no fair. I think we got the same query.
ReplyDelete