Start time: 9:43pm
Starting number of queries: 36
The really easy and fast ones:
Word count so off base it didn't make it into the TBR folder: 3
Duplicate query of one already received/responded: 1
Instant rejection-fiction novel: 2
all of those took about a minute total
These were also easy but I read them before knowing they were auto-rejections:
Books I don't take on-previously published, sex abuse, etc.: 3
The ones I actually read:
Derivative ideas/concepts: 1
Jarring juxtaposition of gruesome plot and sprightly diction: 1
No interest in reading this book: 4
(the definitive "not right for me")
Bad writing: 4
Not compelling: 6
No clue what the book is about after reading the query: 6
Misc (reasons too specific to the query to blog about): 2
And the good news:
Queries set aside for further reading: 1
Queries pending answer to a question: 1
And the really good news:
Fulls requested: 1
Finish time including writing this blog post: 10:29pm
You'll notice the pattern emerging here, right?
I do a bunch of them all at one time.
I'm reading pretty quickly.
You have to catch my attention in the query letter.
You have to know the parameters: word count, fiction novel etc.
And it really really helps if you actually tell me what the book is about.
Forgive me if I missed something, but why do you do queries so late in the day? I'm brain-dead by 9pm (yes I am posting at 9:55, go figure) and am amazed at your ability to even summon up a reaction to other people's Great Ideas at this hour.
ReplyDelete"And it really really helps if you actually tell me what the book is about." Damn! I knew there was a catch!
ReplyDeleteI did a little digging after reading around a few of the agent blogs and thought about trying to write an adult novel. It quickly turned into a YA contemporary fantasy. I think it's safe to say that I will never add to your email delight. Reality, for me, just bites.
ReplyDeleteJane, I'm a night owl. You won't catch me doing queries at 9am: I'm snoozing. I'm lucky to start working a the crack of noon. 11pm for me is essentially late afternoon.
ReplyDeleteTerrific insight. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteYay for whoever got their full requested :).
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thanks for the insight of query reading. It's nice to see the reasons you reject, as well as your entire process. Since I'm a Young Adult writer, I won't be querying you, but I love your blog. If I wrote another genre you'd be on the top of my list.
ReplyDeleteThis stuff is the mutt's nuts...Maybe I'm a little too in love with stats...any chance of a genre breakdown too???....
ReplyDelete....don't ask don't get....haha
Just to clarify, guys: Janet reps me, and I write YA. If you have a good project, don't write her off. :)
ReplyDelete(not that she needs more queries, probably, but ya know...)
6 no clues what the book is about after reading the query = sad. So very, very sad.
ReplyDeleteThat's like opening a dictionary and finding a word, but no description.
Reading your blog, I can't help but wish you represented horror.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these stats. They are very informative.
I can't wait to query you. I write women's fiction. My novel is finished and I'm in the editing phase. Before I query, I'll polish and polish, Oh Great One (Shark, I mean).
ReplyDeleteLove your no-nonsense, bad ass attitude. I can take it. I was a single mom for 16 years so I can do anything.