What I am talking about today shouldn't come as any surprise to you, and yet, I find it interesting that too many writers fail to do this when writing their query letters. They simply fail to show me how you meet my guidelines.
When you are applying for a job and writing a cover letter, developing your resume or even participating in an interview, it is always crucial to show that future employer how you are perfect for the job. You take the time to highlight specific things you have done in your prior jobs, specific education that you have and what not. Remember, you don't just simply say you did it, but you show that employer results from that prior work. The same goes for query letters.
The majority of editors and agents have pretty clear guidelines of what they are looking for in their submissions. This is not just "I want a query letter, and first three chapters." What I am talking about here would be the components and characteristics of stories they like or don't like. For example, one agent states "I love super sexy and intelligent romance novels." So, the odds are, if you are writing sweet simple stories, this might not be the place for you. But, it also means that if you do write this type of story, you have to SHOW the agent how your story explicitly does this.
Let's try an editor now.
Harlequin Presents is the last word in sensual and emotional excitement. Readers are whisked away to exclusive jet-set locations to experience smouldering intensity and red-hot desire.
At the heart of your novel there must be two memorable and engaging characters who leap from the page but who remain credible, no matter what their situation. When the hero strides into the story he's a powerful, ruthless man who knows exactly what—and who—he wants and he isn't used to taking no for an answer! Yet he has depth and integrity, and he will do anything to make the heroine his. Though she may be shy and vulnerable, she's also plucky and determined to challenge his arrogant pursuit.
Harlequin Presents explores emotional themes that are universal. These should be played out as part of highly-charged conflicts that are underpinned by blistering sexual anticipation and released as passionate lovemaking. However, Presents is not the home of purple prose, cliché or melodrama; we want to see writing that offers unique perspectives and bursts with originality.
A Harlequin Presents is more than just a book; it's an experience, an everyday luxury. Let the pleasure and passion envelop you as you take a ride in the fast lane of romance!
As you look at this, there are several things that have to be stressed in your query (and hopefully your story does this too!) Look at the characters...
When the hero strides into the story he's a powerful, ruthless man who knows exactly what—and who—he wants and he isn't used to taking no for an answer! Yet he has depth and integrity, and he will do anything to make the heroine his. Though she may be shy and vulnerable, she's also plucky and determined to challenge his arrogant pursuit. SHOW US HOW THEY DO THIS!!!
Look, query letters are not some stupid activity that you blow off just to fill in a blank until we read your story. This is sales. Make me want to read your story and make me see how your story fits what I want.
Scott
Query letters and cover letters for job searches are both sales pitches, and the only way to be truly effective is to present yourself as selling what the audience (whether it's an editor or a hiring committee) is seeking. You may think it's important to mention factor X, Y, and Z, and maybe those will help, but not if you neglect to mention how you fulfill factor A, the one they flat-out say they require. Those kinds of explicit desires are blessings, and it's worth tweaking your letter to show you meet them.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Scott and Kristin. Thanks for the reminders. Even when we think we've done what we're supposed to, this kind of solid example really makes an impact. At the very least, it's an incentive to go back and really look at the query letter and see if it does what we want it to do. That's what I love about this job of writing, it's both creative AND technical, and ties in beautifully with my sales background. :)
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