Thread by @Megan_Manzano

Alright friends, since query structure dominated in this poll, this thread will be about what to put in your query!

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https://twitter.com/Megan_Manzano/status/1078311055338733569

First and foremost, please put the name of the agent you're querying to start. Not dear agent or dear person (yes, I've seen it).

If you're querying them via a contest or con, add a line about that in the beginning.

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So how do you start your query?

Don't sugarcoat it. Introduce your character immediately. Who are they? What makes them unique or sets them up for what's about to happen?

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Next - ask yourself what do they want? What's driving them forward before the inciting incident (ie what begins the plot/change in your MC's life?)

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Once you've established who your MC is and what they want, bring in the inciting incident. How does the beginning of your plot impede on their life and their desires?

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Explain briefly how your MC handles this change.

Does it lead to a journey? Do they have to confront their beliefs? Are they fighting someone/something?

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To close the query, leave us with your stakes. If your MC doesn't do (blank), then (blank) will happen or they'll have to choose between (blank).

This leaves a question in an agent's mind and hooks them into reading.

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Protip: Don't give away the ending in your query!!!

The full ending would go in the synopsis.

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After the stakes, your query should include:

1. Word Count
2. Genre/Audience
3. Comp Titles
4. Any other info about your story agents should know. (Multi-pov, perhaps a unique narrative structure etc.)

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Lastly, include a small paragraph about yourself. Who you are, maybe a fun hobby, any writing credentials. (It's totally okay if you don't have the latter).

And then you're done!

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Keep in mind while writing your query that:

1. It should only be a page.

2. It should not give away your ending or go into the full plot. That's they synopsis.

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I know a lot of writers will be querying in the new year so RTs/boosts are appreciated.

And to all those querying, I'm rooting for you!

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