Agents and Query Letters

Based on feedback from the Backspace Conference, here are some do's and don'ts on writing query letters:

DID NOT LIKE:

• word counts over 100,000 words
• too wordy, too much detail - get to the point
• using any cliches
• using language that is too flowery, too metaphorical for a query, "over-written"
• storyline simply does not make sense
• weak, useless adjectives, like "she was beautiful"
• including personal info that is not in any way relevant
• stories that are mostly flashbacks
• bizarre, non-traditional format, like a press release style

LIKED:

• word counts from 80,000 - 99,000
• show the conflict that drives the story
• introduce main characters in a way that is brief but that makes them interesting

When reading my query for CROSSING THE WILDERNESS, the two agents stopped me and praised my letter, saying I should send them the entire manuscript.  It was quite a thrill, to say the least!