Things to do before You Query
/Writing and publishing are a business, and you need to do some research before you send out queries to agents and publishers. Here are some things you may want to consider.
Agents
Is this agent accepting queries at this time? If not, it will be a quick “no.”
Does the agent represent your genre?
What has the agent sold recently in your genre?
If there is more than one agent at the firm accepting queries, did you look to see who closely matches your project?
Did you follow all the submission requirements and instructions? Don’t get eliminated on a technicality.
Publishers
Does this firm accept unagented queries?
Did you follow all the submission instructions?
Does this firm publish your genre?
Does this firm already have a book that is similar to yours? They may not want another one.
How many books do they publish a year?
Does your manuscript meet the word count and other genre standards?
Have you talked to anyone published here for a recommendation?
Sometimes, you only get one shot with an agent or publisher. Make sure you’ve done all you can to make your query and your manuscript the best it can be.