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Ok, so total filler episode.

ERW as the “queen” is so weak. Not believable at all as a vampire queen – definitely need someone like Aaliyah in “Queen of the Damned.” Now that was a vampire queen!

Sookie better open a large can of whop-ass in the finale in two weeks. And more Jason man-candy please!

True Blood Finale Air Date – 9/13/09

In your last couple paragraphs, you want to include where you see the market for your book, and what would be competing titles. Also include any media contacts you may help that could help in the marketing platform for your book. Lastly, include your education, previous publishing history/credentials (if any), and background, as well as any other pertinent information that shows how or why you are qualified to write your book. Do not lie or even stretch the truth. Trust will be a key factor between you and your eventual agent.

Finally in closing your last sentence and ending salutation should be:-

“I would be happy to submit sample chapters, the synopsis, and the full manuscript for your further consideration. I hope you will be interested in pursuing MANUSCRIPT NAME, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Your Name”

DO NOT forget to check for typos (teh instead of the) and spelling or grammatical errors – those will only make a prospective agent press the delete button. Have someone proofread it for you – I remember an essay I wrote that was missing an “it” – which literally took me 13 times of re-reading before I was able to locate it.

You must include the agent’s name – not “dear agency”, not “to whom it may concern” and definitely not “dear agent.” Also agents despise multiple submissions, especially ones that include (stupidly in my opinion) multiple agencies. Make your e-query tailored to one specific agent, as you would a snail mail letter. Start out with a line that grabs the agent’s attention immediately – it can be a hook about your story, or it can be as simple as “Would you be interested in my YA Urban Fantasy Novel – insert one line pitch here describing what your novel is about.”

Your next 2 paragraphs should be a short description of what your novel is about, like what you would see on a jacket flap or back cover of a book – setting, protagonist, conflict. I went to a bookstore and spent hours checking out the kind of summaries that caught my eye in my genre. Take notes on what you like best. You can also do this in Amazon Books if you don’t have time to go to an actual bookstore. Make it brain-catching – you want them to read more.

Remember this is your interview, the ten seconds that will make a prospective agent want to read YOUR book.

Seriously there are hundreds of sites with actual examples that can help you. If you are like me and previously unpublished, you need to write a query that will make your lack of publishing credentials fade into the white (of the paper that is). In many cases, your query will be an e-submission. A lot of agencies are going green these days. However, that DOES NOT mean that your letter should feel like an email. It should be professional. Make sure your subject line includes the genre and states clearly what your novel is about.

Your query is your one-shot interview, your audition, your foot in the door.

Join writing communities or go to writer’s conferences in your area – network, network, network! A warm entry/referral to an agent is always better than a “cold” query. Work up an awesome one liner pitch of your novel and be prepared to sell it in a 30 second time-slot with a prospective agent or editor. Attend panels or seminars – learn what agents are looking for. Talk to other authors. Meet booksellers. Meet, mingle, and NETWORK.

I went to the Backspace Writers Conference in NYC, and it was fantastic.

I will also most likely be attending Writer’s Digest Conference in NYC, 9/18-9/20.

So you’re ready for your next step. Get online and search the internet for agents in your genre – my favorite site was Agent Query which lets you search by genre, subject, or keyword. Check out published books in your genre and look in the acknowledgments – it will usually mention the agent.

Start compiling a list of prospective agents. I would start with a very general list that you can then trim by preference into three or four groups. Research each of the agents in as much detail as possible. Check out the Absolute Write water cooler – it’s a great place to get writer feedback on specific agents/agencies. Preditors & Editors is another great site that has information on agents and publishers. Writers Market also has a searchable database but you have to pay a fee to access it. I did it, but it isn’t 100% necessary to get what you need from other free sites. Publishers Marketplace is also another good place to do your research on specific agents or agencies. Last but not least, check out The Association of Authors’ Representatives. This site will list the legit agents who adhere to a specific canon of ethics.

Your final sheet should be should include agent name, agency, address, website, email address, submission preferences (email, hardcopy, synopsis, etc.), date query submitted, date response received, response or follow up requested.

Next step: Query Letter

First of all make sure that your novel is around 100,000 words. Publishers these days will not take on longer novels unless you’re J.K. Rowling. And agents – well that’s one of the first things they look for. Finally, even when you think it’s ready for submission to agents – edit, edit, edit. Don’t just depend on spellcheck – proofread yourself or have someone proofread it for you. Then do it again. And yet again. Oh yes, and one more time. Ok, now you’re ready. Next step – compile an agent list.