Dear writers,

One of the most frustrating parts of my job is not being able to answer the question, "but WHY did you reject my query letter?"

In general, I feel like our process is a good one. I read 100-150 query letters a day (takes me about an hour or two every day, including weekends). I request fewer than 10 sample pages each day out of the batch. Each of those writers receives a standard form from me which basically says, "Your query letter is intriguing, please submit the first 30 pages of your work." But, what happens to all the ones on whose work we pass? They receive a standard rejection letter. Our letter reads, in short, "Thank you for submitting to our agency, but this project is not right for us."

Frequently, a writer will respond to my rejection email and ask, "Can you give me any feedback?" or "What specifically would you like to see in my work?" or something like that. Unfortunately, I don't have time to respond to these emails, nor do I have time to write up critiques on the query letter itself. And, I admit, this does frustrate me. I wish the process were more human. I wish I had time to formulate thoughts for each submission. From a business perspective though, our time and energy needs to be focused on selling and promoting the books of the clients that we have already signed. If a work doesn't fit within our parameters, then it doesn't make sense (again as a business) to invest time with it.

So, here are some tips on where to go to get critiques of your work. Since I can't do it myself, hopefully these resources can help. It's my way of adding what humanity I can to this very difficult and overwhelming process. Best wishes to all of you!!!

1) Getting a critique of your manuscript can be challenging. Try:
- local writers groups
- writing conferences (like the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference here in Colorado)
- local chapters of big writers organizations (like Romance Writers of America)
- agents will often donate a free critique to charities - donate to a charity and win a critique (like the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction every year)
- submit your manuscript to writing contests that are being judged by agents or editors (these frequently come with critique pages)

2) Getting a critique of your query letter is a bit easier as it is shorter and requires a shorter time investment by the reader
- review evileditor.blogspot.com (a blog where an editor tears apart query letters and shows writers how to make them stronger)
- www.writers.net (great overall help for new and experienced writers)
- read Kristin's query letter help at pubrants.blogspot.com
- hold your query letter up next to the back cover of a book. That's how it should read. Does it?

Posted by: Sara Megibow

Dear writers,

I just got back from attending the Central Ohio Fiction Writers Conference. I must say—it was one of the best organized and most enjoyable conferences I have ever attended! Well done COFW!!

Here are some tips for getting the most out of a conference:

1) Work up a one sentence pitch for your manuscript. That way when someone asks you, "what are you working on" you can respond quickly. This is what I'm thinking—something along the lines of, "A 100,000 word regency romance about an honorable duke bringing his mother home to care for her in her sickness, and the lovely country nurse who moves in with her." Or, "A 75,000 word edgy young adult manuscript about a military brat starting off her senior year of high school in yet another new town and the surprising bunch of rejects who befriend her." Write it up, make it short and practice reciting it aloud.

2) Attend as much of the conference as possible. I was excited about the quality of presentations all weekend in Ohio. Even if a writer attended without a finished manuscript to pitch he or she would have learned a LOT just by attending the workshops.

3) If you do have a finished manuscript, then try to attend a pitch session with an agent. Please remember that it's not much help if the manuscript isn't finished yet. Also, it will be most beneficial to you if you pitch to an agent who represents the genre of work that you write.

4) Relax. Especially during those pitch sessions. We know you are nervous—it's okay. Take a deep breath and go for it!

5) Finally..some tools—bring business cards—I received several of them and it helped me remember who was who. Always have a pad of paper and pen or a laptop or some way of writing notes. Have access to your query letter and manuscript—workshops may be available in which you can polish your work.
 
Conferences are a great learning tool for writers—I highly recommend them! Enjoy and have fun!

Posted by: Sara Megibow