Some say we should begin our queries with a straightforward this-is-what-my-story-is-about. Others advise that we open by telling the agent (or editor) why we have addressed the query to them in particular. If we decide to personalize our query, what's the best way to do so, without crossing the line of professionalism?
Four literary agents weigh in on the subject.
Suzie Townsend |  (C) Tami Traylor |
Personalize it or get to the story's point?
I don't mind a line or two of personalization, but I definitely want to get right into the story quickly. I know what I'm looking for. I want to hear about the character and their conflict--that's what's going to make me decide whether to keep reading or not.
How to personalize?
I definitely love getting a line or two about the author in their bio--even if it's just something personal and not related to writing accomplishments. And I'm a big fan of comp titles. I love to read, and when a writer and I have favorite books in common that makes me think we could be a good match.
Perfectly personal
I love the books and authors I represent and I never get tired of hearing someone else say so too, especially if they mention loving a book that's similar to theirs. If an author is querying a YA Historical for instance and they mention that they loved A Death-Struck Year, that is a good sign I might like this project too.
Too personal, people!
Someone told me once that they lived only a few streets away from my apartment which was creepy. It's never a good sign when someone tells me that they really like my picture on our website or that my smile "looks chipper." A certain amount of professionalism should start the agent-author relationship in a query.
I don't mind a line or two of personalization, but I definitely want to get right into the story quickly. I know what I'm looking for. I want to hear about the character and their conflict--that's what's going to make me decide whether to keep reading or not.
How to personalize?
I definitely love getting a line or two about the author in their bio--even if it's just something personal and not related to writing accomplishments. And I'm a big fan of comp titles. I love to read, and when a writer and I have favorite books in common that makes me think we could be a good match.
Perfectly personal
I love the books and authors I represent and I never get tired of hearing someone else say so too, especially if they mention loving a book that's similar to theirs. If an author is querying a YA Historical for instance and they mention that they loved A Death-Struck Year, that is a good sign I might like this project too.
Too personal, people!
Someone told me once that they lived only a few streets away from my apartment which was creepy. It's never a good sign when someone tells me that they really like my picture on our website or that my smile "looks chipper." A certain amount of professionalism should start the agent-author relationship in a query.
Suzie Townsend has been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012. Suzie represents all brands of children’s and adult fiction. On the children’s side, she particularly loves YA and MG, those with strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres. She’s always looking for unique voices in stories. Suzie can be found online HERE and Tweeting @sztownsend81.
Uwe Stender |  (C) Tami Traylor |
Personalize it or get to the story's point?
I prefer the straightforward approach, unless the writer actually knows me. For instance, if they met me at a conference, interacted with me on Twitter, etc., I want to know that.
How to personalize?
This may be a good example for personalization to lead into a query:
Hi Uwe,
I was inspired at the conference to pick up your client's book, SONG OF SUMMER. I’m on vacation right now, and just wanted to let you know I just finished it. It was wonderful. I couldn’t put it down, and have the sunburn to prove it. It really swept me away!
So yeah, if a writer says they read something one of my client's wrote and honestly loved it, that is something I'd enjoy hearing.
Too personal, people!
If someone does not know me and tells me things about myself that they would only know if they extensively googled me beyond a professional level, then I might feel that the writer kind of stalked me, which may creep me out. It all depends though. It is one of those "I get that weird feeling when I read it" kind of thing.
I prefer the straightforward approach, unless the writer actually knows me. For instance, if they met me at a conference, interacted with me on Twitter, etc., I want to know that.
How to personalize?
This may be a good example for personalization to lead into a query:
Hi Uwe,
I was inspired at the conference to pick up your client's book, SONG OF SUMMER. I’m on vacation right now, and just wanted to let you know I just finished it. It was wonderful. I couldn’t put it down, and have the sunburn to prove it. It really swept me away!
So yeah, if a writer says they read something one of my client's wrote and honestly loved it, that is something I'd enjoy hearing.
Too personal, people!
If someone does not know me and tells me things about myself that they would only know if they extensively googled me beyond a professional level, then I might feel that the writer kind of stalked me, which may creep me out. It all depends though. It is one of those "I get that weird feeling when I read it" kind of thing.
 | Dr. Uwe Stender is a full member of AAR and is the founder of Triada US Literary Agency. Uwe is interested in all kinds of commercial fiction, especially young-adult, middle-grade, mysteries, and women's fiction. He is also interested in all kinds of non-fiction projects. Surprise him! His tastes are eclectic, and he may just love what you wrote! His favorite five novels are: Eleanor And Park, How It Went Down, Code Name Verity, High Fidelity, and The Big Sleep. He can be found online HERE and on Twitter @UweStenderPhD. |
Kate Testerman |  (C) Tami Traylor |
Personalize it or get to the story's point?
I definitely like for writers to personalize their queries to me. It shows me that they're not just randomly picking names of agents out of a hat to query, but that they've chosen me for some specific reason. And I love knowing what that reason is!
How to personalize?
I'd love to know why a writer is querying me. Is it because of something I said on my blog/Twitter/Tumblr, or in person at a conference? A client's book they read and loved? Tell me why you want ME to read your book, not just any agent.
Perfectly-personal example, please.
Keep it simple, like:
I loved ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, and I hope you enjoy my boarding school story, X. Or I follow Maureen Johnson on Twitter, and I hope my novel about people in jars will likewise entertain you.
With a precautionary pause
Be wary of just randomly naming clients from my list and blindly praising them. If you're a client's critique partner, great, please say so. But be warned, if you say, "I love your client's [unpublished] book, and I hope you like this just as much!" I immediately doubt that you've actually done any research on me or my list.
Too personal, people!
Comments about pictures I post publicly of my kids maybe fine, but you saying you followed me into Target the other day--that is a little scary.
I definitely like for writers to personalize their queries to me. It shows me that they're not just randomly picking names of agents out of a hat to query, but that they've chosen me for some specific reason. And I love knowing what that reason is!
How to personalize?
I'd love to know why a writer is querying me. Is it because of something I said on my blog/Twitter/Tumblr, or in person at a conference? A client's book they read and loved? Tell me why you want ME to read your book, not just any agent.
Perfectly-personal example, please.
Keep it simple, like:
I loved ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, and I hope you enjoy my boarding school story, X. Or I follow Maureen Johnson on Twitter, and I hope my novel about people in jars will likewise entertain you.
With a precautionary pause
Be wary of just randomly naming clients from my list and blindly praising them. If you're a client's critique partner, great, please say so. But be warned, if you say, "I love your client's [unpublished] book, and I hope you like this just as much!" I immediately doubt that you've actually done any research on me or my list.
Too personal, people!
Comments about pictures I post publicly of my kids maybe fine, but you saying you followed me into Target the other day--that is a little scary.
 Photo Credit: Nyen Designs | Kate Testerman moved to Colorado and formed her own agency, kt literary, in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle-grade and young-adult fiction. Kate enjoys all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism. Kate's literary interests include contemporary drama, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. Kate is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR. She can be found online HERE and Tweeting @DaphneUn |
Seth Fishman |  (C) Tami Traylor |
Personalize it or get to the story's point?
Personally, I think the query letter should be concise, easy-to-read, and yes, personalized. I actually focus way more on the first and third paragraphs (Note, there should only be three paragraphs), the introduction (which should be personalized to connect to me) and the bio (which tells me about you). Most writers have a hard time doing synopses of their books so I give them the benefit of the doubt.
How to personalize?
At the very least mention this interview. (Smile.) Make sure you spell names correctly. Otherwise, it is good advice to find agents by looking in the acknowledgements in books you like or that compare to the one you are writing and contact that agent, referencing the book (which is personalizing it).
Personal & true.
If a writer drops mention of a book I've represented, I'd like to know they've legitimately read it. That said, be sure if you reference a client's book as "great" it's already been published. Otherwise, I can see through the comparison. If I'm honest, even then I'll give the querier a break, as it still means they did some research. But if a writer says my client Kate Beaton recommended them, I'll find out very quickly if it's untrue, and I'll toss the pages without reading.
Personal pictures?
There is NO need for you to send pictures of yourself.
Personally, I think the query letter should be concise, easy-to-read, and yes, personalized. I actually focus way more on the first and third paragraphs (Note, there should only be three paragraphs), the introduction (which should be personalized to connect to me) and the bio (which tells me about you). Most writers have a hard time doing synopses of their books so I give them the benefit of the doubt.
How to personalize?
At the very least mention this interview. (Smile.) Make sure you spell names correctly. Otherwise, it is good advice to find agents by looking in the acknowledgements in books you like or that compare to the one you are writing and contact that agent, referencing the book (which is personalizing it).
Personal & true.
If a writer drops mention of a book I've represented, I'd like to know they've legitimately read it. That said, be sure if you reference a client's book as "great" it's already been published. Otherwise, I can see through the comparison. If I'm honest, even then I'll give the querier a break, as it still means they did some research. But if a writer says my client Kate Beaton recommended them, I'll find out very quickly if it's untrue, and I'll toss the pages without reading.
Personal pictures?
There is NO need for you to send pictures of yourself.
 | Seth Fishman joined The Gernert Company in 2010, Born in Midland, Texas, he graduated from Princeton University and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. His literary interests are wide-ranging, but in particular he's looking for the new voice, the original idea, the entirely breathtaking creative angle in both fiction and nonfiction. Seth lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son, and is the author of two YA novels and three forthcoming picture books. He can be found at sethasfishman.com and Tweeting @sethasfishman. |
