Is there a certain length of time after which lack of reply means rejection? Apologies if you have posted this information somewhere, but I looked in what I thought were the obvious places and didn't see it.
My intention is to get back to all queries. I hope to do that in a timely fashion, but it will likely be more than 12 weeks. I wouldn't say assume it's a no after that, it's just that my timing can be unpredictable. I'm so sorry that this is not more regimented. I know it's not convenient for queries.
I wish more agents used Query Manager. I think the hardest part of an already hard process is having to send queries via email when the agent doesn't have a bounce back set up so there's no acknowledgement of receipt and only responds if there's interest. Obviously no one has time to respond to everyone, but it's very very easy to set up a submissions email account that at least lets you know your work has been received. It's very mentally draining to send email after email off into a void.
Hi Kate. Before I send a query, re: SFF novellas, if a portion of the text has been previously published with "first rights" retained by the press (a short story) but the text has since been altered, is that something you'd still be willing to work with? thanks!
If I have two non-fiction books I’d like to write, for slightly different audiences, is this a case of “send the one you feel most strongly about” or “send the one with the stronger platform” or “send both; I’m sure I won’t be overwhelmed or anything…”?
Only you know. Platform matters a lot in non-fiction, so that might be a way to go. But there's no way for me (or anyone) to tell which will work first. I would not send both, as most agents prefer you only send one book at a time. You can query both books to different sets of agents and in the best possible scenario you may have two offers. But you don't really want two agents unless both books are wildly different and this may end of needlessly complicated. Or--you get one offer for the one that's fated to work. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ So pick one, I think. But you get to pick. There's no wrong answer.
Hi, Kate! I scrolled through the comments to see if you answered this, but I haven't seen it: Do you have a hard and fast rule about not considering folks who submitted to the 50 Queries club? I think my project (which you were kind enough to look over a couple of years ago, and has changed quite a bit since then) might be something you're interested in, but I wanted to be double-sure before sending it in.
After reading your reply to another commenter about it not being a short window, I think I'm just early. I keep refreshing the QM page like a madwoman, but I'll check back later.
Absolutely 100% yes. I am not looking for diamonds in the rough. It doesn't have to be perfect or printer-ready (no books are) but if should be as edited and polished as you can make it. (Professional editing is not required.)
Sure! A query letter and the first 30 pages or book proposal. There will be a space to leave a synopsis if you want but it will not be required. (And I really mean it. I don't care if you leave a synopsis, but you can if you want.)
I have a historical fiction with plenty of drama and even a couple of murders. I was almost ready to self-pub (even have a cover ready) but maybe I'll send it and see what you think. Any idea how long you might take to accept/decline? Cheeky, I know, but I had to ask.
Is there a certain length of time after which lack of reply means rejection? Apologies if you have posted this information somewhere, but I looked in what I thought were the obvious places and didn't see it.
My intention is to get back to all queries. I hope to do that in a timely fashion, but it will likely be more than 12 weeks. I wouldn't say assume it's a no after that, it's just that my timing can be unpredictable. I'm so sorry that this is not more regimented. I know it's not convenient for queries.
Thank you for the info!
I wish more agents used Query Manager. I think the hardest part of an already hard process is having to send queries via email when the agent doesn't have a bounce back set up so there's no acknowledgement of receipt and only responds if there's interest. Obviously no one has time to respond to everyone, but it's very very easy to set up a submissions email account that at least lets you know your work has been received. It's very mentally draining to send email after email off into a void.
Hi Kate. Before I send a query, re: SFF novellas, if a portion of the text has been previously published with "first rights" retained by the press (a short story) but the text has since been altered, is that something you'd still be willing to work with? thanks!
This is usually fine. Send away!
If I have two non-fiction books I’d like to write, for slightly different audiences, is this a case of “send the one you feel most strongly about” or “send the one with the stronger platform” or “send both; I’m sure I won’t be overwhelmed or anything…”?
Only you know. Platform matters a lot in non-fiction, so that might be a way to go. But there's no way for me (or anyone) to tell which will work first. I would not send both, as most agents prefer you only send one book at a time. You can query both books to different sets of agents and in the best possible scenario you may have two offers. But you don't really want two agents unless both books are wildly different and this may end of needlessly complicated. Or--you get one offer for the one that's fated to work. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ So pick one, I think. But you get to pick. There's no wrong answer.
Hi, Kate! I scrolled through the comments to see if you answered this, but I haven't seen it: Do you have a hard and fast rule about not considering folks who submitted to the 50 Queries club? I think my project (which you were kind enough to look over a couple of years ago, and has changed quite a bit since then) might be something you're interested in, but I wanted to be double-sure before sending it in.
No rule at all! You're welcome to query with that.
Sorry friends! I thought it would automatically open! I think I clicked the right button. Query away!
Ha, I keep refreshing the page at QT waiting for Kate's portal to open. This is like trying to buy Taylor Swift tix!
Should be open now!
Noop.
Although it DOES say, "Open to queries by email?"
There it is...working now.
Thank you!
I've been preparing my query package for you for weeks, I hope I didn't already miss the window! Maybe I'm just early?
After reading your reply to another commenter about it not being a short window, I think I'm just early. I keep refreshing the QM page like a madwoman, but I'll check back later.
Should be open now!
Thank you and sorry for panicking! This is my first time ever sending out a query letter.
I'd love to submit, but my manuscript's currently in the hands of an editor. May I ask how long you plan to be open?
That's ok! I don't have a plan to close right now. I don't see this as being a short reopening window.
Thank you that's great news!
Thanks for this Kate! Question...should our books be edited and polished before sending them through the query manager? Thanks!
Absolutely 100% yes. I am not looking for diamonds in the rough. It doesn't have to be perfect or printer-ready (no books are) but if should be as edited and polished as you can make it. (Professional editing is not required.)
Perfect! Thank you for this! I will continue working and get with you when I have it “ready.”
Alright, back on the horse for me! 🤠
Hi, Kate. Can you say just a bit about what you will be asking for in a query?
Sure! A query letter and the first 30 pages or book proposal. There will be a space to leave a synopsis if you want but it will not be required. (And I really mean it. I don't care if you leave a synopsis, but you can if you want.)
Boy, are you gonna get slammed! Gird your loins...
Serialized... https://open.substack.com/pub/jmatsonheininger/p/a-builders-tale?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=16lm0
I have a historical fiction with plenty of drama and even a couple of murders. I was almost ready to self-pub (even have a cover ready) but maybe I'll send it and see what you think. Any idea how long you might take to accept/decline? Cheeky, I know, but I had to ask.
An honestly question. My honest answer is fast as I can, longer than you want.
Haha. Exactly what I would have expected.
Oh my goodness, I am HONORED to be on your Bookshop list, holy crap! Also, I'm so excited for your own book!
This made my day~~~~and my book would definitely sit next to Practical Magic on a shelf~Thanks, Kate!