Query letters...

Thought for today - "All things are difficult before they are easy." John Norley

Query letters. They strike fear in the hearts of many writers. And probably most agents and editors.

Just once, I would like to write a very candid, what's really in my heart letter. It would go something like this:

"Dear person that I've never met (or only met for 30 seconds in the bathroom at a conference):

"Please buy my book. I love writing and want to make money at it. I don't want to work part-time somewhere else to pay the bills. Please buy my book. I want to write.

"It's a great story, even my mother thinks so (except pages 137 through 151, but she still thinks of me as her child and too young for sex, so what can I expect). That said, I admit it's not a perfect story, but gee, whizz, does anyone ever get it perfect on the first try? Please buy my book. I will make whatever changes you want to see (or at least I think I will, as long as it's still my story when we're done).

"I was published in my high school yearbook. It was a very sensitive haiku. I am quite proud of it and this follow-up story will take my writing career to the next level. Please buy my book.

"Thank you for making time to read my full manuscript. I apologize for the last few pages being in colored ink; I ran out of black but really wanted to get this in the mail as soon as possible. I was desperate. Please, please buy my book.

"I look forward to your call to discuss contract terms."

Well, OK, maybe there is a reason we don't send such an informal, pouring out of our feelings. Writing, and selling books is a business, isn't it? So, a business letter it will be. No mention of my mother. No begging to please buy the book (they know that because I sent the letter, right?). A few points about the actual story told, maybe even the length or genre.

And always, a sincere thank you for making time to actually read at least the query letter.

Carpe diem,
Kellie