Weary of the Query - Lean into the Screen

Many of us opined on writing the dreaded query letter with the perfectly penned pages of our manuscript somewhere in its body. I can only assume that literary agents have grown just as dismayed with the entire process. We craft compelling opening lines, include enticing details and personal tidbits, all leading up to a three-hundred-word, “Please love my story,” email. Literary Agents see inboxes filled with emails trying to “WOW” them. I   can only assume, again, that they are hoping that today is the day they find that one.

Hours are spent on both sides of the equation. I find this whole process odd and antiquated, mainly because we live in a time of instant gratification and immediate access to nearly any information we desire.  

I don’t understand why the entire process has not evolved. Imagine sending a literary agent an email with your name, genre, and a few short sentences about your book. If they’re interested, the agent or their assistant sets up a ten-minute video call.  During that call, everything that the query letter shared could be covered. But here is the advantage of the video call that no query letter can ever accomplish. Are you and the literary agent a good fit? Do your personalities allow you to work together?

I have sent query letters and met with agents in person. I can honestly say that I prefer face-to-face meetings with them. In just a few minutes, I can tell if I can work with someone, and I believe they do the same with me. 

Moving away from the query letter process will be challenging for many. However, in the long run, it creates a more personal experience. It saves time and money by avoiding multiple meetings that may ultimately show you're not a good fit for whatever reason.

Authors, imagine a world where you can speak freely about your project instead of squeezing it into three hundred words. Please don’t misunderstand me. You will still need to refine your presentation and research the agent you’re about to meet. This is by no means the easy way out. It might be quite the opposite. You truly have to bring your “A” game to the screen.

If you're a literary agent reading this blog, picture not having to read all those pages upfront or reading them only to find out the author you signed rejects any suggestions you give. This prevents you from sending rejection emails or having unproductive meetings later.

I hope I have made a convincing case for changing our current process. I believe that both literary agents and authors need to want it and actively push for it to happen. Please share your comments in the box provided. I look forward to reading them. ​