I set the request bar higher when I’m super busy (for some reason it always works out that my clients all tend to send me mss around the same time) and lower when things slow down. I personally read every query, but out of the 150 or so emails I get a week I probably only have the urge to continue on to reading the sample pages of about 10ish queries. I start at the bottom of the inbox (oldest first!) and work my way up. We have a separate email for submissions, so it doesn’t get mixed up in my regular agency correspondence. I try and do it once a week or every two weeks, because if I ignore it for longer not only does the sense of guilt start to gnaw at me, but it becomes an overwhelming monster of a task. How do you tackle your inbox? Do you go in order or jump around? But thoughtful, voice-y well-written queries in my genres? Yes, I read every word and the sample pages, too. If I didn’t, it would take more time than I have and I wouldn’t be able to be open to queries all the time. I read more of query letters for genres we represent, but I stop and either decline or just skim if it loses my interest/seems cliché/the writing is weak/the word count is insane etc. A lot of queries we get I can stop after the first few words-we don’t really do adult fiction anymore, and I don’t do picture or chapter books, so the moment I see that I can easily decline. It shows the writer is also a reader, which I find very important.ĭo you always read a query all the way through? If not, what would make you stop reading? I am also impressed with writers who have really good comparable books and/or super interesting “Think X meets Y”s.

Voice! Check out the query I got from Hélène Boudreau for REAL MERMAIDS DON’T WEAR TOE RINGS (available here) It has such an amazing voice. Now for Lauren’s insight on querying, signing with an agent, and going on submission! To connect with and learn more about Lauren. There will be an auto response on your submission. She responds to all queries, but in case of overload, after about eight weeks it can be considered a no. Lauren represents middle grade and young adult fiction.

Ever by Jessa Russo