{"version":"1.0.0","segments":[{"startTime":0.09,"endTime":0.69,"body":"Hey there."},{"startTime":0.72,"endTime":2.7,"body":"Before we dive into today's episode,"},{"startTime":2.7,"endTime":5.25,"body":"I wanted to share something super exciting with you."},{"startTime":5.34,"endTime":7.98,"body":"I have a brand new masterclass called the five little known"},{"startTime":7.98,"endTime":11.31,"body":"mistakes that most fiction writers make and what to do instead."},{"startTime":11.37,"endTime":13.59,"body":"And I'd like to invite you to sign up in this"},{"startTime":13.59,"endTime":16.59,"body":"masterclass. We're going to talk about the most common mistakes I"},{"startTime":16.59,"endTime":19.2,"body":"see writers make so that you can avoid them and write"},{"startTime":19.2,"endTime":21.66,"body":"your draft in the most efficient way possible."},{"startTime":21.72,"endTime":22.5,"body":"Now, of course,"},{"startTime":22.5,"endTime":24.3,"body":"we're all going to make some mistakes,"},{"startTime":24.3,"endTime":25.83,"body":"but fewer is always better,"},{"startTime":25.86,"endTime":28.32,"body":"right? So come join me for this masterclass."},{"startTime":28.32,"endTime":30.66,"body":"You can sign up@savannahguilbeau.com"},{"startTime":30.66,"endTime":32.19,"body":"forward slash masterclass."},{"startTime":32.25,"endTime":33.3,"body":"It's totally free."},{"startTime":33.3,"endTime":35.43,"body":"And there are a few different dates and times I'm going"},{"startTime":35.43,"endTime":37.08,"body":"to be going live with the class."},{"startTime":37.14,"endTime":38.28,"body":"It's going to be super fun."},{"startTime":38.28,"endTime":39.45,"body":"And I hope to see you there."},{"startTime":39.72,"endTime":40.8,"body":"The same thing goes for,"},{"startTime":40.8,"endTime":43.32,"body":"if you use something like the catcher in the rye,"},{"startTime":43.35,"endTime":45.57,"body":"as a comp title for your young adult novel,"},{"startTime":45.69,"endTime":48.48,"body":"that could be a red flag to agents or editors that"},{"startTime":48.48,"endTime":50.88,"body":"tells them that you might not have read a young adult"},{"startTime":50.88,"endTime":51.72,"body":"book in a really,"},{"startTime":51.72,"endTime":52.65,"body":"really long time."},{"startTime":52.95,"endTime":56.13,"body":"So the point here is that comp titles only work if"},{"startTime":56.13,"endTime":58.92,"body":"they're culturally relevant in the current marketplace."},{"startTime":58.95,"endTime":61.23,"body":"And if they are truly comparable to your book,"},{"startTime":61.5,"endTime":64.47,"body":"some agents even say that they prefer titles that are less"},{"startTime":64.47,"endTime":65.55,"body":"than five years old."},{"startTime":65.58,"endTime":67.86,"body":"And I think that's a great filter to put all your"},{"startTime":67.86,"endTime":69.39,"body":"possible comp titles through."},{"startTime":69.42,"endTime":70.59,"body":"So if it were me,"},{"startTime":70.59,"endTime":73.77,"body":"I would be looking at titles published within the last five"},{"startTime":73.77,"endTime":75.69,"body":"years to use as my comps,"},{"startTime":76.38,"endTime":77.49,"body":"welcome to the fiction."},{"startTime":77.49,"endTime":78.87,"body":"Writing made easy podcast."},{"startTime":79.29,"endTime":80.58,"body":"My name is Savannah Guilbeau,"},{"startTime":80.58,"endTime":82.8,"body":"and I'm here to help you write a story that works."},{"startTime":83.49,"endTime":85.17,"body":"I want to prove to you that writing a novel."},{"startTime":85.17,"endTime":86.55,"body":"It doesn't have to be overwhelming."},{"startTime":87.03,"endTime":89.61,"body":"So each week I'll bring you a brand new episode with"},{"startTime":89.61,"endTime":90.93,"body":"simple, actionable,"},{"startTime":90.96,"endTime":94.5,"body":"and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right"},{"startTime":94.5,"endTime":96.96,"body":"away. So whether you're brand new to writing or more of"},{"startTime":96.96,"endTime":99.18,"body":"a seasoned author looking to improve your craft,"},{"startTime":99.27,"endTime":100.53,"body":"this podcast is for you."},{"startTime":100.8,"endTime":105.21,"body":"So pick up a pen and let's get started in today's"},{"startTime":105.21,"endTime":107.34,"body":"episode, we're going to talk about the 10,"},{"startTime":107.34,"endTime":111.3,"body":"most common querying mistakes I see writers make and how you"},{"startTime":111.3,"endTime":114.54,"body":"can avoid making these mistakes when you're ready to query."},{"startTime":114.99,"endTime":116.07,"body":"But before we dive in,"},{"startTime":116.1,"endTime":118.2,"body":"let's just make sure we're all on the same page."},{"startTime":118.23,"endTime":120.93,"body":"And let's talk about what it means to query agents or"},{"startTime":120.93,"endTime":123.75,"body":"editors. So what is a query letter?"},{"startTime":123.99,"endTime":127.14,"body":"A query letter is basically a way to introduce yourself and"},{"startTime":127.14,"endTime":129.81,"body":"your story to literary agents or editors."},{"startTime":129.96,"endTime":133.26,"body":"So it's a way to make connections with agents or editors"},{"startTime":133.26,"endTime":136.26,"body":"with the goal of garnering interest in your novel."},{"startTime":136.65,"endTime":138.84,"body":"And if the agents or editors that you query,"},{"startTime":138.87,"endTime":140.85,"body":"like what you've said in your query letter,"},{"startTime":140.88,"endTime":142.41,"body":"they will ask to see your work."},{"startTime":142.68,"endTime":145.44,"body":"And that could mean sending your full manuscript or just a"},{"startTime":145.44,"endTime":147.06,"body":"few chapters from your novel."},{"startTime":147.21,"endTime":150.06,"body":"It depends on the agent or the editor that you query."},{"startTime":150.54,"endTime":153.54,"body":"Now, I've worked with a lot of writers to prepare their"},{"startTime":153.54,"endTime":154.74,"body":"submission materials,"},{"startTime":154.77,"endTime":156.33,"body":"including their query letters."},{"startTime":156.69,"endTime":159.27,"body":"And I can tell you that writing a good query letter"},{"startTime":159.27,"endTime":161.58,"body":"is something that many writers struggle with."},{"startTime":162.0,"endTime":164.16,"body":"It can be a super nerve wracking task,"},{"startTime":164.19,"endTime":167.55,"body":"which is funny because a query letter is usually so short."},{"startTime":167.73,"endTime":169.71,"body":"So it's usually only a page long,"},{"startTime":169.98,"endTime":172.26,"body":"but if you've ever written one yourself,"},{"startTime":172.29,"endTime":174.81,"body":"you know that it's not always the easiest thing to do,"},{"startTime":175.17,"endTime":178.11,"body":"but I wanted to do this episode today to help you"},{"startTime":178.11,"endTime":181.39,"body":"avoid some of the most common mistakes I see writers make"},{"startTime":181.39,"endTime":184.54,"body":"in their query letters and to maybe help take some of"},{"startTime":184.54,"endTime":187.09,"body":"the mystery and overwhelm out of the process,"},{"startTime":187.42,"endTime":188.95,"body":"if you've already been querying."},{"startTime":188.95,"endTime":191.38,"body":"And if you haven't been getting the responses you want from"},{"startTime":191.38,"endTime":192.19,"body":"your query letter,"},{"startTime":192.28,"endTime":194.8,"body":"then take a good hard look at your query to see"},{"startTime":194.8,"endTime":196.96,"body":"if you've made any of the mistakes that we're going to"},{"startTime":196.96,"endTime":198.37,"body":"cover in today's episode,"},{"startTime":198.52,"endTime":201.76,"body":"because I'm also going to offer some suggestions for what to"},{"startTime":201.76,"endTime":204.67,"body":"do. If you realize that you've made one of these mistakes."},{"startTime":204.97,"endTime":206.29,"body":"So with that being said,"},{"startTime":206.32,"endTime":207.46,"body":"let's dive into mistake."},{"startTime":207.46,"endTime":208.06,"body":"Number one,"},{"startTime":208.66,"endTime":211.54,"body":"the first mistake I see writers make all the time is"},{"startTime":211.54,"endTime":213.67,"body":"that they're not actually ready to query."},{"startTime":213.82,"endTime":215.65,"body":"So they're querying too soon."},{"startTime":216.07,"endTime":218.14,"body":"And what I mean by this is that I see a"},{"startTime":218.14,"endTime":218.92,"body":"lot of writers,"},{"startTime":218.92,"endTime":221.95,"body":"either query when they're not even finished with their first draft"},{"startTime":222.01,"endTime":225.4,"body":"or they've finished their first draft done a quick revision,"},{"startTime":225.43,"endTime":227.35,"body":"and then they've gone straight into querying."},{"startTime":227.74,"endTime":230.14,"body":"And the problem with this is that if you rush the"},{"startTime":230.14,"endTime":232.21,"body":"writing and the revising process,"},{"startTime":232.24,"endTime":235.21,"body":"you won't have enough time away from your draft to know"},{"startTime":235.21,"endTime":237.67,"body":"whether it's really the best it can be just yet."},{"startTime":238.0,"endTime":241.12,"body":"So you should really only query when you can say yes"},{"startTime":241.12,"endTime":242.47,"body":"to these three questions."},{"startTime":242.77,"endTime":243.49,"body":"Number one,"},{"startTime":243.52,"endTime":245.26,"body":"have you finished your manuscript?"},{"startTime":245.53,"endTime":246.25,"body":"Number two,"},{"startTime":246.25,"endTime":250.78,"body":"have you received some honest objective and constructive feedback from people"},{"startTime":250.78,"endTime":253.33,"body":"who aren't your loved ones and number three,"},{"startTime":253.33,"endTime":256.78,"body":"have you incorporated that feedback into your draft to make your"},{"startTime":256.78,"endTime":258.61,"body":"story the very best it can be?"},{"startTime":259.03,"endTime":261.31,"body":"So if you can answer yes to all three of those"},{"startTime":261.31,"endTime":264.13,"body":"questions, then you're probably okay to start querying."},{"startTime":264.43,"endTime":265.12,"body":"But if not,"},{"startTime":265.12,"endTime":268.09,"body":"my advice is to take your time with this process,"},{"startTime":268.45,"endTime":269.53,"body":"finish your draft,"},{"startTime":269.56,"endTime":272.29,"body":"let it sit for a while and then do a revision"},{"startTime":272.53,"endTime":273.34,"body":"when you're ready,"},{"startTime":273.37,"endTime":277.24,"body":"get some outside feedback from beta readers or a developmental editor,"},{"startTime":277.27,"endTime":278.68,"body":"and then do another revision."},{"startTime":279.07,"endTime":282.37,"body":"You don't necessarily need to go through line edits or copy"},{"startTime":282.37,"endTime":283.81,"body":"edits before you query,"},{"startTime":283.9,"endTime":286.96,"body":"unless this is something that your beta readers or your developmental"},{"startTime":286.96,"endTime":289.87,"body":"editor suggests before you take the next step."},{"startTime":290.26,"endTime":292.0,"body":"So that's mistake number one,"},{"startTime":292.06,"endTime":293.47,"body":"querying before you're ready."},{"startTime":293.71,"endTime":295.54,"body":"And instead of rushing the process,"},{"startTime":295.54,"endTime":297.64,"body":"I just want you to take your time and get some"},{"startTime":297.64,"endTime":300.64,"body":"outside feedback so that your story is the very best that"},{"startTime":300.64,"endTime":303.94,"body":"it can be before you start querying agents and editors."},{"startTime":304.48,"endTime":307.03,"body":"The second mistake I see writers make is that they just"},{"startTime":307.03,"endTime":309.7,"body":"don't do their homework or their research when it comes to"},{"startTime":309.7,"endTime":311.56,"body":"choosing which agent to query."},{"startTime":311.86,"endTime":314.56,"body":"And this mistake shows up in a few different ways."},{"startTime":314.77,"endTime":317.86,"body":"So I see writers send their queries to agents that are"},{"startTime":317.86,"endTime":322.3,"body":"either closed for submissions or that don't represent stories in that"},{"startTime":322.3,"endTime":323.41,"body":"authors genre."},{"startTime":323.65,"endTime":326.68,"body":"So if they're closed for submission or if you're writing horror"},{"startTime":326.68,"endTime":329.65,"body":"and you send your story to someone that only represents sweet"},{"startTime":329.65,"endTime":333.31,"body":"romance, you can't really be surprised or upset when that agent"},{"startTime":333.31,"endTime":335.35,"body":"says, they're not interested in your story."},{"startTime":335.47,"endTime":337.84,"body":"So that's the first way this mistake shows up."},{"startTime":338.2,"endTime":341.56,"body":"The other thing I see quite often is a situation where"},{"startTime":341.56,"endTime":344.62,"body":"a writer will send out a batch of queries that are"},{"startTime":344.68,"endTime":346.06,"body":"kind of just generic."},{"startTime":346.21,"endTime":349.66,"body":"So in addition to making sure that the agent or editor"},{"startTime":349.66,"endTime":354.04,"body":"you're querying is a open for submissions and B is open"},{"startTime":354.04,"endTime":355.6,"body":"to stories in your genre,"},{"startTime":355.81,"endTime":359.3,"body":"you'll also want to your query letter to each person that"},{"startTime":359.3,"endTime":360.41,"body":"you're submitting it to."},{"startTime":360.71,"endTime":364.07,"body":"So instead of writing something like to whom it may concern,"},{"startTime":364.19,"endTime":367.64,"body":"make sure you include the agent or the editor's name and"},{"startTime":367.67,"endTime":371.15,"body":"make sure you include the reason why you're querying that particular"},{"startTime":371.15,"endTime":372.29,"body":"agent or editor,"},{"startTime":372.62,"endTime":373.37,"body":"for example,"},{"startTime":373.4,"endTime":376.79,"body":"maybe they represent another book or another author that you love"},{"startTime":376.79,"endTime":378.41,"body":"reading. If that's the case,"},{"startTime":378.41,"endTime":380.36,"body":"feel free to mention it in your query letter,"},{"startTime":380.51,"endTime":383.51,"body":"it's worth the effort and the extra time it will take"},{"startTime":383.51,"endTime":387.11,"body":"to tailor your query letter to each specific agent or editor,"},{"startTime":387.11,"endTime":390.17,"body":"because it'll go a long way in catching their attention."},{"startTime":390.56,"endTime":392.24,"body":"So that's mistake number two,"},{"startTime":392.3,"endTime":395.6,"body":"sending your query letter to the wrong person or not doing"},{"startTime":395.6,"endTime":398.42,"body":"your homework or your research when it comes to choosing which"},{"startTime":398.45,"endTime":399.41,"body":"agent to query."},{"startTime":399.68,"endTime":400.88,"body":"And like I mentioned,"},{"startTime":400.88,"endTime":403.46,"body":"I just want you to do your homework and really research"},{"startTime":403.46,"endTime":406.22,"body":"the person you're going to query because it will pay off"},{"startTime":406.22,"endTime":408.53,"body":"in the long run and it will be worth the extra"},{"startTime":408.53,"endTime":409.34,"body":"time and effort."},{"startTime":409.34,"endTime":412.91,"body":"It takes to research each agent and personalize your query."},{"startTime":413.45,"endTime":416.3,"body":"The third mistake I see all the time is not following"},{"startTime":416.3,"endTime":417.86,"body":"the submission guidelines."},{"startTime":418.1,"endTime":420.5,"body":"And this relates a bit to what I said a few"},{"startTime":420.5,"endTime":421.1,"body":"minutes ago,"},{"startTime":421.1,"endTime":424.34,"body":"but it goes even deeper than just querying an agent who"},{"startTime":424.34,"endTime":425.96,"body":"doesn't represent your genre."},{"startTime":426.29,"endTime":430.7,"body":"So different literary agents and editors have different submission guidelines."},{"startTime":430.7,"endTime":433.61,"body":"And it's crucial that you abide by their rules."},{"startTime":433.97,"endTime":438.8,"body":"Agents and editors are more swamped than ever with overflowing inboxes,"},{"startTime":438.8,"endTime":440.87,"body":"editorial work with current clients,"},{"startTime":441.23,"endTime":444.74,"body":"endless negotiations over contracts and so on and so on."},{"startTime":445.07,"endTime":448.76,"body":"If you don't follow their submission guidelines to a T your"},{"startTime":448.76,"endTime":452.93,"body":"query letter will probably be disregarded simply because they're too busy"},{"startTime":452.93,"endTime":455.6,"body":"to deal with queries that don't follow their rules."},{"startTime":455.81,"endTime":459.14,"body":"Also, a lot of the intake process is automated on the"},{"startTime":459.14,"endTime":460.37,"body":"back end these days."},{"startTime":460.61,"endTime":461.57,"body":"So for example,"},{"startTime":461.57,"endTime":464.96,"body":"if an agent or an editor asks for a specific keyword"},{"startTime":464.96,"endTime":467.48,"body":"in the subject line of your query email,"},{"startTime":467.54,"endTime":470.72,"body":"the system might dump that into a very specific spot for"},{"startTime":470.72,"endTime":471.44,"body":"them to read."},{"startTime":471.77,"endTime":473.6,"body":"If you don't include that keyword,"},{"startTime":473.63,"endTime":475.82,"body":"then who knows where your query will end up,"},{"startTime":476.09,"endTime":477.29,"body":"and there's a good chance."},{"startTime":477.29,"endTime":480.29,"body":"It will never even land in that agent's inbox or where"},{"startTime":480.29,"endTime":481.37,"body":"you want it to land."},{"startTime":481.7,"endTime":482.9,"body":"So, as an example,"},{"startTime":482.9,"endTime":485.9,"body":"of some things that agents or editors might ask for,"},{"startTime":486.47,"endTime":489.5,"body":"they might ask for just a query letter while other agents"},{"startTime":489.5,"endTime":491.3,"body":"or editors are going to want five,"},{"startTime":491.3,"endTime":493.67,"body":"10, or even 50 pages of your story."},{"startTime":493.67,"endTime":495.14,"body":"In addition to your query letter,"},{"startTime":495.38,"endTime":498.62,"body":"some agents and editors will want a synopsis of your story."},{"startTime":498.62,"endTime":501.02,"body":"And that could be a one-page synopsis or a two to"},{"startTime":501.02,"endTime":502.31,"body":"three page synopsis,"},{"startTime":502.34,"endTime":504.11,"body":"or even up to five pages."},{"startTime":504.41,"endTime":507.71,"body":"Some agents and editors might want all three of those things."},{"startTime":507.83,"endTime":508.85,"body":"So a query letter,"},{"startTime":508.85,"endTime":509.63,"body":"a synopsis,"},{"startTime":509.63,"endTime":511.31,"body":"and a set of your opening pages."},{"startTime":511.55,"endTime":514.4,"body":"So you really do have to pay attention to every single"},{"startTime":514.4,"endTime":518.72,"body":"agent or editor that you query and read their submission guidelines"},{"startTime":518.87,"endTime":521.45,"body":"two or three times to make sure that you're delivering all"},{"startTime":521.45,"endTime":522.74,"body":"the things they're asking for."},{"startTime":522.92,"endTime":524.12,"body":"Plus here's the thing,"},{"startTime":524.42,"endTime":525.86,"body":"getting the specifics right,"},{"startTime":525.86,"endTime":529.28,"body":"is a really strong indicator that you're able to figure things"},{"startTime":529.28,"endTime":532.4,"body":"out on your own and an author like this is always"},{"startTime":532.4,"endTime":535.13,"body":"going to be a welcome addition to any agents,"},{"startTime":535.29,"endTime":537.06,"body":"editors, roster of talent."},{"startTime":537.09,"endTime":538.59,"body":"So just keep that in mind."},{"startTime":538.98,"endTime":540.81,"body":"So that's mistake number three,"},{"startTime":540.84,"endTime":543.03,"body":"not following the submission guidelines."},{"startTime":543.24,"endTime":543.96,"body":"And instead,"},{"startTime":543.96,"endTime":546.63,"body":"I just want you to read them and pay attention because"},{"startTime":546.63,"endTime":548.67,"body":"remember agents are busy people,"},{"startTime":548.7,"endTime":551.13,"body":"they receive countless queries on a daily basis,"},{"startTime":551.4,"endTime":554.01,"body":"and they're looking for a quick way to clear their inbox."},{"startTime":554.22,"endTime":556.68,"body":"If they scan your email and they see that you haven't"},{"startTime":556.68,"endTime":557.82,"body":"followed their guidelines,"},{"startTime":558.0,"endTime":560.46,"body":"your query will most likely end up in the trash."},{"startTime":560.49,"endTime":561.63,"body":"And nobody wants that."},{"startTime":562.08,"endTime":564.9,"body":"The fourth mistake I see writers make is that they forget"},{"startTime":564.9,"endTime":567.6,"body":"to include their metadata in their query letters."},{"startTime":567.75,"endTime":570.81,"body":"So metadata is basically stuff like your genre,"},{"startTime":570.81,"endTime":572.97,"body":"your age category in your word count."},{"startTime":573.21,"endTime":575.34,"body":"So are you querying a fantasy novel,"},{"startTime":575.37,"endTime":576.36,"body":"a cozy mystery,"},{"startTime":576.42,"endTime":577.14,"body":"a thriller,"},{"startTime":577.29,"endTime":579.42,"body":"like what kind of story is it that you're sending them?"},{"startTime":579.72,"endTime":582.84,"body":"And then what age range is that story intended for?"},{"startTime":583.05,"endTime":584.97,"body":"Is it intended for middle grade readers,"},{"startTime":585.0,"endTime":586.86,"body":"young adult readers or adults?"},{"startTime":587.25,"endTime":590.31,"body":"And then how long is your actual completed draft?"},{"startTime":590.34,"endTime":591.42,"body":"Is it 50,000"},{"startTime":591.42,"endTime":592.59,"body":"words, 80,000"},{"startTime":592.59,"endTime":594.39,"body":"words or 120,000"},{"startTime":594.39,"endTime":598.59,"body":"words? You can't leave this information out because it helps set"},{"startTime":598.59,"endTime":601.35,"body":"the story up in the agent or the editor's head."},{"startTime":601.62,"endTime":604.68,"body":"And it lets them know what to expect before they dig"},{"startTime":604.68,"endTime":606.45,"body":"into the meat of your query letter."},{"startTime":606.81,"endTime":608.55,"body":"So just a little tip for me."},{"startTime":608.55,"endTime":611.61,"body":"I always recommend putting this in the first paragraph of your"},{"startTime":611.61,"endTime":612.36,"body":"query letter,"},{"startTime":612.42,"endTime":616.44,"body":"unless an agent specifically says where they would like this information."},{"startTime":616.59,"endTime":618.27,"body":"So that's mistake number four,"},{"startTime":618.33,"endTime":621.09,"body":"sometimes writers forget to include their metadata."},{"startTime":621.12,"endTime":621.9,"body":"And instead,"},{"startTime":621.9,"endTime":623.94,"body":"I just want you to make sure you're including it,"},{"startTime":624.0,"endTime":626.1,"body":"usually in that very first paragraph,"},{"startTime":626.13,"endTime":627.36,"body":"unless an agent states,"},{"startTime":627.39,"endTime":630.72,"body":"otherwise the fifth mistake I see writers make when it comes"},{"startTime":630.72,"endTime":631.38,"body":"to querying,"},{"startTime":631.38,"endTime":634.38,"body":"is that their stories word count is just too far off."},{"startTime":634.71,"endTime":637.05,"body":"And what I mean by this is that their word count"},{"startTime":637.05,"endTime":640.62,"body":"is either too low or too high compared to the commercial"},{"startTime":640.62,"endTime":644.85,"body":"length. So most commercial fiction is somewhere in the 80,000"},{"startTime":644.85,"endTime":647.16,"body":"to a hundred thousand word range,"},{"startTime":647.19,"endTime":648.66,"body":"depending on the genre."},{"startTime":649.02,"endTime":651.45,"body":"If your novel doesn't fall within this range,"},{"startTime":651.48,"endTime":654.87,"body":"it's most likely going to result in an automatic rejection."},{"startTime":655.17,"endTime":655.86,"body":"For example,"},{"startTime":655.86,"endTime":657.81,"body":"if you've written a 200,000"},{"startTime":657.81,"endTime":658.92,"body":"word romance,"},{"startTime":659.16,"endTime":662.73,"body":"that's way far over the commercial range for romance novels,"},{"startTime":663.03,"endTime":663.87,"body":"same thing goes,"},{"startTime":663.87,"endTime":665.4,"body":"if you've written a 30,000"},{"startTime":665.4,"endTime":666.6,"body":"word fantasy novel,"},{"startTime":666.63,"endTime":668.01,"body":"or a 100,000"},{"startTime":668.01,"endTime":669.48,"body":"word middle-grade story,"},{"startTime":669.69,"endTime":673.44,"body":"they're just too far outside the commercial range for those genres."},{"startTime":673.92,"endTime":677.07,"body":"It's also important to understand that agents are not likely to"},{"startTime":677.07,"endTime":679.92,"body":"want a debut novel over a hundred thousand words."},{"startTime":680.22,"endTime":683.22,"body":"And that's simply because it's too risky of an investment for"},{"startTime":683.22,"endTime":686.16,"body":"them. If the author doesn't have a proven track record,"},{"startTime":686.52,"endTime":689.28,"body":"that doesn't mean that you can't or shouldn't query a debut"},{"startTime":689.28,"endTime":692.01,"body":"novel, but if you do just keep it under a hundred"},{"startTime":692.01,"endTime":692.88,"body":"thousand words,"},{"startTime":693.09,"endTime":694.89,"body":"so that's mistake number five,"},{"startTime":694.92,"endTime":698.7,"body":"querying, a novel that's too far over or under the commercial"},{"startTime":698.7,"endTime":699.75,"body":"word count range."},{"startTime":700.11,"endTime":703.71,"body":"Instead know your genre is word count range and aim somewhere"},{"startTime":703.71,"endTime":705.15,"body":"between 80,000"},{"startTime":705.15,"endTime":706.08,"body":"to 100,000"},{"startTime":706.08,"endTime":709.59,"body":"words. The next mistake I see writers make in their queries"},{"startTime":709.59,"endTime":711.03,"body":"is that whatever they've written,"},{"startTime":711.06,"endTime":714.79,"body":"doesn't give agents or editors a clear sense of the stories"},{"startTime":714.85,"endTime":718.66,"body":"genre. And there are two parts to this because like we"},{"startTime":718.66,"endTime":719.68,"body":"talked about earlier,"},{"startTime":719.68,"endTime":722.38,"body":"you will want to include your genre in the metadata."},{"startTime":722.5,"endTime":723.34,"body":"But beyond that,"},{"startTime":723.34,"endTime":726.82,"body":"I've seen query letters where the author lists the commercial genre"},{"startTime":726.82,"endTime":728.23,"body":"as something like a thriller,"},{"startTime":728.29,"endTime":731.29,"body":"but then the summary of their story reads more like a"},{"startTime":731.29,"endTime":734.86,"body":"romance, or I've seen writers say that they're writing horror,"},{"startTime":734.89,"endTime":737.89,"body":"but the summary of their story reads more like a thriller."},{"startTime":738.22,"endTime":741.37,"body":"I've also seen summaries that read like parts of two or"},{"startTime":741.37,"endTime":742.3,"body":"more genres."},{"startTime":742.48,"endTime":745.21,"body":"So imagine a summary that starts off like a thriller,"},{"startTime":745.21,"endTime":747.04,"body":"but then ends up like a romance."},{"startTime":747.4,"endTime":750.28,"body":"If an agent or an editor sees this kind of mismatch"},{"startTime":750.28,"endTime":751.15,"body":"in your query,"},{"startTime":751.18,"endTime":754.33,"body":"they're going to assume that your story suffers the same problem."},{"startTime":754.63,"endTime":755.77,"body":"So in the example,"},{"startTime":755.77,"endTime":758.47,"body":"I just mentioned where the beginning of a summary reads like"},{"startTime":758.47,"endTime":759.1,"body":"a thriller,"},{"startTime":759.1,"endTime":761.11,"body":"but ends up like a romance."},{"startTime":761.44,"endTime":765.01,"body":"Imagine if the summary started with Jack so-and-so's son being taken"},{"startTime":765.01,"endTime":765.76,"body":"by the government,"},{"startTime":766.15,"endTime":767.17,"body":"and then in the end,"},{"startTime":767.17,"endTime":769.6,"body":"you read that Jack gets together with Holly and they live"},{"startTime":769.6,"endTime":772.15,"body":"happily ever after that would be a little bit of a"},{"startTime":772.15,"endTime":773.29,"body":"head-scratcher right."},{"startTime":773.56,"endTime":775.33,"body":"But I see it happen all the time."},{"startTime":775.33,"endTime":776.41,"body":"And like I mentioned,"},{"startTime":776.44,"endTime":779.5,"body":"if an agent or an editor sees this mismatch in your"},{"startTime":779.5,"endTime":782.77,"body":"query, they're going to assume that your story has the exact"},{"startTime":782.77,"endTime":783.49,"body":"same problem."},{"startTime":783.67,"endTime":786.16,"body":"So we just want to avoid this and make sure that"},{"startTime":786.16,"endTime":789.25,"body":"your main genre is very clear when you write your story"},{"startTime":789.25,"endTime":792.07,"body":"summary. So that's mistake number six,"},{"startTime":792.49,"endTime":795.01,"body":"the seventh mistake I see writers make when it comes to"},{"startTime":795.01,"endTime":798.97,"body":"querying is using the wrong comp titles or using comp titles"},{"startTime":798.97,"endTime":800.26,"body":"that don't make any sense."},{"startTime":800.74,"endTime":803.05,"body":"Comp titles are comparable titles."},{"startTime":803.08,"endTime":807.55,"body":"So stories that are similar to yours and well selected comp"},{"startTime":807.55,"endTime":811.18,"body":"titles can help an agent or an editor start to envision"},{"startTime":811.18,"endTime":812.71,"body":"the market for your novel."},{"startTime":812.89,"endTime":816.1,"body":"They might even help agents get an idea of which editors"},{"startTime":816.1,"endTime":819.49,"body":"to send your novel to just based on those comp titles"},{"startTime":819.49,"endTime":820.27,"body":"you've selected."},{"startTime":820.51,"endTime":821.92,"body":"So they're really important."},{"startTime":822.19,"endTime":824.2,"body":"And if you choose the wrong comp titles,"},{"startTime":824.2,"endTime":826.99,"body":"this will highlight that you either don't read in your genre"},{"startTime":827.14,"endTime":830.5,"body":"or that you have an overinflated idea of your books potential."},{"startTime":830.74,"endTime":833.23,"body":"So what I mean by this is that let's say that"},{"startTime":833.23,"endTime":836.29,"body":"you say your book is the next Harry Potter or the"},{"startTime":836.29,"endTime":837.58,"body":"next Twilight."},{"startTime":837.58,"endTime":840.64,"body":"That might be over-inflating your story's potential."},{"startTime":840.64,"endTime":841.42,"body":"Don't get me wrong."},{"startTime":841.42,"endTime":843.67,"body":"It's great to have confidence for sure."},{"startTime":843.67,"endTime":847.75,"body":"But you would be better off picking fantasy or paranormal titles"},{"startTime":847.75,"endTime":851.5,"body":"that reflect the content or the tone of your book rather"},{"startTime":851.53,"endTime":852.94,"body":"than the best-selling potential."},{"startTime":853.3,"endTime":854.38,"body":"The same thing goes for,"},{"startTime":854.38,"endTime":856.9,"body":"if you use something like the catcher in the rye,"},{"startTime":856.93,"endTime":859.18,"body":"as a comp title for your young adult novel,"},{"startTime":859.45,"endTime":862.33,"body":"that could be a red flag to agents or editors that"},{"startTime":862.33,"endTime":864.7,"body":"tells them that you might not have read a young adult"},{"startTime":864.7,"endTime":865.54,"body":"book in a really,"},{"startTime":865.54,"endTime":866.5,"body":"really long time."},{"startTime":866.86,"endTime":870.19,"body":"So the point here is that comp titles only work if"},{"startTime":870.19,"endTime":872.98,"body":"they're culturally relevant in the current marketplace."},{"startTime":873.04,"endTime":875.32,"body":"And if they are truly comparable to your book,"},{"startTime":875.68,"endTime":878.65,"body":"some agents even say that they prefer titles that are less"},{"startTime":878.65,"endTime":879.76,"body":"than five years old."},{"startTime":879.85,"endTime":882.13,"body":"And I think that's a great filter to put all your"},{"startTime":882.13,"endTime":883.66,"body":"possible comp titles through."},{"startTime":883.87,"endTime":885.04,"body":"So if it were me,"},{"startTime":885.04,"endTime":888.22,"body":"I would be looking at titles published within the last five"},{"startTime":888.22,"endTime":890.14,"body":"years to use as my comps."},{"startTime":890.35,"endTime":892.37,"body":"So that's mistake number seven,"},{"startTime":892.4,"endTime":894.23,"body":"using the wrong comp titles."},{"startTime":894.26,"endTime":895.31,"body":"And like I said,"},{"startTime":895.49,"endTime":898.64,"body":"my advice is to just do your research and find recent"},{"startTime":898.64,"endTime":901.46,"body":"comp titles that are relevant to the current marketplace,"},{"startTime":901.49,"endTime":903.71,"body":"and that are truly comparable to your book."},{"startTime":904.25,"endTime":906.5,"body":"The next mistake I see writers make when it comes to"},{"startTime":906.5,"endTime":907.31,"body":"query letters,"},{"startTime":907.34,"endTime":909.71,"body":"is that they write a summary of their story that is"},{"startTime":909.71,"endTime":910.55,"body":"super vague."},{"startTime":910.79,"endTime":914.03,"body":"So they'll use vague and non-specific language,"},{"startTime":914.27,"endTime":916.61,"body":"or they'll hint at things in a way that doesn't make"},{"startTime":916.61,"endTime":919.31,"body":"sense to someone with no knowledge of the story."},{"startTime":919.7,"endTime":920.84,"body":"So for example,"},{"startTime":920.87,"endTime":923.87,"body":"I read a query last week that said something like when"},{"startTime":923.87,"endTime":926.24,"body":"the protagonist goes to XYZ land,"},{"startTime":926.27,"endTime":927.8,"body":"his powers will be tested,"},{"startTime":928.25,"endTime":929.96,"body":"but that doesn't really tell us anything."},{"startTime":929.96,"endTime":933.53,"body":"So we can't imagine what that looks like or why this"},{"startTime":933.53,"endTime":936.89,"body":"person's going to be tested or what being tested even means."},{"startTime":937.31,"endTime":939.92,"body":"So instead of doing something vague like that,"},{"startTime":939.92,"endTime":942.11,"body":"the author could just tweak it and say,"},{"startTime":942.38,"endTime":943.73,"body":"upon arriving in X,"},{"startTime":943.73,"endTime":944.51,"body":"Y, Z land,"},{"startTime":944.54,"endTime":947.87,"body":"the protagonist will have to use every ounce of her telekinetic"},{"startTime":947.87,"endTime":950.51,"body":"powers to save her sister from XYZ."},{"startTime":950.78,"endTime":951.68,"body":"So of course,"},{"startTime":951.68,"endTime":953.57,"body":"fill in the specifics for XYZ,"},{"startTime":953.84,"endTime":956.33,"body":"but I hope you can see that example's a little more"},{"startTime":956.33,"endTime":959.51,"body":"specific and it hints at the protagonists goal."},{"startTime":959.54,"endTime":960.59,"body":"And what's at stake."},{"startTime":960.98,"endTime":962.42,"body":"Now, as I mentioned earlier,"},{"startTime":962.42,"endTime":965.66,"body":"the sole purpose of your query letter is to give agents"},{"startTime":965.66,"endTime":969.2,"body":"and editors just enough information about your story so that they"},{"startTime":969.2,"endTime":970.55,"body":"will want to read more."},{"startTime":970.88,"endTime":971.87,"body":"So at the very,"},{"startTime":971.87,"endTime":972.74,"body":"very least,"},{"startTime":972.92,"endTime":974.63,"body":"you need to include these things."},{"startTime":975.05,"endTime":975.71,"body":"Number one,"},{"startTime":975.77,"endTime":977.75,"body":"a character that readers can care about."},{"startTime":977.99,"endTime":978.71,"body":"Number two,"},{"startTime":978.71,"endTime":982.94,"body":"an indication of what that character wants and why number three,"},{"startTime":982.97,"endTime":984.86,"body":"the conflict that gets in their way."},{"startTime":985.1,"endTime":986.03,"body":"And number four,"},{"startTime":986.06,"endTime":986.87,"body":"what's at stake."},{"startTime":986.87,"endTime":988.61,"body":"If they don't get what they want,"},{"startTime":989.0,"endTime":991.94,"body":"if you're not clear about those four things in your query"},{"startTime":991.94,"endTime":995.69,"body":"letter, it's most likely going to fall flat and out of"},{"startTime":995.69,"endTime":996.77,"body":"those four things,"},{"startTime":996.8,"endTime":999.77,"body":"the one that I see left out the most is what's"},{"startTime":999.77,"endTime":1000.43,"body":"at stake."},{"startTime":1000.7,"endTime":1002.44,"body":"So if you're writing a query letter,"},{"startTime":1002.44,"endTime":1003.91,"body":"or if you've already written one,"},{"startTime":1004.09,"endTime":1005.71,"body":"go double check that you've included,"},{"startTime":1005.71,"endTime":1006.55,"body":"what's at stake."},{"startTime":1006.58,"endTime":1009.61,"body":"And that what's at stake is clear enough to somebody with"},{"startTime":1009.61,"endTime":1011.14,"body":"no knowledge of your story."},{"startTime":1011.65,"endTime":1013.45,"body":"So that's mistake number eight,"},{"startTime":1013.6,"endTime":1014.89,"body":"writing a story summary."},{"startTime":1014.89,"endTime":1015.82,"body":"That's too vague."},{"startTime":1016.06,"endTime":1016.78,"body":"When in doubt,"},{"startTime":1016.78,"endTime":1019.84,"body":"it's always better to be more specific than vague."},{"startTime":1019.87,"endTime":1021.34,"body":"So just keep that in mind."},{"startTime":1021.67,"endTime":1023.86,"body":"And also I'm going to throw in a bonus tip here,"},{"startTime":1024.16,"endTime":1027.73,"body":"please don't ever enter your query with any variation of,"},{"startTime":1027.94,"endTime":1029.2,"body":"if you want to know what happens,"},{"startTime":1029.2,"endTime":1030.31,"body":"you'll have to read the book,"},{"startTime":1030.55,"endTime":1031.39,"body":"just trust me."},{"startTime":1031.39,"endTime":1033.25,"body":"And don't include that in your query."},{"startTime":1033.7,"endTime":1034.72,"body":"Moving on to mistake."},{"startTime":1034.72,"endTime":1035.38,"body":"Number nine,"},{"startTime":1035.8,"endTime":1039.19,"body":"mistake number nine is trying to include too much in your"},{"startTime":1039.19,"endTime":1039.91,"body":"query letter."},{"startTime":1040.15,"endTime":1040.9,"body":"So in a way,"},{"startTime":1040.9,"endTime":1043.3,"body":"this is kind of the opposite of what we just talked"},{"startTime":1043.3,"endTime":1046.39,"body":"about. I see writers who try to include way too many"},{"startTime":1046.39,"endTime":1047.95,"body":"characters in their queries,"},{"startTime":1048.22,"endTime":1050.74,"body":"or they spend too much time talking about themes,"},{"startTime":1050.74,"endTime":1052.03,"body":"their story explorers,"},{"startTime":1052.12,"endTime":1054.7,"body":"or they attempt to fit in every single detail,"},{"startTime":1054.7,"endTime":1056.8,"body":"including plot twists and the ending."},{"startTime":1057.07,"endTime":1058.78,"body":"But here's the thing to remember."},{"startTime":1058.93,"endTime":1061.81,"body":"You only have one page to sell your book to an"},{"startTime":1061.84,"endTime":1063.04,"body":"agent or an editor."},{"startTime":1063.25,"endTime":1065.53,"body":"They do not have time to read through a ton of"},{"startTime":1065.53,"endTime":1067.96,"body":"pages just to figure out what your book is about."},{"startTime":1068.26,"endTime":1070.55,"body":"So even your personalization,"},{"startTime":1070.58,"endTime":1072.2,"body":"metadata, and bio,"},{"startTime":1072.23,"endTime":1076.1,"body":"the query should still fit on a single page because remember"},{"startTime":1076.13,"endTime":1079.04,"body":"the purpose of a query letter is to entice the agent"},{"startTime":1079.04,"endTime":1080.87,"body":"or the editor to read your book."},{"startTime":1081.11,"endTime":1084.65,"body":"It's not to include every little detail or every little scene."},{"startTime":1085.01,"endTime":1086.78,"body":"So to help you do that,"},{"startTime":1086.78,"endTime":1088.76,"body":"here are some quick high-level tips."},{"startTime":1089.03,"endTime":1091.25,"body":"First focus on one character,"},{"startTime":1091.28,"endTime":1092.54,"body":"maybe two max,"},{"startTime":1092.72,"endTime":1095.51,"body":"you don't have to reference or name every character."},{"startTime":1095.69,"endTime":1099.29,"body":"It's okay to call character something like his best friend or"},{"startTime":1099.29,"endTime":1102.5,"body":"her parents or whatever you need to do to allow the"},{"startTime":1102.5,"endTime":1106.7,"body":"agent or the editor to digest what they're reading without getting"},{"startTime":1106.7,"endTime":1108.83,"body":"too bogged down in too many names."},{"startTime":1109.16,"endTime":1111.8,"body":"The second tip is to focus on the plot and your"},{"startTime":1111.8,"endTime":1113.12,"body":"characters growth arc."},{"startTime":1113.15,"endTime":1114.23,"body":"Instead of your theme,"},{"startTime":1114.53,"endTime":1118.13,"body":"if you write a good query letter agents and editors should"},{"startTime":1118.13,"endTime":1121.07,"body":"be able to infer your theme from what you write about"},{"startTime":1121.07,"endTime":1122.42,"body":"your plot and your character."},{"startTime":1122.63,"endTime":1125.51,"body":"So what do I mean by not focusing on theme while"},{"startTime":1125.51,"endTime":1127.16,"body":"you don't want to say something in your query?"},{"startTime":1127.16,"endTime":1131.33,"body":"Like this story shows how my character heals from grief."},{"startTime":1131.54,"endTime":1134.3,"body":"You don't need to explicitly say that if you've written a"},{"startTime":1134.3,"endTime":1135.77,"body":"good summary of your story,"},{"startTime":1135.77,"endTime":1137.63,"body":"including the plot and the characters arc,"},{"startTime":1137.63,"endTime":1140.48,"body":"you should be able to show that through what you've written."},{"startTime":1140.9,"endTime":1143.0,"body":"So that's one of the most challenging parts,"},{"startTime":1143.0,"endTime":1145.16,"body":"but it's definitely not impossible to get,"},{"startTime":1145.16,"endTime":1148.04,"body":"right. The third tip is to try to keep the pitch"},{"startTime":1148.07,"endTime":1151.7,"body":"portion of your query to 250 words or less."},{"startTime":1152.06,"endTime":1155.03,"body":"And the reason for this is that that's about the length"},{"startTime":1155.06,"endTime":1157.4,"body":"of the copy that appears on the back cover of a"},{"startTime":1157.4,"endTime":1161.54,"body":"book. So it's definitely enough to capture your whole story and"},{"startTime":1161.54,"endTime":1164.57,"body":"to capture an agent's attention if you focus on the right"},{"startTime":1164.57,"endTime":1167.96,"body":"things. So those are three quick high-level tips for you,"},{"startTime":1168.38,"endTime":1171.77,"body":"and that will help you avoid making mistake number nine,"},{"startTime":1171.77,"endTime":1174.17,"body":"which is including too much in your query letter."},{"startTime":1174.53,"endTime":1178.82,"body":"Mistake. Number 10 is writing a query letter that's weird unprofessional,"},{"startTime":1178.82,"endTime":1181.49,"body":"or that includes too much personal information."},{"startTime":1181.73,"endTime":1184.82,"body":"It's always a good idea to convey your own unique personality,"},{"startTime":1184.88,"endTime":1187.28,"body":"especially in the bio section of your query,"},{"startTime":1187.31,"endTime":1189.74,"body":"but be careful not to take this too far."},{"startTime":1189.98,"endTime":1193.22,"body":"I say this because a query letter is first and foremost,"},{"startTime":1193.25,"endTime":1194.21,"body":"a business letter."},{"startTime":1194.42,"endTime":1196.64,"body":"You don't need to try super hard to be cute or"},{"startTime":1196.64,"endTime":1198.2,"body":"clever with the way you write it,"},{"startTime":1198.23,"endTime":1200.45,"body":"just get to the facts and get to the story and"},{"startTime":1200.45,"endTime":1201.32,"body":"be professional."},{"startTime":1201.53,"endTime":1204.29,"body":"You'll also want to do a spelling and grammar check before"},{"startTime":1204.29,"endTime":1206.75,"body":"you send your query off to agents and editors,"},{"startTime":1207.08,"endTime":1209.69,"body":"a single typo isn't really going to make or break your"},{"startTime":1209.69,"endTime":1213.86,"body":"chances. But a query riddled with mistakes is most likely going"},{"startTime":1213.86,"endTime":1217.1,"body":"to make an agent or an editor assume that your draft"},{"startTime":1217.16,"endTime":1219.44,"body":"will also have a bunch of mistakes."},{"startTime":1219.8,"endTime":1222.11,"body":"And if they're on the fence about whether or not to"},{"startTime":1222.11,"endTime":1223.97,"body":"request a full manuscript from you,"},{"startTime":1224.03,"endTime":1227.18,"body":"this might tip your query over into the reject pile."},{"startTime":1227.33,"endTime":1228.95,"body":"So just something to keep in mind."},{"startTime":1229.34,"endTime":1230.36,"body":"And on that note,"},{"startTime":1230.36,"endTime":1233.75,"body":"please don't use all caps or weird fonts or colors when"},{"startTime":1233.75,"endTime":1234.77,"body":"sending your query."},{"startTime":1235.07,"endTime":1235.76,"body":"When in doubt,"},{"startTime":1235.76,"endTime":1238.97,"body":"just use black 12 point times new Roman font."},{"startTime":1239.3,"endTime":1240.74,"body":"And in terms of spacing,"},{"startTime":1240.74,"endTime":1242.87,"body":"you can double space between paragraphs,"},{"startTime":1242.9,"endTime":1245.78,"body":"but otherwise your query should just be single-spaced."},{"startTime":1246.08,"endTime":1246.74,"body":"So again,"},{"startTime":1246.74,"endTime":1251.22,"body":"just it simple and professional because here's the thing sending agents"},{"startTime":1251.22,"endTime":1251.82,"body":"or editors,"},{"startTime":1251.85,"endTime":1256.29,"body":"a query that is professional well-written and compliant with their submission"},{"startTime":1256.29,"endTime":1260.55,"body":"guidelines, that shows that you're taking your writing and yourself seriously."},{"startTime":1260.76,"endTime":1264.24,"body":"It's the first step in demonstrating to a prospective agent or"},{"startTime":1264.24,"endTime":1267.3,"body":"an editor that you're someone who will be easy and professional"},{"startTime":1267.3,"endTime":1268.08,"body":"to work with,"},{"startTime":1268.23,"endTime":1269.28,"body":"which is what they want."},{"startTime":1269.52,"endTime":1271.32,"body":"It's a business relationship."},{"startTime":1271.35,"endTime":1273.33,"body":"So treat it that way from the get go."},{"startTime":1273.33,"endTime":1276.09,"body":"And you'll be setting yourself up for success in the long"},{"startTime":1276.09,"endTime":1278.73,"body":"run. So that's mistake number 10,"},{"startTime":1278.76,"endTime":1281.31,"body":"sending a query that's weird or unprofessional."},{"startTime":1281.61,"endTime":1282.18,"body":"And instead,"},{"startTime":1282.18,"endTime":1284.91,"body":"I just want you to focus on writing a business letter"},{"startTime":1284.94,"endTime":1287.58,"body":"that will hook an agent and make them more interested in"},{"startTime":1287.58,"endTime":1289.08,"body":"reading your full manuscript."},{"startTime":1289.26,"endTime":1290.43,"body":"That's your query letters,"},{"startTime":1290.46,"endTime":1291.18,"body":"only job."},{"startTime":1291.54,"endTime":1294.9,"body":"And that wraps up the 10 most common querying mistakes I"},{"startTime":1294.9,"endTime":1296.49,"body":"see and how to avoid them."},{"startTime":1296.73,"endTime":1299.46,"body":"So let's do a really quick recap before I let you"},{"startTime":1299.46,"endTime":1300.51,"body":"go. Mistake."},{"startTime":1300.51,"endTime":1302.55,"body":"Number one is querying too soon."},{"startTime":1302.76,"endTime":1304.29,"body":"And instead of rushing the process,"},{"startTime":1304.29,"endTime":1305.76,"body":"I just want you to take your time,"},{"startTime":1305.79,"endTime":1308.76,"body":"get some outside feedback and revise your story so that it's"},{"startTime":1308.76,"endTime":1311.73,"body":"the very best it can be before you start querying agents"},{"startTime":1311.73,"endTime":1312.48,"body":"and editors,"},{"startTime":1312.84,"endTime":1316.5,"body":"mistake. Number two is sending your query to the wrong person."},{"startTime":1316.8,"endTime":1318.0,"body":"And instead of doing that,"},{"startTime":1318.0,"endTime":1320.49,"body":"I just want you to do your homework and really research"},{"startTime":1320.49,"endTime":1323.37,"body":"the person you're going to query the extra time and effort"},{"startTime":1323.37,"endTime":1325.59,"body":"it takes to do this will be so worth it in"},{"startTime":1325.59,"endTime":1326.07,"body":"the end."},{"startTime":1326.49,"endTime":1329.85,"body":"Mistake. Number three is not following submission guidelines."},{"startTime":1330.03,"endTime":1331.53,"body":"So instead of doing this,"},{"startTime":1331.53,"endTime":1334.5,"body":"I just want you to really pay attention to each agent"},{"startTime":1334.5,"endTime":1335.22,"body":"or editors,"},{"startTime":1335.25,"endTime":1339.42,"body":"submission guidelines and follow them because remember agents and editors are"},{"startTime":1339.42,"endTime":1341.91,"body":"busy and if they scan your email and see that you"},{"startTime":1341.91,"endTime":1343.38,"body":"have not followed their guidelines,"},{"startTime":1343.38,"endTime":1345.57,"body":"your query will most likely go in the trash,"},{"startTime":1345.6,"endTime":1346.86,"body":"which none of us want."},{"startTime":1347.37,"endTime":1351.21,"body":"Mistake. Number four is forgetting to include your metadata and to"},{"startTime":1351.21,"endTime":1351.78,"body":"avoid this."},{"startTime":1351.78,"endTime":1354.12,"body":"You just want to make sure you're including stuff like your"},{"startTime":1354.12,"endTime":1355.74,"body":"genre, your age category,"},{"startTime":1355.77,"endTime":1356.76,"body":"and your word count,"},{"startTime":1356.79,"endTime":1358.74,"body":"probably within that first paragraph,"},{"startTime":1358.8,"endTime":1363.24,"body":"unless an agent states otherwise mistake number five is that the"},{"startTime":1363.24,"endTime":1364.98,"body":"word count of the draft is off."},{"startTime":1364.98,"endTime":1366.78,"body":"So it's too high or too low."},{"startTime":1366.96,"endTime":1368.55,"body":"And to avoid making this mistake,"},{"startTime":1368.58,"endTime":1369.66,"body":"just know your genres,"},{"startTime":1369.66,"endTime":1370.86,"body":"word, count range,"},{"startTime":1370.86,"endTime":1373.11,"body":"and aim for somewhere between 80,000"},{"startTime":1373.11,"endTime":1374.34,"body":"to a hundred thousand words,"},{"startTime":1374.34,"endTime":1375.48,"body":"depending on your genre."},{"startTime":1375.99,"endTime":1377.07,"body":"Mistake number six,"},{"startTime":1377.07,"endTime":1379.95,"body":"is that the genre of the story isn't clear in the"},{"startTime":1379.95,"endTime":1382.77,"body":"story summary to avoid making this mistake,"},{"startTime":1382.8,"endTime":1385.41,"body":"just make sure that you are clear on your genre and"},{"startTime":1385.41,"endTime":1388.83,"body":"make sure that it's reflected in the summary that you include"},{"startTime":1388.83,"endTime":1389.82,"body":"in your query letter."},{"startTime":1390.09,"endTime":1390.9,"body":"And when in doubt,"},{"startTime":1390.9,"endTime":1392.1,"body":"have a writing partner,"},{"startTime":1392.1,"endTime":1392.67,"body":"a friend,"},{"startTime":1392.67,"endTime":1393.63,"body":"a developmental editor,"},{"startTime":1393.63,"endTime":1395.34,"body":"or whoever have them read it,"},{"startTime":1395.34,"endTime":1398.43,"body":"and just reflect back to you what they're seeing so that"},{"startTime":1398.43,"endTime":1401.19,"body":"you can make sure it's ready for the eyes of an"},{"startTime":1401.19,"endTime":1402.27,"body":"agent or an editor."},{"startTime":1402.66,"endTime":1405.96,"body":"Mistake. Number seven is choosing comp titles that aren't helpful,"},{"startTime":1405.96,"endTime":1407.55,"body":"or that don't make any sense."},{"startTime":1407.97,"endTime":1409.8,"body":"And to avoid making this mistake,"},{"startTime":1409.83,"endTime":1412.77,"body":"just do your research and find some recent comp titles."},{"startTime":1412.77,"endTime":1416.28,"body":"So anything published in the last five years that are relevant"},{"startTime":1416.28,"endTime":1417.48,"body":"to the current marketplace,"},{"startTime":1417.48,"endTime":1419.46,"body":"and that are truly comparable to your book."},{"startTime":1419.91,"endTime":1423.54,"body":"Mistake. Number eight is writing a story summary that's too vague"},{"startTime":1423.57,"endTime":1426.88,"body":"or using non-specific to summarize your story."},{"startTime":1427.18,"endTime":1429.73,"body":"So to avoid making this mistake in your summary,"},{"startTime":1429.76,"endTime":1432.82,"body":"make sure that you've included a character that readers can care"},{"startTime":1432.82,"endTime":1436.54,"body":"about an indication of what that character wants and why the"},{"startTime":1436.54,"endTime":1438.07,"body":"conflict that gets in their way."},{"startTime":1438.07,"endTime":1439.0,"body":"And what's at stake."},{"startTime":1439.03,"endTime":1440.59,"body":"If they don't get what they want."},{"startTime":1440.89,"endTime":1442.15,"body":"And remember when in doubt,"},{"startTime":1442.18,"endTime":1445.69,"body":"it's always better to be specific than vague mistake."},{"startTime":1445.69,"endTime":1448.6,"body":"Number nine is trying to include too much in your query."},{"startTime":1448.75,"endTime":1451.15,"body":"So this is the opposite of what we just talked about."},{"startTime":1451.24,"endTime":1452.05,"body":"And to avoid this,"},{"startTime":1452.05,"endTime":1453.58,"body":"I have three quick tips for you."},{"startTime":1453.97,"endTime":1454.57,"body":"Number one,"},{"startTime":1454.6,"endTime":1456.19,"body":"focus on one or two characters,"},{"startTime":1456.19,"endTime":1458.95,"body":"max, you don't have to reference or name every character that"},{"startTime":1458.95,"endTime":1459.55,"body":"you mentioned."},{"startTime":1459.82,"endTime":1460.45,"body":"Number two,"},{"startTime":1460.45,"endTime":1462.82,"body":"focus on the plot and your character's growth arc,"},{"startTime":1462.85,"endTime":1463.81,"body":"not your theme."},{"startTime":1464.23,"endTime":1465.04,"body":"And number three,"},{"startTime":1465.07,"endTime":1468.43,"body":"try to keep the pitch portion of your query to 250"},{"startTime":1468.43,"endTime":1469.42,"body":"words or less."},{"startTime":1469.66,"endTime":1472.81,"body":"This is enough room to help you catch agent's attention."},{"startTime":1472.84,"endTime":1474.61,"body":"If you focus on the right things,"},{"startTime":1474.94,"endTime":1478.48,"body":"mistake number 10 is writing a query letter that's unprofessional or"},{"startTime":1478.48,"endTime":1481.69,"body":"weird. So remember you don't have to try to be super"},{"startTime":1481.69,"endTime":1483.46,"body":"cute or clever in the way you write it."},{"startTime":1483.49,"endTime":1485.29,"body":"You just want to get down to the facts in the"},{"startTime":1485.29,"endTime":1486.58,"body":"story, because again,"},{"startTime":1486.58,"endTime":1488.2,"body":"this is a business letter."},{"startTime":1488.23,"endTime":1490.99,"body":"That's only job is to hook an agent and make them"},{"startTime":1490.99,"endTime":1493.21,"body":"interested in reading your full manuscript."},{"startTime":1493.54,"endTime":1495.22,"body":"So make sure it's professional,"},{"startTime":1495.25,"endTime":1497.23,"body":"make sure you do a spelling and grammar check."},{"startTime":1497.26,"endTime":1500.08,"body":"Make sure it's well formatted and make sure you follow the"},{"startTime":1500.08,"endTime":1501.67,"body":"submission guidelines."},{"startTime":1502.21,"endTime":1503.74,"body":"Now, with all that being said,"},{"startTime":1503.74,"endTime":1506.71,"body":"I also want to remind you that writing an effective query"},{"startTime":1506.71,"endTime":1509.41,"body":"letter takes practice and you will not get it right on"},{"startTime":1509.41,"endTime":1510.31,"body":"the first try."},{"startTime":1510.37,"endTime":1512.56,"body":"You will make some of these mistakes,"},{"startTime":1512.77,"endTime":1515.35,"body":"but at least now you know what to look out for"},{"startTime":1515.35,"endTime":1517.33,"body":"and how to course correct if you do."},{"startTime":1517.66,"endTime":1520.48,"body":"So, if you're querying or if you're about to query,"},{"startTime":1520.48,"endTime":1522.82,"body":"or if you know it's in your future somewhere,"},{"startTime":1522.94,"endTime":1526.06,"body":"don't give up and keep going until you're satisfied that your"},{"startTime":1526.06,"endTime":1529.48,"body":"query letter is doing its job to sell your story to"},{"startTime":1529.48,"endTime":1530.74,"body":"agents and editors."},{"startTime":1531.61,"endTime":1534.31,"body":"So that's it for today's show as always."},{"startTime":1534.31,"endTime":1536.35,"body":"I want to thank you so much for tuning in and"},{"startTime":1536.35,"endTime":1537.37,"body":"showing your support."},{"startTime":1538.15,"endTime":1539.71,"body":"If you want to check out any of the links I"},{"startTime":1539.71,"endTime":1540.97,"body":"mentioned in this episode,"},{"startTime":1540.97,"endTime":1543.91,"body":"you can find them over@savannahguilbeau.com"},{"startTime":1543.91,"endTime":1545.44,"body":"forward slash podcast."},{"startTime":1546.19,"endTime":1547.48,"body":"And if you haven't done so already,"},{"startTime":1547.48,"endTime":1549.97,"body":"make sure you subscribe to the show because there's going to"},{"startTime":1549.97,"endTime":1552.37,"body":"be another brand new episode coming out next week."},{"startTime":1554.47,"endTime":1555.43,"body":"If you're an apple user,"},{"startTime":1555.43,"endTime":1556.48,"body":"I'd really appreciate it."},{"startTime":1556.48,"endTime":1558.64,"body":"If you took a few seconds to leave a quick rating"},{"startTime":1558.64,"endTime":1560.77,"body":"and review your ratings and reviews,"},{"startTime":1560.77,"endTime":1564.22,"body":"tell iTunes that this is a podcast that's worth listening to"},{"startTime":1564.73,"endTime":1567.22,"body":"and in turn that helps the show get in front of"},{"startTime":1567.22,"endTime":1568.3,"body":"more fiction writers,"},{"startTime":1568.3,"endTime":1568.96,"body":"just like you."},{"startTime":1570.76,"endTime":1572.14,"body":"So that's it for today's show."},{"startTime":1572.26,"endTime":1575.29,"body":"I'll be back next week with a brand new episode until"},{"startTime":1575.29,"endTime":1576.49,"body":"then happy writing."}]}