Welcome to Day 5 of The Storytellers Summit! This is the big one. If you’re ready to pitch an agent, then grab your query letters and manuscripts. Today’s video is MSWL and other useful information for agent-seeking authors from Syrone.
If you want to participate in our exclusive opportunity to pitch Syrone and receive an expedited reply from her on your query, it’s not too late to buy an add on ticket.
For those of you who already added on our pitch event, please keep an eye out in your email with futher directions on how to pitch Syrone starting tomorrow! For those of you not pitching, this marks your final day with us. Thank you so much for being a part of our tight knit community.
Raffles Reminder:
All summit ticket holders will be automatically entered into a raffle to receive one of the following prizes: (1 winner) a complimentary 30-minute book launch and marketing consultation with Jackie, or (1 winner) a professional book review from Theresa designed to support the visibility of a published title. There are no steps needed to enter; all base ticket holders will be automatically entered into this raffle. All raffle winners will be selected and notified by email on Sunday, January 18, by 8PM EST.
Participants who purchase the Pitch an Agent add-on with Syrone will be entered into an additional raffle if they complete the required Pitch an Agent submission form. From the form submissions, up to three writers will be selected to receive a 10-minute critique session with Syrone, in addition to having their query formally considered. Up to one (1) winner will be chosen from each category as possible: Picture Book, Middle Grade/Chapter Book, and Young Adult. These critique sessions are intended to provide focused feedback to help guide each writer’s next steps. All critique raffle winners will be selected and notified by email on Saturday, January 17, by 8PM EST. More information will be given to those with pitch add-on tickets near the end of the week.
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As a reminder, this session is part of a paid summit experience. Please respect our community by not sharing this page or the video link publicly. Thank you for helping us preserve the integrity of this exclusive event.
Q&A Wishlist and Pitch Opportunity with agent Syrone Harvey: Syrone Harvey is an impassioned literary professional with a strong background in publication, editorial services, development and project management. She is committed to providing a “bookend” of individual support to authors at every level. As a published author, Syrone holds genuine enthusiasm for literature and a love for storytelling. She is deeply committed to championing diverse narratives, nurturing emerging talent, and presenting fresh perspectives. She embraces the belief that everyone has a unique story to share. Her dedication is in collaborating with authors while listening and drawing from their interpretation of their creative art. Syrone understands the developmental process, providing insightful feedback, helping authors refine their manuscripts and navigating the nuances of the publishing process. Syrone has a keen editorial eye and a knack for identifying market trends. Whether it’s guiding debut novelists or supporting seasoned writers seeking a new direction, she is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with her clients. She takes a patchwork quilt approach with her authors—every story is unique and one-of-a-kind. She will walk your literary journey with enthusiasm, expertise, and a shared commitment to bringing exceptional stories to readers worldwide.
Query 101
A query letter is a brief, professional introduction to your manuscript and yourself, sent to literary agents for consideration. Its purpose is to clearly present the core premise of your work while also giving the agent context about who you are as a writer.
There is no single correct way to write a query letter. Agents have different preferences and submission processes. The structure below reflects one commonly used approach, particularly for fiction, and is offered as a foundation rather than a rule.
Key Basic Elements of a Query Letter
Personalization
Address the agent by name and briefly explain why you selected them. This shows professionalism and research.
The Hook
Introduce the main character, central conflict, and what is at stake. Focus on clarity rather than complexity.
Brief Summary
Expand slightly on the premise to show how the story unfolds emotionally and narratively, stopping well before the ending.
Book Details
Include the title, genre, word count, and target audience. Comparable titles may be included if they are recent and appropriate.
Author History
Author history provides context about your writing journey and relationship to the publishing industry. This may include prior submissions, mentorships, workshops, agent meetings, pitch events, awards, or long-term work on the manuscript. This section helps agents understand your level of experience and professional engagement.
Author Bio
The author bio focuses on credentials and background that are relevant to the manuscript or to publishing. This may include previous publications, professional writing experience, academic background, or subject-matter expertise. Personal details should only be included when they directly relate to the work.
Submission Materials
Queries are typically submitted alongside sample pages or a full manuscript, depending on each agent’s guidelines. Always follow instructions regarding placement of pages, attachments, formatting, and file types.
Sample Query Letter Template
Dear [Agent Name],
I am querying you because [brief, specific reason you selected this agent; if you connected with the agent at an event or referred by a common colleague, note that here].
[TITLE] is a [word count]-word [genre] novel for [target audience]. It follows [main character], who [brief description]. When [inciting incident] occurs, they must [central action or decision], or risk [what is at stake].
As the story develops, [one to two sentences expanding on the conflict and emotional arc, stopping before the ending].
[TITLE] will appeal to readers of [comparable title] and [comparable title], based on shared themes, tone, or audience.
My author history includes [brief note on relevant experience, such as pitching, mentorships, workshops, or prior industry engagement, if applicable].
I am a [author bio focused on credentials, publications, or relevant expertise, if applicable].
Thank you for your time and consideration. [Note if a simultaneous submission to more than one agent or publisher.]
Sincerely,
[Your Name][Your Contact Information]
Always review each agent’s submission guidelines carefully to confirm:
- Whether sample pages should be pasted into the email or submitted through a form
- Whether attachments are accepted
- Required file formats and page or word count limits
- Subject line or form field instructions
Failure to follow submission instructions can result in an automatic rejection, regardless of the quality of the work.
Disclaimer: This query letter guidance is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It represents one commonly used approach to querying literary agents and does not guarantee representation or publication. Literary agents vary widely in preferences, expectations, and processes. Writers are encouraged to research agents carefully and tailor submissions to each agent’s stated guidelines.
A Big List of “No’s” When Querying Literary Agents
Shared by Jackie, based on conversations with her supervisor at Writers House, one of the largest and most established literary agencies in the world, representing bestselling and award-winning authors across children’s, adult, and nonfiction publishing. Please note that these may be subjective.
Querying and Submission No’s
- Do not send unaddressed queries such as “Dear Agent,” “Dear Sir or Madam,” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Do not CC or BCC multiple agents on the same email. Queries should always be sent individually.
- Do not query multiple agents at the same agency at the same time if agency policy limits this. Many agencies refer projects internally, and querying multiple agents can disrupt that process.
- Do not forget to include your manuscript or sample pages when the agent’s guidelines require them.
- Do not submit materials in a format that does not follow the agent’s stated submission guidelines.
Professional Conduct No’s
- Do not contact agents, assistants, or staff through personal email addresses, social media, or private channels with event or submission questions.
- Do not use impolite, aggressive, or demanding language in queries or follow-ups.
- Do not make veiled threats, apply pressure, or repeatedly follow up outside stated response times.
Content and Research No’s
- Do not reference clients, agents, editors, or industry professionals you do not personally know in order to create a connection. Agents will verify relationships.
- Do not submit work that falls outside an agent’s Manuscript Wish List.
- Do not query an agent who explicitly states they are closed to your category or format.
- Do not ask an agent to make an exception to their stated preferences.
Craft and Formatting No’s
- Do not send overly long queries. A query is a pitch and an overview, not a synopsis.
- Do not ignore industry-standard manuscript formatting.
- Do not over-stress about perfection. Agents are not expecting a fully publication-ready manuscript, but they do expect professionalism.
- Do not send multiple links to other hosting platforms with your work, if possible. The only exception may be a file-heavy art portfolio.
Career and Role Clarity No’s
- Do not query already traditionally or self-published work, unless you are seeking representation for foreign rights, translation rights, or representation in another country and the agent handles that, or unless that agent specifically asked for this type of query.
- Do not misunderstand the role of a literary agent. Agents do not market your book, provide freelance editing services, find translators, book coaches, or offer paid mentorship as part of representation.
- Do not expect personalized feedback on rejections. Many agents are unable to provide individual responses due to volume.
- Do not assume silence means failure. Response times vary widely!