When your manuscript is polished and ready, you’ll need to get your query submission ready for agents/publishers. If you need help getting your query letter, synopsis, and opening pages in tip-top shape, look no further. Voice, tension, plot, characters, conflict, goals, and stakes must be present in a query. The synopsis should be a play-by-play of your novel—the key events that happen told in a dry, chronological way with no voice and all the spoilers. Check out this blog post and this blog post for some tips and advice on how to craft your query and synopsis.
I also have a new pre-recorded query and synopsis course available for purchase! Learn common errors, tips and tricks to get them right, examples, and even a query critique demonstration. A video course lets you watch it on your time and still gives you all the same information presented in a live webinar. Plus it includes a query OR synopsis critique after you’ve implemented what you’ve learned!
In your first few pages, you need to nail key areas so you can suck in the reader (aka agent or acquisitions editor) and make them want more. These areas include character voice, tension, emotion, relatability, curiosity, etc. A hint at what the Major Dramatic Question is, what the character’s goals are, and what’s stopping them. We don’t want backstory, we don’t want an info dump. Nailing these pages is crucial in getting people interested.
Kathleen generally follows the “book/hook/cook” (or “hook/book/cook”—they both mean the same thing) style for query letters, which is what many agents prefer. With this style, your metadata goes at the top, your query blurb goes in the middle, and your bio paragraph goes at the bottom. 250-350 words is generally a good range—you’ve only got about thirty seconds to wow an agent/editor, so keep it short and make every word count.
Several packages are available, but if you need something that’s not listed here, custom orders are certainly available.
Please note: fees for synopses are based on 2 pages or fewer. If your synopsis is 3-5 pages, an additional $10 and 1 day is required. Pages should be single-spaced in block style with 1″ margins and 12pt Times New Roman (or similar) font.
Let’s get make those pages, queries, and synopses shine!
Query Package Options
Pitch Critiques
So many people have been asking me to provide pitch critiques, so I’ve decided to offer this service. If you’re going to be participating in a pitch event attended by agents and acquisitions editors/publishers, put your best foot forward! There are three options:
- 3 pitches crafted by you, critiqued by me for $20 USD
- 3 pitches crafted by me, based on your query letter for $30 USD
- You can also combine 2 of your own pitches and have me craft one for $25 USD
Book Your Critique
To book your critiques with me, please fill out the form at the link here and click Submit. When your form is received, I’ll send an invoice to the email address provided with the quoted amount and any details discussed as well as a timeline for your project based on your individual needs. Please ensure you read the terms and conditions before submitting the form.
Repeat clients earn 10% off future bookings! (Cannot be combined with other discounts.)