Hello all, I have written a book. I am interested in getting a literary agent. I have Google searched possible query letters. The websites suggest a synopsis of the book. For a script I understand a log line is required. A synopsis would be much longer. I also don't know what to do about the lack of literary publications. The suggested steps are below.
1. Greet the agent
2. Write a strong hook for the book
3. Write a synopsis
4. Pitch your author credentials (I haven't authored anything published before)
5. Personalize to stand out from other queries
6. Close the letter with a thank you
7. Proofread
I understand Andrew Kersey will be in a lounge today. I also would like to ask anyone to offer any information they have learned about this process. I am not just asking Andrew Kersey exclusively.
Hey Mark! Congratulations on completing your book! If you want personalized suggestions we do have adaptation reviews with executives and producers who can help you!
Hello Gigi, I apologize for being ignorant to the facts. What is an adaptation review? My best guess is to see if it can be adapted to T.V.
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Hi Mark, Congratulations on your book! If you want to get a literary agent, I suggest Googling the agencies and checking out their Submission pages. That way you can personalise each sub. Briefly, you will need: Query letter (1 page with intro, comps and tagline), Synopsis (max 500/800 words), first 3 chapters. This will vary from agent to agent, but a strong, businesslike query letter will hit the mark. There is no fee for submitting to a genuine agent, and you can submit to as many as you like, just pay attention to what they want ie. Check they are looking for your genre. Good luck!
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Example:
Dear Mr Stevens,
Thank you for taking the time to look at my 85,000 word, psychological thriller, Remember Me.
Tagline *** 'Eight different memories, eight versions of events. One missing girl.
Eleven years ago Ellen Smith vanished from her small Welsh village after teenage party in the woods.
Now her best friend, LAPD cop Ava Cole is back in Wales, and determined to find out the truth.'
***The blah bit... Remember Me is my sixth book, and I have been published by/bestsellers/awards etc. I also play the drums in a rock band/live in a treehouse/have pet worms etc...
Remember Me would be of interest to readers who enjoy Cara Hunter/insert comp authors/more blah.
I am always happy to work on any revisions and look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
XXX
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E-mail me at gregorj3 at gmail dot com. I've gone through the process.
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Hey @Mark! We have a great webinar with WME Story Editor Chris Lockhart that I think might help -- https://www.stage32.com/webinars/What-Makes-Your-Logline-Interesting-for-an-Actor-Producer-Manager-or-Agent?affid=ejlounge
One thing to note is that this set up is more for screenwriting lit reps, as opposed to novel/publishing ones, but if you're a member of the Writers' Room, you can also check out this webcast of the Pitch Tank with Tessa Shaffer who does both film/TV and publishing, and covers verbal pitching https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Pitch-Tank-with-Special-Guest-Literary-...
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Hi Mark, mega congrats on getting your book done! That list looks pretty comprehensive. With 5. (Pitch your author creds) - if you haven't had anything published before, focus on your expertise as related to your book - for example, if you're writing a comic novel, draw on your background in comedy, if a historical narrative, on your knowledge and interest in history, and so on. If you can think of a few selling points for your book (unique approach, who it will appeal to), add those in as well. It shows the publisher you are willing to help sell (this can count for a lot when submitting). Good luck meanwhile!