More Query Letter Mistakes
More things not to do in query letters
Don't make fatal errors that will cause your query letter to end up in the garbage. Pay attention to these recommended DON'TS for query letters.
The list of query letter mistakes is long. Beginning writers often get the wrong idea when writing query letters and attempt to create a relationship with the reader. Your true goal should be to appeal to their business sense and make your story or article seem like exactly what they are looking for.
Here are some MORE common “don’ts” for query letters:
6. Don’t make references to copyrights
Editors don’t have time to steal your story ideas and write their own novel. In the business, copyrights are assumed.
7. Don’t apologize for wasting their time
If you feel you are wasting their time, you shouldn’t be writing the query in the first place. Be confident about the quality of your work, or improve your work until it is worthy.
8. Don’t tell them your friends love it.
Your friends might love it, or they might just be trying to make you feel better. In either case, their opinion won’t sway the editor.
9. Don’t get fancy with fonts and stationery.
White paper, black ink, fonts and spacing according to the editor’s submission guidelines.
10. Don’t give them your marketing plan.
Editors and agents are paid to know what the potential is for your book. Do your research but keep it to yourself.
Remember that editors and agents are business people. They are taking a chance on you that translates into a financial loss or gain. Appealing to their emotions won’t sway them into spending time on your book or article if they don’t think it will be profitable for them and their company.
Recycling is good for the environment, but bad for your query letter. Avoid these mishaps to increase your chances of a successful query.
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Need more help with query letters?
- Addressing Your Query Letter
