20 Book Deal Killing Query Mistakes

Here they are, the 20 Book Deal Killing Query Mistakes - for free, without having to sit through the online (recorded) seminar, stated simply and succinctly:

1. Don't make your query a craft project. Don't add anything fancy, including various fonts, images, colorful flourishes. Just keep it text and nothing more. Format your query professionally.

2. Don't hide or put off your pitch. Make it obvious in the body of the query. Don't make the potential agent have to find it. 

3. Get to the point - don't wander, don't be wordy. The entire query shouldn't be longer than 300 words. Use only 100-150 words when you describe your book idea. 

4. Stick to the point - that being, what makes your book saleable. Publishers first and foremost in the business to make money. You wrote a great book? What will make it fly off the shelves?

5. Stay focused on the book you are querying about. Don't mention sequels, or another book you're working on. Stay with your one pitch - period.

6. Don't query, or prepare your query too quickly. If writing fiction, don't query until the book is written. Nonfiction, have your concept well thought-out and ready to be explained in detail.

7. Know the rules of the game - (don't display a lack of Industry Knowledge). Each agent has particular rules they want followed when submitting a query. Follow them. Do exactly as they've asked. Make sure you know what they are - look them up if necessary. Don't do anything more than what they've asked for.

8. Don't select the wrong agent. Agents represent based on genres. If you are offering a YA novel, be sure the agent you're querying is looking for YA novels. If you feel your book crosses several genres, that may be true, but pick the one it most falls under. Your agent must be looking for your book if you're going to query them.

9. Know the agent. Research the agent. Knowing what they are looking for is just the beginning. Know what they've had published. Research more, find common ground. Use your information to create a bonding open. (a personalized and persuasive opening that explains why you're reaching out to a specific agent or editor),

10. Know the pertinent details of your book. Don't just know your word count, but know the appropriate word count for a book of your type. Demonstrate that you know and understand what readers of your book will be looking for - and the agent as well.

11. Don't make the query about you - don't appear naive. The only thing that matters is the book. Explain, briefly, why you are qualified to write the book. Nothing personal, like, "I've been writing since I was a child."

12. Don't be too big for your britches. Don't allow your "self-importance," or conceit creep into your query.

13. Avoid being or coming across as a jack-ass. Simply put - don't be rude. (Obvious, of course).

14. Don't get chummy. Don't ask for free advice. Should advice be offered accept it gratefully. Don't see it as an invitation to keep contacting the agent asking for direction and/or advice.

15. Do not lie, or exaggerate your abilities or background. You will be found out. Stay truthful.

16. Proofread your query, then have someone else go over it.  You're applying for the job of a writer - you can't afford to make technical errors in you query. Prove you're a qualified story-teller.

17. Do NOT start your query with a question: "Can men ever see women as more than objects?" And don't end with a question either: "Will she get there in time?"

18. Have a very compelling open - an intriguing book hook that makes the agent/reader want you to tell them more. Some sort of shock factor. Clever is good too, for example, "Marriage can be a real killer."

19. Don't stop too soon. You will get rejections, but you can't quit. Many books were rejected many times before they became iconic novels: "Carrie," by Stephen King was rejected by 30 publishers. "Chicken Soup for the Soul," was turned down by 144 publishers.  So, hang in there.

20. A good query entices the reader to want more. Don't make your description of your story/book a summary. Get to the characters and conflict, dangers and possible solutions. Tell the story of the book. Hook the agent with your description.