I submitted my first ever query letter this week. It was hard to describe all the elements of my book in a couple of paragraphs. It's urban fantasy erotica. I didn't talk about the sex scenes. They are, of course, part of the story, but there is more than sex going on and I wanted the agent to hear about the basic story and get an idea of the key things that happen. It's really hard to do that when you've spent so much time making sure all the pieces go together like breadcrumbs making a trail. I figured they would guess there is sex in it judging by my putting it in the erotica category. I wanted to tell them the whole wonderful story, but there isn't enough room nor do they have enough time. I just hope I gave them enough to pique their interest and give me a chance.
I was still holding my breath after I clicked on the submit button. It's a mix of fear and excitement.
I suppose I should submit to some other agents too. Eggs in one basket and all that.
With martial arts cancelled due to freezing rain, I had time to do more editing.
Yes. I queried before I completely finished my edits. Why? Because I have a background in project management. Knowing that it took me only a couple of days to get through the first half of the book and that they usually take around 3 months to respond, I wanted to get the ball rolling.
There was so much more I would've liked to put into the letter!
Yesterday, I continued editing my novel and edited the first draft of a children's book for a friend. Editing is something I struggled with early on, but now I quite like it. There is set structure and I can just sit down and work without interruption. Well, when there aren't barking dogs and sirens disrupting my concentration that is. I think editing as a career direction is something for me to look into in a serious sense.
Well, I have chapters to edit, a short story to write & edit, and other novels to finish first drafts on.
Ciao,
R~