Olympereeeeeeeeeeeeeemtblr - Olympe Erem

how to properly structure a query letter!*

Dear [Agent], 

[An optional brief introduction, no longer than 2 - 3 sentences, perhaps where you elaborate on the #ownvoices of your manuscript, or pointing out certain things in your manuscript that the agent asks for. I reiterate that this paragraph is optional. Unless you have a very specific reason to be querying this agent—for instance, if they tweeted an MSWL for a heist novel and you’re querying a heist novel—there is no relevance, so don’t include this paragraph.]

[The first paragraph of your summary introduces the world, the main character, and their Normal. For instance, Cynthia lives in the times of a pandemic and works to continue living in their new normal. Every day, Cynthia choose to get up and keep living and making the most of their situation while trying to find something to do to be useful.] 

[The second paragraph of your summary introduces the plot. To continue with the above idea, Cynthia has been tasked with trying to find a cure to coronavirus, but all they have to work with in their home is duct tape, tangerines, Tylenol, and a never-give-up attitude.] 

[The third paragraph introduces stakes, aka what will happen if Cynthia doesn’t discover a cure with the resources they have at home. Luckily for them, however, a woman named Jane they had a one night stand with needs a place to crash after she was evicted. Cynthia agrees to let her stay as their roommate, especially because Jane brings with her the missing ingredient to the cure for coronavirus, a magic bean she stole from a giant–but there’s only one magic bean. If Cynthia and Jane can’t find a way to make more beans, they might be sent to the realm of giants forever.] 

[The closing paragraph goes like this: Complete at 89,000 words, THE MAGIC BEAN is an Adult contemporary fantasy with potential for a companion novel. I believe it will appeal to fans of Erin Morgenstern and Naomi Novik. Briefly explain who you are and share what you’re comfortable with about yourself—I say I’m 26, headed to grad school for archiving, and that the book is #ownvoices for genderqueer representation. Also mention if you have any connection to the publishing industry. I mention who I was previously represented by, why we amicably parted ways, and that I’ve mentored in many writing contests.] 

[Final closure: Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you again!] 

[Best,]

[My name]

[My phone number and, though optional, my twitter handle] 

*i’ve been in the publishing industry for nine years now, have mentored many authors who went on to be published by the Big 5, and worked in writing contests to help writers, not only with their manuscript, but with their pitch and query letter and comps etc. i know what i’m about 😉

so 

denouement

climax

internal conflict 

inciting incident 

backstory 

This is very much simplified. It’s your starting guide to the character’s arc. keep in mind that this is assuming a positive change arc, and there is more than one way to tell a story. Never follow anyone’s advice off a cliff.

yo, my best mate, the drake to my josh, the carly to my sam, your neighbors au?? imma need to skate the heck to 90s to comprehend how totally tubular it is. the sickest au ive seen since the bookshop au you made. im kachowed down to my lightning mcqueen crocs. anyway, sending my love and atrocious 90s slang to you. i bet skiddadle, see in a while, crocodile.

I AM SOBBING, THIS IS THE BEST/FUNNIEST THING EVER. “IM KACHOWED DOWN TO MY LIGHTNING MCQUEEN CROCS” (I JUST SENT THAT LINE TO MY BROTHER AND HE SAID “aren’t we all?”) ANYWAY I LOVE YOU, HAVE FUN SKIDADDILING AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH

I also have a big crush on our potion genius Penny

no write only daydream

Ophélie: comment vous sentez-vous?

Thorn: J'ai une migraine qui semble ne faire que s'en aller et revenir.. mais pour l'instant c'est supportable.

Archibald: *entre* Oh mon cher Intendant!

Thorn: Ma migraine est revenue.

I made some catradora posters this weekend!

Me, trying to write a WIP this week: struggle sauce, barely getting out 500 words in a day.

Me tonight, writing a few short one-shot flash prompts: inspired as hell, wrote 1500 words in an hour and a half, could write more but its bedtime.

Whyyyyyyyy