Lucienne Diver, until recently an agent at Spectrum Literary Agency, and now part of The Knight Agency, has updated her list of Do’s and Don’ts for writing query letters.
http://varkat.livejournal.com/21728.html
A few points worth nothing:
-Arrogance is a turn off. Do not suppose that your first novel will break all sales records and become a blockbuster movie.
-Check an agency’s website for submission guidelines and then follow them!
-Allow humor to show through, but don’t try to get too cutesy with your queries.
-Don’t try to rush the agent/editor along with a line like “I look forward to your speedy response.” Rejection takes much less time than a careful read.
She also mentions a little etiquette:
-Do mention if it’s a simultaneous submission. At the query letter stage this is expected, but at the partial or full manuscript stage, the status should definitely be disclosed. It’s good manners and can hurt your chances with an agent if we find out later what we should have known up front. In addition, if you sign with an agent, do the other agents looking at your work the courtesy of letting them know right away so they don’t spend their limited time reading something that’s no longer available.
And in closing, reminds us that:
-All this aside, remember that an agent is looking for good material. One of the most exciting things about our job is finding new talent. The above aren’t meant to be discouraging but simply to give you the best chance of standing out in the right
Now if you’ll pardon me, I need to go delete that Knock-Knock joke from all my query letters.
I see that smile.