This project is a wonderful idea, so go tell Joshua Palmatier how much you appreciate him putting together something like this.
The Query Project is for anyone who has ever wondered what a good query looks like. This project is for anyone who has ever stayed up until 5am changing two words around in a paragraph, not because it actually made the query sound better, but because you were too nervous to actually send it out. (Note: Writers are the world’s best stallers)
Will studying these people’s queries guarantee you some level of success with your next proposal? Is it promising that you’ll never be rejected again? Not in the slightest. What it does offer is a chance to look at 14 different queries from numerous authors and to also get their advice on what makes a good query and what elements should compose one.
Here’s the main link for this rundown of letters:
http://jpsorrow.livejournal.com/167325.html
In the end, are these people going to write your letter for you? Not at all. It still comes down to you doing the best job you can. A query letter still needs to hold your voice and communicate to an agent/editor about your novel. But getting the chance to study what’s worked for others is a great opportunity to learn from their successes and failures so you might find a more efficient way of dealing with these troublesome letters once and for all.
I see that smile.
Thanks for the plug! I’m glad you found the project helpful. *grin*
Joshua
Gladly. The Synopsis Project is up next. Thanks for putting such a huge effort into helping people learn about these two essential bits of the writing biz.