tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post9157338629993501125..comments2023-06-25T03:16:49.358-06:00Comments on Kristi Helvig, YA Writer: Query Strategies--The Batch MethodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05255908019822363456noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-62215086317025790492012-06-17T08:52:37.500-06:002012-06-17T08:52:37.500-06:00Exactly--this method worked perfectly for me. :)Exactly--this method worked perfectly for me. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05255908019822363456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-79165252564347814612012-06-16T11:26:16.787-06:002012-06-16T11:26:16.787-06:00That's a great method. The timing of the feedb...That's a great method. The timing of the feedback (whether it's a request or rejection) can really speak volumes about the strength of your query letter and your work, especially if you start to notice a pattern (i.e.: all form rejections or all rejections after a partial).Gabe (Ava Jae)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04778524723148508140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-48120048944038099752012-06-15T09:46:04.094-06:002012-06-15T09:46:04.094-06:00You're absolutely right that different people ...You're absolutely right that different people like different things, so I'd only tweak it if you're getting NOTHING but rejections. I mean, even if you're happy with it, it ultimately won't help if no one else is. ;)<br /><br />The researching piece you mentioned is so true, because if you know you are querying agents that represent your genre, you will find out much faster whether the query is good or not. Best of luck with yours, Dan!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05255908019822363456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-54403306886669848602012-06-14T19:01:49.194-06:002012-06-14T19:01:49.194-06:00Agree with the batch method. Not only a time saver...Agree with the batch method. Not only a time saver, but I find it's helpful to have several opportunities out there, which lessens the blow when one comes back rejected. ;o) <br /><br />Not sure about tweaking as you go? I've researched enough agents to know that what works for one might not work for another. Some like it simple, some like a bit of something different, with added voice. It's difficult to figure out a standard query with so many people wanting different things - or not actually specifying what they want! <br /><br />I guess it's like the book... once YOU are happy with it, then that's a good sign. <br /><br />That said, I can't stress enough how essential I've found it to have someone with experience in the arena (like your awesome self, Kristi!) give me a professional query critique to identify all the issues I missed. So my next batch should rock.Danhttp://www.danhanks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-84344580571047234462012-06-13T08:01:03.833-06:002012-06-13T08:01:03.833-06:00Oops--I responded below this. :)Oops--I responded below this. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05255908019822363456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-77969322903723998072012-06-13T08:00:40.951-06:002012-06-13T08:00:40.951-06:00Laura--that's a great point about having too m...Laura--that's a great point about having too many people critique your query. Too many opinions can dilute the original voice, and you want your voice to be the one that shines through. I hope you can find the spark in it again, and best of luck!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05255908019822363456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5875347441971967569.post-84209037813291311652012-06-13T07:52:29.869-06:002012-06-13T07:52:29.869-06:00I've done this since my earliest querying days...I've done this since my earliest querying days. Granted, when I first started, my batches were larger (like 10 at a time), but I quickly changed that strategy when I came back with a ton of rejections and little helpful feedback. I started tweaking my query, and finally tweaked (well, rewrote) most of my novel before starting back with smaller batches of queries.<br /><br />Sadly, I think one of my older queries was more successful than my current incarnation, and I'm totally confused about what to make of that! I think my current "query by committee" is overworked at this point, and needs to incorporate some of the voice it lost by having half a dozen people share their input on it on my blog.Laura Hughes, MittensMorgulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00934132671168843593noreply@blogger.com