QueryFest
Are you eager to have your work published? Would you like expert advice on your query letter, synopsis or the first pages of your manuscript? Do you want to know how to attract the attention of agents and editors? Or do you just have a question about some aspect of your career as a writer?
If so, QueryFest is for you.
Consider your query as your sales pitch—a representation of your product (your manuscript). You need to sell that product—and yourself—to an agent or acquiring editor; you must capture their interest. QueryFest offers the opportunity to sit down with an agent or editor who will give you the feedback you need to improve your query package. This information is invaluable, and will be extremely useful to you long after ThrillerFest ends, as you continue your querying journey.
QueryFest offers you the opportunity to sign up for 15-minute, one-on-one sessions with literary agents and editors (both independent and with publishing houses). You’ll submit your “query package” ahead of time: your one-page query letter, the first 5 pages of your manuscript, and a one-page synopsis—7 pages total. Only one 7-page submission is required for any number of consultations you reserve, or you can send a different package for each expert.
These experts will help you refine your work and suggest the best ways to sell it–and yourself. You’ll learn how to make your query letters more effective, tighten your synopsis, or “hook” an agent or acquiring editor with the first few pages of your manuscript.
For those who are not ready to query, the experts can answer questions about the writing biz, such as: 1) how to identify what your project is about, 2) how to research your genre and identify comps (books that are comparable to your own), 3) how to navigate conflicting writing advice, 4) how to determine which part of the market you’re in and how to best present your story, 5) how to decide which authors’ works to study, and 6) how to learn about the business side of publishing.
QF sessions are by appointment only Wednesday, June 18 through Friday, June 20. Our experts will provide helpful feedback and answer questions. But no pitching, please.
The list of available experts will help when selecting appointments. You may initially purchase up to five sessions (no double sessions to allow more writers to participate, but the opportunity to schedule more than five may be available in the Spring). You will be able to select both your expert and the time of appointment. We will provide more information for the scheduling service closer to the event.
Please Note: If you wish to attend QueryFest, you will need to purchase Master Class, CraftFest, ThrillerFest or one of the packages.
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James L'Etoile
QueryFest Director
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Tracey Devlyn
Assistant Director, QueryFest
For any questions, please email James L’Etoile, QueryFest Director, or Tracey Devlyn, Assistant Director, QueryFest
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