QueryFest FAQ

Q: How do I know whether I should attend PitchFest or QueryFest?

A: If you have a completed, polished novel that you’re trying to sell, PitchFest may be right for you. If you’re a newer writer who may not be quite ready to pitch, or an experienced writer who might need advice on your career path, QueryFest may be right for you.

QueryFest’s 15-minute sessions can also help better prepare you for PitchFest, increasing your chances of making a good first impression on that agent or editor you’ve been eager to meet. This may also be a great opportunity to express how your work has improved since the last time you met with that agent or editor and seek further advice on the next steps.

Please, no pitching during QueryFest.

For questions from writers about QueryFest, Director Jim L’Etoile can be reached at queryfest@thrillerwriters.org.

For questions from writers about PitchFest, Director Susan Lee can be contacted at susan@thrillerwriters.org.

See below for more information.

If You Are A:Then You Should Attend:
PitchFestQueryFest
Writer with Completed Polished Manuscript to SellX
Writer Not Yet Ready to Sell a MS and want AdviceX
Writer Wondering if the MS is Ready to PitchX
Writer Seeking Help on Query LetterXX
Writer Wanting to Check Out the Process Before Pitching Next YearXX
Self-Published Author Seeking Traditional PublisherXX
Self-Published Author Seeking Advice on What to Do with Self-Published WorkXX
Self-Published Author Seeking A Sale of Movie Rights (Producers don’t always attend PF. Check website for confirmations)X
Self-Published Author Seeking Career AdviceX
Published Author Looking for A New Agent or EditorXX
Published Author Seeking Advice on a New ManuscriptX
Published Author Seeking A Sale of Movie Rights (Producers don’t always attend PF. Check website for confirmations)X
Published Author Seeking Career AdviceX

 

QUERYFEST FAQ

  1. Q. What exactly is QueryFest?

    QueryFest is educational in nature, focusing on the “query” package. The program allows writers and emerging novelists to receive professional advice on their query letter, the first pages of their manuscript, and their synopsis from experts in the publishing industry.

  2. Q. Should I attend QueryFest or PitchFest or both?

    If you can do both, it’s highly recommended. PitchFest allows you to network with the industry’s top-selling agents and editors in very short bursts, hopefully making that special connection that will lead to a sale of your work. QueryFest offers an opportunity to consult with experts to perfect your manuscript or query letter, improve the marketability of your writing, and field career path questions.

  3. Q. Will the same industry experts at QueryFest be attending PitchFest?

    Many experts participate in both events.

    At QueryFest, a writer commits NOT to pitch to the editors and agents. Instead, attendees are there to ask for advice. It’s not that these agents and editors aren’t looking for talent, they just don’t want to hear a pitch. Instead, they prefer to review your query package and advise you on your work. QueryFest offers an opportunity for the agent or editor to meet authors and review writing samples in advance. This allows many industry experts who prefer not to hear pitches to offer valuable advice to writers.

  4. Q. What do I have to submit to attend QueryFest?

    To be eligible for a consultation, writers must submit the following by no later than March 15th to assure experts have the necessary time to review. You will be provided a link to upload your query package submission.

    Seven pages maximum in a single Word Document (to make it easier for experts to make notations) or PDF format (if Word is not available), titled with writer’s name (ie: “Jane Smith”) to include:

    Upload requirements (read carefully):
    – Upload ONE Microsoft Word document (.doc, .docx or .gdoc only) per publishing expert.
    – Packet should be no more than 7 pages (1-page query letter, 1-page synopsis, first 5 pages of manuscript)
    – Include your name and working book title in the header
    – Your document must include the following three (3) items in this exact order:
    1) 1-PAGE QUERY LETTER
    – Letter format
    – Use generic greeting — Dear Agent/Editor:
    – Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
    – Limit: one page
    2) 1-PAGE SYNOPSIS
    – Provides helpful context for the publishing expert (include spoilers and the ending!)
    – Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
    – Limit: one page
    3) FIRST 5 PAGES OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT (START WITH PAGE 1)
    – Do not include a title page. Start with page 1 of the story.
    – Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
    – Upload only the first five pages
    Tip: You might need to use page breaks between the three sections to ensure each part starts on a new page.
    IMPORTANT NOTE:
    If you’ve signed up for multiple experts, submit a single packet which will be forwarded to each expert. Please include the expert’s name in the document’s filename, as indicated below.
    FILE NAME FORMAT (REQUIRED)
    Name your Word document using this exact format:
    Writer First Name Writer Last Name – Expert Last Name – Full Packet
    Example (1 expert): Jane Doe – Brosnan – Full Packet.docx
    Example (Multiple experts): Jane Doe – Brosnan, Levine, Perry – Full Packet.docx

     

     

  5. Q. Where can I find information on creating query letters and synopses along with more guidance on writing?

    Query letters:

    Manuscripts:

    • Attend Master Class for advice on the first 10-pages of your manuscript from a bestselling author.
    • Invest in CraftFest to attend numerous opportunities that will help you improve your manuscript.

    Synopses:

  6. Q. Can I choose who I want to see during QueryFest?

    Yes, you can schedule your own appointments with experts through Sign-Up Genius (or a similar scheduling program). More information will be available after the first of the new year, as QueryFest draws nearer, and we confirm expert scheduling.

  7. Q. Can I request back-to-back consultations with the same industry expert?

    No, this option will not be available in 2027 to allow more writers to schedule time with experts.

  8. Q. Can I ask for the expert’s contact information to communicate with him or her after QueryFest?

    Sometimes the agent or editor shares their contact information and sometimes they don’t. At ITW, we are protective of the experts who volunteer their time to help you, so we do not give out any contact information unless they give us permission to do so. And we ask that if you need to contact the expert for ANY reason, please go through the QueryFest directors (and do not contact the experts directly). Thank you for understanding.

  1. Q. How long is my time with an industry expert, and what does it cost?

    Writers pay $79 for 15 minutes of consultation time at QueryFest with the best editors and agents in the industry offering feedback to help improve your approach to an agent or acquiring editor.

     

  2. Q. What do I get out of a consultation?

    You will get as much out of the consultation as you put into it. Examples of the advice you might receive include:

    1) how to improve your writing skills so you can entice an agent or editor via your query letter,

    2) how to improve your chances of selling your manuscript via a critique of your first few pages, and/or,

    3) steps you can take to better guide your career path. (We suggest you prepare questions to ask the experts in advance.)

    Writers who attend QueryFest are amazed at how much help they receive in a short time. The agents and editors can also offer suggestions to make your work stand out based on your submission.

     

  3. Q. Can I pitch my work to the agent or editor at QueryFest?

    We ask that you DO NOT pitch your work at QueryFest. Most of the experts who volunteer their time for this event would prefer not to hear pitches and expect you to honor that preference. However, if they ASK you to pitch them, please feel free, but only if they specifically ask.

  4. Q. With QueryFest, there may be some things you are—or are not—expecting.

    QueryFest is designed to provide expert advice on your work. That’s it. Everything else is gravy.

    If you’re ready to hear honest, direct feedback from agents or editors, this is the event for you. If not, you will probably walk away disappointed. Even if your writing is stellar, you can always learn something new and improve your prose.

    Whether or not you agree with the advice you receive, please don’t argue with the experts about their opinions. It’s fine to clarify your intent or offer more information if it helps the expert understand your work in more detail, but arguing with them about their advice will just frustrate both you and the experts. Invest your time wisely and redirect the conversation with a pre-planned list of questions.

    Remember, a writing journey is all about differing opinions on the same body of work.

  5. Q. How do I sign up for QueryFest?

    When you register for Master Class, CraftFest or ThrillerFest, you will be eligible to sign up for up to five QueryFest consultations (no double sessions to allow more writers to participate, but the opportunity to schedule more than five may be available in the Spring). If you have already registered, simply email the registrar at registrar@thrillerwriters.org. Please note that scheduling takes place in Februrary 2027 after we finalize which experts will be participating and their schedules.

     

  6. Q. Should I bring anything with me to the consultation with the industry expert?

    We recommend bringing a business card with your contact information. This saves time taken by the agent or editor to write it down and eliminates transcription errors. (We’d hate to have you miss an email from an agent or editor because of a misprinted email address.)

    We also strongly advise that you bring copies of your 7-page submission (query letter, synopsis, and the first 5 pages of your manuscript), in case the expert is unable to refer to your submission due to last-minute IT or printing glitches.

  7. Q. If I’ve already registered for ThrillerFest events, how can I sign up for QueryFest or PitchFest or both?

    If you have already registered, simply email the registrar at registrar@thrillerwriters.org. Sign up for up to five consultations (no double sessions to allow more writers to participate, but the opportunity to schedule more than five may be available in the Spring). You’ll then be able to choose your experts as long as they have sessions available. Note: This year we will close both registration and consultation scheduling on March 15th, the firm deadline for submitting material to the experts. See you in 2027!

  8. Q. Has anyone ever received representation from an agent or a book publishing deal by attending QueryFest?

    Absolutely! A side benefit to connecting writers with agents and editors at QueryFest is that sometimes the expert finds a writer particularly interesting. Connections certainly do happen, and the agents and editors are just as excited as you are when they do. Their job is to find you, that special talent, so be the best version of yourself at QueryFest.

And one last note:

We love coordinating these events for our attendees, but please be patient with us—we’re all volunteers.

See you in 2027!

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