QueryFest FAQ


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

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

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 May 15 to assure experts have the necessary time to review.

    Seventeen pages maximum in a 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:

    • A one-page query letter addressed to “Dear Agent/Editor:” single spaced, letter format, 12-point font, 1” margins.
    • The first 15 pages of a manuscript double-spaced, 12-point font, 1” margins, noting the writer’s name and a working book title at the top of the page.
    • A one-page synopsis of novel or non-fiction work, double spaced, 12-point font, 1” margins.

    Only one 17-page submission is required for any number of consultations you choose to purchase, or you may submit a different package for each expert you’re scheduled with.

  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 in the Spring, 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 2025 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.

    Please note that even though we are asking for the first 15 pages of your manuscript, it is not guaranteed the expert will read and comment on the entire 15 pages—some might use the additional pages for context.

  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 on common submission requirements, in case they decide to read more about you and your work. We request that you submit 17 pages in total—a query letter, the first 15 pages of your manuscript, and the synopsis.

    Please note that even though we are asking for the first 15 pages of your manuscript, it is not guaranteed the expert will read and comment on the entire 15 pages—some might use the additional pages for context.

  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 QF 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 April 2025 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 17-page submission, 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 May 15, the firm deadline for submitting material to the experts. See you in 2025!

  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 2025!

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