Glad to hear it. I know what it’s like from the writer side. It does feel like you’re applying for something.
I don’t want to be viewed as the gate keeper. I’m not passing judgment, or saying you’re not worthy enough if I pass on a book. I’m just an agent, standing in front of a writer wondering if we’ll make a good team. 😉
I always think to use the best as an example long after I forgot which one it is. Same with the worst. I'll try to remember to grab some examples and maybe the next webinar will be on that.
Glad you asked. Certain "achievements" hold weight with your query, and some don't. National awards are a plus - whereas winning or placing in a writing event contest, even a well known one like Killer Nashville or Thrillerfest, do not hold any sway. Having said that, even if you were a NYT best-seller, your current book still has to speak for itself.
The fact that your previous books may have sold 5-10K copies (self-published or not) is a plus for the bio. Your following of 40K+ people is a plus. These things should definitely be mentioned because it speaks to your writing and marketing ability on a larger level.
Saying: "I'm a dental hygienist, living in Denver where I enjoy skiing, and hiking with my dogs" is perfectly fine.
Often times writers feel like they need to "fill up" this section with all kinds of info. In addition to providing insight to your potential marketing ability, or strong book sales experience, the bio paragraph is meant to make a basic connection --especially for new writers or those currently without a large platform or previous sales.
Your fledgling social media status won't really make a strong impression. Saying "I have 50 followers, but I'm working on it" doesn't add anything productive. However, if you really want to mention it, by all means, go ahead. None of this is to say, "Don't do this"... it's only to give insight to what can help and what doesn't.
Having said that, continuing to build your social media platform and media experience is very important. Once you get traction on your platform, it will be something to highlight in the bio.
this: "the best queries feel less like formal applications and more like the start of a conversation"
Glad to hear it. I know what it’s like from the writer side. It does feel like you’re applying for something.
I don’t want to be viewed as the gate keeper. I’m not passing judgment, or saying you’re not worthy enough if I pass on a book. I’m just an agent, standing in front of a writer wondering if we’ll make a good team. 😉
Yep. It’s a fully thought decision when we pick an author and their book
Exactly
Agree. This part resonated with me too.
Hah! What a great photo!
😋
This is great, thank you! Would love to see what you consider the best query you've ever received as well as some horror stories about the worst. :)
I always think to use the best as an example long after I forgot which one it is. Same with the worst. I'll try to remember to grab some examples and maybe the next webinar will be on that.
What information should be included in a bio exactly? If not written achievements?
Glad you asked. Certain "achievements" hold weight with your query, and some don't. National awards are a plus - whereas winning or placing in a writing event contest, even a well known one like Killer Nashville or Thrillerfest, do not hold any sway. Having said that, even if you were a NYT best-seller, your current book still has to speak for itself.
The fact that your previous books may have sold 5-10K copies (self-published or not) is a plus for the bio. Your following of 40K+ people is a plus. These things should definitely be mentioned because it speaks to your writing and marketing ability on a larger level.
Hope that helped clarify.
So nothing about unrelated careers? Media experience or fledgling social media stats?
Saying: "I'm a dental hygienist, living in Denver where I enjoy skiing, and hiking with my dogs" is perfectly fine.
Often times writers feel like they need to "fill up" this section with all kinds of info. In addition to providing insight to your potential marketing ability, or strong book sales experience, the bio paragraph is meant to make a basic connection --especially for new writers or those currently without a large platform or previous sales.
Your fledgling social media status won't really make a strong impression. Saying "I have 50 followers, but I'm working on it" doesn't add anything productive. However, if you really want to mention it, by all means, go ahead. None of this is to say, "Don't do this"... it's only to give insight to what can help and what doesn't.
Having said that, continuing to build your social media platform and media experience is very important. Once you get traction on your platform, it will be something to highlight in the bio.
Good, fair advice. I interned for a literary agent for almost a year so I've seen the inner machinery. This is pretty Right On.
Michael, thank you for thumbs up :)
This is good advice for writing in general : ) Thanks Renee
You’re welcome ☺️
Love the specific examples and advice! Thank you!
You’re very welcome 😊
This is full of helpful and actionable advice. Thank you!
You’re very welcome 😊
Such great tips!
Thank you, Sarah.