11:34 Updates
25. That's how many versions my query letter went through. That said, I am now compiling an updated list of literary agents for publication. Now begins the next stage. I scrapped the QL 3 or 4 times during the process. It needs to be rock-solid before it is sent out, which is why it's harder to write a query letter than a 300-page novel. There is a 1-in-600 chance of being published through an agency. Agents are looking for any reason to reject newbies, so the QL has to be perfect.
Keith Cronin
Special thanks go to my friend and fellow author, Keith Cronin. I found his input invaluable during the entire writing process, but never more important than the query letter. With a strong background in writing and 2 published books, Keith knows a thing or two about the publishing process. Keith's first book, "Me, Again," only needed 8 submissions. "Tony Partly Cloudy" needed about 50.
I have a few favorite authors, and Keith is one of them. I thoroughly enjoyed both of his books and studied his prose along the way. It is an extra special treat when one of your favorite authors works with you. I kept an open ear to his ideas and suggestions during all phases of this project. Experience speaks volumes.
I highly recommend to anyone searching for Christmas gift ideas or simply eager to hunker down with a good book to read. Look no further than either of Keith's two novels. You can find more about "Me, Again" and "Tony Partly Cloudy" (chapter 13 slays me every time; I've never laughed harder reading a novel!) as well as Keith Cronin at http://writerunboxed.com/keith/.
