Querying Again

Wish me luck!

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So, I have this new WIP. It’s a fantasy, has an angsty not-quite-happy ending. I love my characters and their dynamics. The bad guy is a shock (I hope).

It started out as a ‘for fun’ project when I was uninspired or fed up with my ‘real’ projects. But, as often happens, when I give myself permission to do whatever, to really let the creative vibes loose, that’s when things flow the best. You’d think I know this by now, but obviously I need a reminder now and then.

So here I am, with a 50,000 word, maybe first in a series, book and… what if I go after traditional publishing?

The last time I queried anything was over ten years ago with the first drafts of Archer. It doesn’t feel like that much time has passed (even though my life is completely different now), but the marketing and publishing landscape for books is nothing like it was.

Ten years ago, eBooks were the next great menace destroying publishing and the literary world. Bookstores were dying and the canon of literary integrity would soon follow.

I got a few asks for the full manuscript at the time, but nothing came of it. Then life intervened and I had some kids, went back to school (twice) and changed careers. Now, I have more leisure and more mental space to take my time about pitching. I can also be a little more choosey about what I want out of a contract.

Because publishers now compete with indie publishing, which has become a powerhouse unto its own. My first book, the self-same manuscript I pitched a decade ago, is now independently published. I love the freedom it gives me, the rights I keep, and the discovery of making my own brand.

But publishing houses have money. And marketers. And publicity teams. They have editors and cover designers. They can manage all these things while I write more. I do enjoy making reels and posts and articles… but I’d rather let the technical stuff be handled by people who are more knowledgeable about it than me.

Enter: The Query Quest

(Applause here)

I will take you along as I work on my query submissions, writing summaries, finding agents, etc. Will I get picked up? Maybe. Will I get sold? Who knows. If not, I’ll just Ingram Sparks-it-up and sell it the new-fangled way.

Ask your questions, state your worries, announce your woes. I am all ears. This is my first foray into the new world of book querying, so I’m learning right along with you.

Wish me luck!

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My first book, Archer 887, was a 2022 Indies Today Awards Contest Finalist, and is on sale now through online book retailers. Pick up a copy, leave a review, and let me know what you think!

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