"I don't respond to e-queries that I'm not interested in. This is because at least 1 in every 5 writers e-mails me back to argue with my form letter, or to ask indignantly, "did you actually read my query?" and I have this stupid urge to write back and say something like "Read it? Your query and I have run off and joined the circus together. We are very happy. I hope you find similar fulfillment." Clearly, this is a vicious cycle that must be avoided, and I can't always trust my professionalism to win out over my idiotic creative impulses."
This was true at one time. But not anymore. I have been responding to every e-query I receive since last summer or so. Because it makes me feel better about myself. Really, I don't want to be that person who doesn't respond; I don't want to leave people hanging. But there are rules. You have to address the e-query to me. And the e-query has to be for a book. Simple rules, but they disqualify about 10% of the e-queries I receive.
Our agency website is and always has been up-to-date when it comes to what we do with e-queries. But I want to be consistent, hence this post.
Writers have pointed out that I have exceeded the 4 week response time as stated on our agency website. Sadly, this is true. As the astute blog reader will have guessed from my previous post, I have a baby. For the time being, I am no longer working nights and weekends. This has really cut into my Time for Queries. My response time is currently closer to 10 weeks, but I am catching up. There is some really great stuff in my inbox. If you are a writer who has sent me a query letter, or is considering it, I ask for your patience for the next month or two.
If you are a reader and wondering if I'll ever post about a book you want to read again, (i.e., a book that has nothing to do with pregnancy or babies), I will, and in the meantime, I promise not to say a damn word about The Happiest Baby on the Block.
