Writers Workshop: Write A Powerful Query to Net Sales

 

Dancing Word Writers Workshop

with Suzanne Eller

January 22, 2002

 

Hosted by: Anne McDonald

Dancing Word Publisher/Editor

*This chat has been edited for clarity

Anne McDonald:  Tonight we have a special guest with us. But before I introduce her, let's open in prayer, and then I'll go over protocol.

Father, thank You so much for Your love and blessings. Please be with us tonight, and guide our conversation. Bless Suzie as she shares with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Protocol reminder: Please type ! for comments, ? for questions, and ga when you have finished your thought or question.

Tonight, we are blessed to have  T. Suzanne Eller with us.

Suzanne Eller:: )

Anne McDonald: Suzie is quite the expert at writing successful query letters, and she is going to share her techniques with us. Welcome Suzie.

Suzanne Eller: Thank you, Annie

* Annie hands the floor over to Suzie and leads the applause

Suzanne Eller:  It's good to be here. The first question I want to ask is how many of you write queries on a regular basis? How many of you have written a query?

Kate: My hand's up

* Annie raises her hand

Aisha: I have!

bee: Me, several.

Tracey: I've written one

Suzanne Eller:   If you could ask one question about queries, what would it be?

Anne McDonald:  How do I make the query interesting but to the point?

Aisha: I am confused about the exact definition of a query. I'm not sure I've written one, actually.

Suzanne Eller:  Let's start with the definition then. A query is a creative one to two page single-spaced letter that contains a hook, a synopsis of your idea, supporting information, and your writing credits. It should also provide details such as differing slants and options such as: sidebars, quizzes, and approximate word count and turnaround time.

That is a query in a nutshell. Why do you think you would write a query as opposed to a full manuscript?

Read the rest of the transcript

 

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