In a comprehensive podcast analysis, Dr. Hakeem Ali-Bocas Alexander PhD explores the essential strategies for authors seeking literary representation, drawing directly from the expertise of Bookends Literary Agency. The discussion reveals critical insights into the modern querying process, emphasizing efficiency, professionalism, and strategic alignment between authors and agents.
Listen to “Literary Agent Querying Best Practices” on Spreaker.📚 Literary Agent Querying Best Practices
- Avoid pre-querying agents; submit directly. Bookends emphasizes that authors should not email agents asking for permission to query. Instead, they should confidently submit their queries through the proper channels, as agencies are actively seeking new talent.
- Follow agency-specific submission guidelines, often using Query Manager. Each literary agency has unique submission requirements. Bookends, like many others, exclusively uses Query Manager—a centralized platform that streamlines the process for both authors and agents.
- Research agents to ensure alignment with your book’s genre. Authors must target agents who represent their specific genre. Bookends’ website provides detailed agent profiles, including their represented books and submission preferences, to help authors make informed choices.
🔧 Query Manager and Query Tracker Explained
- Query Manager is a free online platform for query submissions. This tool allows agents to manage queries efficiently through a centralized inbox, automated responses, and customizable submission forms. It ensures no query is lost and facilitates timely responses.
- Query Tracker is a subscription service integrating Query Manager with additional author tools. Authors can use Query Tracker to monitor their submission status, track response times, and access a database of literary agents.
- These tools centralize submissions, track status, and streamline communication for agents and authors. By replacing scattered email inquiries with a structured system, Query Manager and Query Tracker enhance organization and transparency in the querying process.
💡 Strategic Querying for Authors
- Query only one agent per agency at a time, but multiple agencies simultaneously. Bookends advises authors to query one agent within their agency and wait for a response before submitting to another. However, authors are encouraged to query multiple agencies concurrently to maximize opportunities.
- Submit one book per query; avoid multiple book submissions. Focusing on a single, polished manuscript per query increases the likelihood of success. Bookends notes that querying multiple books simultaneously often leads to rejection due to the added complexity.
- Focus on your latest, most polished manuscript for querying. As writers improve over time, their most recent work is typically stronger. After completing a query round for one book, authors should shift focus to their newest project.
🌐 Industry Adaptation and Author Empowerment
- Traditional publishing adapts to self-publishing and influencer trends. The rise of self-publishing and influencer-authored books has disrupted traditional gatekeeping, prompting agencies to become more accessible and author-friendly.
- Agencies offer free resources to attract quality authors. Bookends’ YouTube channel and blog provide valuable educational content, helping authors navigate the industry while positioning the agency as a knowledgeable and approachable partner.
- Continuous learning is crucial for authors in the evolving publishing landscape. Authors are encouraged to treat their writing as a business, leveraging available resources to stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
🎥 Bookends Literary Agency Resources
- Bookends LLC provides valuable insights through their YouTube channel and blog. With videos covering topics like agent transitions, author journeys, and querying etiquette, Bookends offers a wealth of free, professional advice for aspiring authors.
- Their content covers agent transitions, author journeys, and industry knowledge. This resource library helps authors understand the business side of publishing, empowering them to make strategic decisions.
- The agency emphasizes continuous education for aspiring publishing professionals. By engaging with these resources, authors can develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive world of publishing.
Source: Bookends Literary Agency YouTube Channel – “What to Know Before Querying Bookends“
What is QueryManager
A literary agency query manager is a system for literary agents to manage and track author queries, and for authors to submit them through a standardized online form. This tool helps agencies stay organized, respond to submissions, and track offers, while allowing authors to submit queries directly and check their status. A popular example is the QueryManager tool, which is integrated with QueryTracker.
How it works for agents
- Centralized inbox: Agents receive queries through a single online system instead of multiple email inboxes.
- Organization: The system allows agents to sort, filter, and organize queries, and to see an overview of unread, undecided, and submitted queries on a dashboard.
- Response tools: Agents can use automated replies for requests for more material or for rejections.
- Internal tracking: They can manage offers of representation and track which authors they have offered to.
- Customization: Agents can customize their specific query form with fields that match their needs, such as asking for specific information like comparable titles or inspiration.
How it works for authors
- Online submission: Instead of emailing, authors fill out a web form on the agency’s website or through a platform like QueryTracker.
- Query status: Authors can log in to check the status of their query.
- Status updates: Authors can notify agents when they have an offer from another agent or wish to withdraw their query.
- Specific information: The forms may require information beyond the query letter itself, such as a separate pitch or comparable titles. Authors can use these fields to elaborate on information from their query letter.
How to use it to submit a query
- Find the link: Look for a link to the agent’s “Query Manager” or “Submit a Query” page on their website. You can also find links on sites like QueryTracker.
- Follow instructions: Each agency’s form is unique, so read the instructions carefully.
- Fill out the form: Complete all required fields, including the query letter and any additional information requested, such as your book’s genre, word count, and comparable titles.
- Submit: Submit the form, and use the author’s status page to track its progress.
“QueryManager” is a widely used, free online platform that literary agencies and publishers use to receive and organize queries from authors. It provides a standardized and efficient submission process for both agents and writers.
For Authors (Those Querying)
- Online Forms: Instead of emailing queries, authors fill out unique web forms provided by each agent or agency.
- Standardized Information: The forms typically ask for specific fields like genre, word count, bio, synopsis, and the query letter itself, ensuring agents receive all necessary information in a consistent format.
- Confirmation: Submitting through QueryManager offers authors instant verification that their query was delivered, avoiding uncertainty about spam folders or bounced emails.
- Tracking: Authors do not need an account on QueryManager itself, but they can use the related service, QueryTracker, to find links to agents’ QueryManager forms, track their submission status, and view agent response times.
- Guidelines are Crucial: Authors must adhere strictly to each agent’s specific guidelines on their form, including sample page counts or whether to include a synopsis, as failure to do so may result in their submission not being considered.
For Literary Agencies/Agents (Those Receiving Queries)
- Streamlined Management: QueryManager offers a database system that allows agents to sort, filter, manage, and respond to queries efficiently.
- Templated Replies: Agents can use templated responses to efficiently communicate rejections or requests for more material.
- Organization and Reminders: The system helps agents stay organized by flagging repeat submissions, specific genres, or word counts and setting reminders for follow-ups.
- Centralized System: Many agencies use QueryManager exclusively for all submissions to keep their workflow centralized, often stating that emailed queries will not be considered.
- Free to Use: The service is 100% free for literary agents and publishers.
For more information, you can visit the official QueryManager website or the associated QueryTracker website.
