Query Tips from Tina Wainscott

Things to Consider When Querying:

Always make sure the important information is in the body of your query: genre of book; pitch line/hook; then a paragraph about the book and its strengths; your credentials and most importantly for non-fiction, your platform. If I only have a few minutes to consider your query, and I have to go hunting for your stats via your website, I may just save it for later. You don't want me to save it for later, trust me. 

 Additional tips: 

--Don’t just attach your proposal without any letter. And a letter does not mean: “Hey, check this out!” Yes, I did get something like that once. 

--Please spell my name right. And make sure it’s actually my name. I won’t pass for that reason, but it shows that you’re paying attention to details. 

--Please make sure I rep what you’re pitching. If you haven’t done your homework by reading my bio, I’m less likely to suggest another agent or send it over for you. 

--Make your subject line catchy. I have read queries out of order simply because the subject snagged my attention. But make sure it’s relevant to the material and not clickbait. 

--Try to format your letter so it’s not a huge paragraph. White space—nice. In fact, it’s a great idea to email yourself your letter. Some emails come in with different fonts and spacing, which makes it look like a mess. 

--For me, you can attach a proposal that includes one or two sample chapters. Saves me time if I’m interested. 

As always, best of luck to everyone looking for the perfect agent!

About Tina Wainscott:

Tina Wainscott is the USA Today bestselling author of over 30 novels with romantic thrills and suspenseful chills. She’s been published with houses such as St. Martin’s Press, Harper Collins, Hachette, and Random House since 1995, so she understands the business from the author’s perspective. As an agent, she’s looking for self-help non-fiction that inspires people to reach for their best and overcome life’s challenges.

Twitter: @TinawainscottS

Auction Item 65: Mary Sue Seymour - Amish Quilt and Pot Holders

Mary Sue Seymour, founder of The Seymour Agency and known in the inspirational book business for selling Amish books, donated a handmade Amish quilt and homemade pot holders.

  Mary Sue Seymour, founder of The Seymour Agency, is listed by Publishers Marketplace as one of the top dealmakers in the country. Mary Sue founded The Seymour Agency in 1992.

       Mary Sue Seymour is a member of the Author's Guild, the AAR, ACFW, WGA, and RWA.

       After graduating from the State University of New York, Mary Sue taught in a public school system for almost fifteen years. While teaching, she completed graduate work at The State University of New York. At the same time, she wrote for national publications such as Junior Scholastic,The Artist's Magazine, The American Artist, and teaching magazines.

       Mary Sue is a Christian but believes in the Bible verse in Romans 10:12

that states, "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him..."

       Mary Sue loves to attend church and sometimes goes to the local service

at her Protestant church and then later in the day goes to the Contemporary Christian service at nearby St. Lawrence University. She teaches Vacation Bible School at her church and also does some work at a local catholic school with their vocal music and art program. Also Mary Sue teaches adult watercolor on Wednesday evenings as part of the Continuing Education Program at The State University of New York at Potsdam - her alma mater. A former class room teacher, Mary Sue has also given private piano and art lessons in her home for over 20 years. She loves to be busy and is working just about all the time. When Mary Sue stands before God someday, she hopes she can tell him that she took each and every talent God gave her and used them up so that there is no more left.

       Mary Sue's two sons, Matt and Luke, [named after the gospel writers] areher pride and joy. Matthew, a 2004 graduate of Clarkson University lives and works in Baltimore, MD. She goes there to see him any chance she gets and is becoming a real Oriole baseball fan. Luke attends Canisius College in Buffalo, New York where he plays D-1 soccer. He is a goal keeper and is majoring in communications. He attended Avon Old Farms in CT on a scholarship to be their goal keeper.

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Auction closes: September 30, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.

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