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10 Query Tips from a Literary Assistant — Week of 11/07/2014

laneaheymont's avatarLane Heymont

I’m a literary assistant at The Seymour Agency. Our agents, Mary Sue Seymour and Nicole Resciniti represent a range of genre: Christian/Inspirational, Fantasy/Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Women’s Lit, Romance.

As usual, this week’s tips come from my Twitter feed (@LaneHeymont). Enjoy!

1) Voice, voice, voice! As a writer you need to develop your own distinct voice. It separates you from authors also writing in your genre. Or any author. On top of that, your protagonist needs their own distinct voice. We should be able to tell who is speaking by the mannerisms in the character’s voice. Use catchphrases. People often say certain phrases like a mantra. I say “seriously” a lot. And “all right, all right, all right”.

2) A great voice can turn the mundane into awesomeness. ‘Nuff said.

3) Please include your name and email in your actual query. Agents are cool and all, but we can’t read minds.

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About The Owl Lady

Unknown's avatar
Viv Drewa is a Michigan native who has enjoyed reading and writing since 1963. Though she studied medicinal chemistry at the University of Michigan, her passion has always been writing. She had been awarded third place for her nonfiction short story about her grandfather's escape from Poland. Later, she rewrote this story and was published in the "Polish American Journal" as "From the Pages of Grandfather's Life" and has republished it on Amazon.com as a short story. Viv took creative and journalism courses to help in her transition to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. She worked as an intern for Port Huron's 'The Times Herald", and also wrote, edited and did the layout or the Blue Water Multiple Sclerosis newsletter "Thumb Prints." She also has a business promoting authors. Owl and Pussycat Book Promotions. Viv, her husband Bob and their cat Princess, live in Port Huron, Michigan.

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