Things to have in place when beginning to query.

[Regan Leigh]

I'm in the midst of writing a blog post related to the things you should have in place when beginning to query. I'll be using it during #QueryChat tonight (Thurs. June 10th) at 9pm EST.

Here is my query checklist so far. Would you advise writers to add anything else in preparation for the dreaded query hell walk? ;)

Cake
Synopsis
Tissue
One Sentence Summary/Pitch
Alcohol when necessary, but moderation please. :)
Questions for Potential Agents
Friends
Tracking System for Queries
Chocolate
Website Presence
Bubble Bath
Your MS COMPLETE and Ready to Send


**By the way, if you don't know #QueryChat, here are the basics... http://www.reganleigh.com/?page_id=1443

[dios4vida]

I can't think of anything to add but I like this list! I'll be entering queryland (again) in the frighteningly near future and these things will be right there with me!

[HillaryJ]

Also important are the things to NOT have around:

-Children desperate for you to watch them do something mundane, over and over again
-Spouses desperate to confirm that you're still alive after the weeks you've spent sealed in a synopsis-writing/query-writing bubble in the crawlspace.
-Animals that may scurry across the keyboard and inadvertently "send" a half-finished query.
-The telephone - unless it's a Jitterbug programmed only with the number for a suicide hotline.
-Framed photographs of royalty, watching you with judgement in their air-brushed eyes. Trust me on this.

[Holly]

Good list.

I'd add several versions of the synopsis. A one-page, two-page, and maybe four or five page version.

AND something else to do while you wait, like start a new novel.

[Quill]

I'd have several versions of the chocolate. Maybe a nice chocolate mousse. A few bars, at least one with raisins. And chocolate ice cream, preferably Breyers.

Seriously, great list. I particularly like "Tracking System for Queries."

[Regan Leigh]

Brenda- Good luck! And I'm glad you liked the list. I'll probably be querying in the Fall. I think. :D

Hillary- OH! The animals scurrying scares me! ;) It happens to me all the time. I get up for a snack and the cat has written aghsh7g73ud3dgeunc82t237. :)

Holly- That is SO true. Going on my list!

Quill- Thank you. :) And my vote is for Ferrero Rocher


And thank you for the mention, Nathan!

[amberpolo]

For a fiction query I've been asked for a writer's resume, so have that ready just in case.

[Nathan Bransford]

Another helpful thing to have is a list of comparison titles in your genre, even if it's fiction. It's something I like to discuss with an author before going on submission, and it's helpful if you know the other successful books in your genre that have similar worlds/themes.

[Regan Leigh]

amberpolo- Oh, really? Huh. But what if your resume includes nothing related to writing? lol :D I'm a ther@pist for kids and write in all my spare time. I wouldn't have much to say besides how I use my education and job skills for writing authentically, you know? Maybe I'm misunderstanding what that would be...

Nathan- Very true and needs to be added to the list for sure. I think some writers do get confused by this since it's discouraged to claim you have the next Harry Potter or something like that. I think they're afraid to come off as pompous. :)