Question About Query

[androidblues]

I'm in the process of editing a book that's sort of like the Wonder Spot, only the events are more connected. It spans 12-13 years and I'm wondering how I would go about querying it. I know queries focus on specific problems but I can't think of one specific thing that would stand out. The book starts when the protagonist is six and ends when they're twentish, so I was going to query it under New Adult.

There are so many books out there right now about Generation Y people doing nothing, aka And The Heart Says Whatever, and I don't want this to just be one of those books. I have many conflicts and issues in the novel, but which one do you guys think would stand out best in the query? I'd appreciate any feedback.

-> Protagonist was left with Aunt by mother for 4 years, mother returns and acts as if nothing happens. Mother has many boyfriends and has had three divorces. Therefor protagonist doesn't want to end up like mother, although protagonist looks just like mother. Protagonist turns into a person they never wanted to be by trying so hard not to be mother.

-> Protagonist doesn't get along well with parents, especially father who doesn't visit very often. The father is white, mother is black - protagonist has lived with mother's family - therefor protagonist feels very out of place with father.

-> Not able to commit to real relationship.

-> Friends grow up and get lives, protagonist struggles to do so.

[ABFTomioka]

I think plot point number one is the winner!

Protagonist was left with Aunt by mother for 4 years, mother returns and acts as if nothing happens. Mother has many boyfriends and has had three divorces. Therefor protagonist doesn't want to end up like mother, although protagonist looks just like mother. Protagonist turns into a person they never wanted to be by trying so hard not to be mother.

This is almost already a query by itself - the background, the shocking event, and the conflict: becoming someone they never wanted to be, because they're trying too hard. Sounds like a really interesting story and I'd love to see your query when it's finished.

[androidblues]

This is almost already a query by itself - the background, the shocking event, and the conflict: becoming someone they never wanted to be, because they're trying too hard. Sounds like a really interesting story and I'd love to see your query when it's finished.

That was my favorite too, I just didn't know whether or not it was enough to hold the entire story. :D

[HillaryJ]

Sounds like you need to read the back covers/jacket copy of books with similar plots (meaning multiple conflicts over time) and see how those handle it in a way that makes sense to you. Then input your plot elements and unique voice.