Do you mention good reviews in a query?

[pabrown]

What's the consensus on quoting good reviews in a query letter? Is it only a good idea if they're from big review sites like Kirkus? What if you get multiple rave reviews?

[Josin]

Don't most reviewers only handle published books? Why would you be querying something that's already been published?

[pabrown]

No, but you mention the books you have published and if they're getting good responses and reviews does that mean anything to an agent? I'm not querying a published book.

[Gabrielle]

I think mentioning good reviews from "big" reviewers on previously published works definitely counts as a credential and is helpful to mention. I mean, not reviews at the "my mom liked it" level, and not "I have X many great reviews on Amazon," but I'd absolutely mention something noteworthy like a starred PW review.

[Hilabeans]

I'm sure you know this, but you should also include prior sales history. Or at least be prepared to answer the question.

If it were me, I'd boil down all of the positive reviews into succinct bullets and only choose the top two or three. I absolutely agree with the examples given by Gabrielle.

Big author endorsements could probably help too. Maybe you should give Dan Brown a ring? :)

Good luck!