Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Much Ado About (my) Queries

Good morning, lovlies!

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and planning out book 3, but I feel like I'm not quite getting it right. Maybe it's just because it's my first draft of an outline, and I can't see it clearly enough in my head.

But since it's supposed to be the last book in my series, I feel like the ending has to be PERFECT. If it's not, I'm not sure if my characters would ever forgive me for it.

The one problem is, I've got like seven different ways I could end it, and they all sound like a good ideas to me! (No, I'm not going to tell you any of them :)

Also, I entered Deana Barnhart's Agent Pitch Contest. I'm so lucky I actually made it into that! Anyway, I'm getting lots of feedback.

The funny thing is, I can't tell if it's good or bad feedback.

My query isn't exactly a traditional query, but everyone's saying they like it. Someone mentioned that I didn't reveal much of the plot though, so I guess that's something I have to change. I also realized that everyone wants to meet my MC, Jaina, in my first 150 words.

Yes, I know all about the prologue discussion.

But my book has a prologue!

It takes place 10 years before the bulk of the story begins, and it's from Jaina's handsome love interest's point of view. And in the end, I think it works for the story. Then again, what do I know? I'm not an editor!

If you guys want to take a look at it, check out my Query: Rise: From the Ashes page. If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd be more than happy to hear them!

Anyway, have a great day!

--Jess

P.S.
I got a MacBook Pro with Retina Display for my birthday :) Thanks for all the awesome birthday comments on Friday!

6 comments:

David P. King said...

I'll have a look at your query. Glad to see you're diving into the process. :)

Stina said...

That's awesome you got in. I know people who tried by failed.

Good luck with querying!

gailecn said...

This is what I've heard about prologues: if you're submitting to a contest or pasting in the first 10 pages (or so) to an agent, leave the prologue out & start with the first chapter. If you're sending a partial or full, keep the prologue in. :)

M Pax said...

Awesome gift!

I've heard all about the prologue thing. They are out of vogue. Most will tell you to submit without it.

You know best what works for the story.

Ellie Garratt said...

Congratulations on making it through to the Agent Pitch Contest!

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with prologues. However, when querying or submitting the first part of your novel, I'd say leave the prologue out. I only say this because they are out of fashion.

As for endings, I hear your dilemma. As it's the last book, it has to be about wrapping up all the lose ends. But I'd say go with your gut instinct - it's usually right.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your query entry!

As far as prologues go, there is really nothing wrong with them. A lot of people are saying that agents hate them. But that's only some agents. Everyone has preferences, just like we do. And many like prologues, or at least see nothing wrong with them. If a prologue is written well, it enhances your story. And you want an agent who loves your book - all of it. Right? Then don't be afraid. And don't leave out that prologue when you submit to agents!! Like I said, it should enhance your story. So why would you want to leave it out?

Anyway, that's enough about that...best of luck in the contest!!

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