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I meant to send this out much earlier in the day, but first I had to watch a slew of YouTube videos explaining how to format a newsletter, then I had to implement those tips, and then I needed a nap. I was born to write novels, not understand technology.
What I'm Working On:
I promised to share my query letter here. For those of you unfamiliar with the intricate dance that is agent-hunting: a query letter is a cover letter for your book. It needs to be short and concise (usually 250-400 words) and should include a pitch for the book and any important biographical information. A simplified version of the pitch looks like this:
Formula: [protagonist name] is a [description of protagonist] living in [setting]. But when [complicating incident], [protagonist name] must [protagonist’s quest] and [verb] [villain] in order to [protagonist’s goal].
And here is my query letter for THE SECOND GREATEST THIEF IN NEW YORK:
Dear Mr. X:
I’m seeking representation for my upper middle-grade historical heist fantasy, THE SECOND GREATEST THIEF IN NEW YORK. I was previously represented by XX at The Bent Agency, and after we amicably parted ways, I completed an MFA program and wrote this story for my final thesis project.
Twelve-year-old Lyra is the youngest thief in her guild to make it onto the ranking board, but she still needs to beat her father if she wants to claim the title of greatest thief in New York. Hopefully, by securing that top spot, she’ll finally win her father’s approval—and affection.
After badly botching a heist, Lyra signs up for another high-stakes job to prove her worth to the guild leader, Grandmaster Durant. The terms are straightforward: Lyra must steal a magical jewel that’s arriving via airship in the Central Park hangar. If she wins, she keeps her ranking and her reputation. If she fails, Durant will hand her over to the guild’s hangman.
Unbeknownst to Lyra, a mysterious murderess known as the Queen of Swords has hired Lyra’s father to steal the same object, pitting father against daughter in a heist that neither can afford to lose. With the help of an aspiring thief named Ben, Lyra embarks on her riskiest assignment yet, but it quickly spirals into a twisting game of cat-and-mouse that forces her to rethink what she values most in life. Assuming she’ll still be alive when the last move is made.
Complete at 56,000 words, THE SECOND GREATEST THIEF IN NEW YORK will appeal to readers who enjoy books by Jonathan Auxier and Jonathan Stroud, and Kelly Barnhill’s evocative prose. It is a stand-alone novel with series potential. I have published two young adult books (THE WINTER KING in 2019 and THE SINKING CITY in 2021), but this is my first foray into middle grade. When I’m not writing or reading, I love to bake sweet things and explore the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
This query letter is getting a lot of interest from agents, which is great, but finding an agent also takes a lot of time. You have to research who might be the best fit for your books. You have to make sure you send the materials they request. And you have to be prepared to hear, "thanks, but this isn't what I'm looking for right now," many times. I'll make sure to keep you posted if I have any good news!
What I'm Reading:
I assigned several novels to my MFA students, so I'm rereading them in preparation for lectures in February. I just wrapped up When You Reach Me (a short, tightly-plotted coming-of-age/sci-fi novel with a highly satisfying ending) and Station Eleven (Adult, post-apocalyptic study of people and what really matters to them at the end and what it means to be human. Her takeaways fall short, but her insights into human nature and the way she weaves several timelines together and her sharp prose make it well worth the read). I also just read Everything Sad is Untrue for book group, which is a moving look into the life of an Iranian refugee family told through the voice of a young boy. It's equal parts sad and funny and made me very hungry for some Persian cuisine.
A Writing Tip:
I like to think the query letter above is enough of a writing tip, BUT here's a freebie, since this is my first newsletter and I'm feeling generous. Before you sit down to write your novel, write the query letter. This will help you identify the weaknesses (did you forget to give your main character a catalyst that kicks off the story? Are the stakes too low? Did you forget to name your antagonist??). After it's written, print it out and put it beside your computer. That way, when you're writing and you have to make a decision about what happens next, you can base your choice off of what will best serve the story you are writing. Not the thousand other stories you could be writing.
A Mouse Update:
We forgot to put out glue traps last night. I can only assume that the mouse frolicked around our kitchen in the wee hours, sampling the rice and licking all our apples. I'm trying not to think about it, please pray for us.
That's all for now! Thanks for taking the time to read. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. Either way, I'll be back next month with another harbinger!
Christine