12 Things to Prepare to Query in 12 days

Querying a debut manuscript is overwhelming. You got one shot, one opportunity with each agent and you don’t want to waste it. With just 12 days left before I start sending out my first query, these are the steps I’m taking to give myself the best chance at success. Feel free to steal my checklist.

1. Listen to Your Manuscript Using Text-to-Voice

Hearing your manuscript read aloud to you by text-to-voice prtogram reveals awkward phrasing, pacing issues, and repeated words you might miss when reading silently. This not only helps catch errors but also improves the sound of the text.

2. Research Literary Agents Thoroughly

Not all agents represent every genre or style. Spend time looking for agents who are actively looking for manuscripts like mine (see Manuscript Wishlist).

3. Refine Query Letter

Your query letter is your first impression. Make sure it is concise, engaging, and clearly presents your story’s hook, word count, and any writing credentials. There are a plethora of videos on YouTube and resources out there explaining the form. It is so important to nail this.

4. Use Query Tracker to Organize Agent Research

Query Tracker is a valuable tool for managing your agent list and tracking submissions. Use it to check agents’ response times, preferences, and recent activity. This helps you prioritize who to query first and avoid agents who are currently closed or inactive.

5. Revise Your Synopsis

A strong synopsis summarizes your story clearly and highlights the main plot points and character arcs. It should be no longer than one or two pages. Revise your synopsis to ensure it flows and captures the essence of your manuscript without unnecessary details.

6. Print Your Manuscript and Read with a Highlighter

Reading on paper can reveal issues that screen reading misses. Print your manuscript and use a highlighter to mark sections that feel weak, confusing, or repetitive. Highlight sentences or phrases that could work well as promotional quotes or blurbs.

7. Prepare a List of Personalized Agent Notes

This one is only for your top top agents. It seems quite mixed whether agents appreciate it or not. Prepare brief notes on why you are querying your top agents, referencing books they have represented or interviews they have given. This personal touch can make your query stand out, although it can be quite a bit of work to do for all agents (considering you be querying up to 100).

8. Double-Check Submission Guidelines

Every agent has specific submission rules. Review each agent’s website carefully to confirm formatting, attachments, and whether they want a query only or sample pages. Following guidelines precisely shows professionalism and respect for the agent’s time.

9. Buy Treats

When an author is querying literary agents, it is often refered to as being in the ‘query trenches.’ So, prepare yourself to battle for your manuscript. If you are typical, expect upwards of 100 queries before becoming agented. Expect to be ghosted. Plan to face form rejection letters that tell you nothing about why an agent doesn’t want to work with you. This, will require all the treats to keep you going. I will be rewarding myself with a sticker on my calendar with every query sent. Every rejection will be rewarded with chocolate. I will also be buying the sparkling and having it on ice for the day I recieve an offer of representation.

10. Create a Query Submission Schedule

Plan your submissions to avoid sending too many queries at once. Spreading out queries allows you to manage responses better and adjust your approach if needed. A schedule also helps maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

11. Prepare Your Sample Pages

Many agents request the first 10-50 pages of your manuscript. Format these pages according to industry standards: double-spaced, standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point size, and proper margins. Proofread carefully to ensure no typos or formatting errors.

12. Set Up a System to Track Responses

Keep a spreadsheet or use a tool like Query Tracker to log when you send queries, which agents you contacted, and their responses. This system helps you stay organized and follow up appropriately without missing deadlines. Knowing myself, the act of tracking will also lighten the blow of rejections