Choose this option if you are in need of another set of keen eyes.

Queries/Blurbs: $65 for Query/Blurb Critique (includes one pass)

Synopses: $80 for Synopsis Critique (includes one pass)

Combo: $130 for both (includes one pass)

Proposals: Inquire for further information

 

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Query or Blurb?

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• Traditional publishing

  • If you are going the traditional route with publishing or planning to enter any writing contests, this service will help strengthen your query or tighten your synopsis (1-2 pages) without overselling either one or trying way too hard.

• Self-publishing

  • If you are planning to self-publish, this service will help you sharpen your story blurb or description.

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Query or Proposal?

 

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I would love to provide feedback on your query, synopsis, or proposal. However, if you are seeking information on how to write one of them in the first place, continue reading.

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• Query (Fiction)

  • Standard Professional Format

    • About 250–350 words

    • One page, single-spaced, block formatting (no indents needed)

    • Single space between paragraphs

    • Black, 12 pt., Times New Roman or Arial​

    • Present tense

  • Open the query by addressing the agent or publisher

    • Examples

      • Dear Ms. Felix:

      • Dear Isabelle Felix,

    • Note:

      • Double-check that you spelled their name correctly or that you are not messaging someone else entirely​.

      • You can use a comma or a colon after their name.

  • Be mindful of the agent or publisher's preferred structure

    • Check their website, blog, associated pages, and online interviews.

    • Consider if they prefer for creators to jump right into what the story is about or to begin with a brief personalized paragraph of why the creator is specifically querying them.

      • Examples of specific and relevant reasons: read their wishlist; met them at a conference; have a direct connection to one of their clients; listened to their interview; related to a post on their socials.

  • Body of the query letter

    • Entice agents or publishers with a clear, compelling, and specific mini-summary of your story. Think of the back covers or book jackets of your favorite books.

      • Resist trying to include every detail, and do not give away the ending. Save that for the synopsis or when the agent or publisher reads your work.​

    • Use the query to introduce the following:

      • Main character(s), main conflict, the gripping stakes

      • What choice needs to be made—or else

      • Leave the agent or publisher wanting to discover how it all plays out in the manuscript.

  • Share the title, word count, target audience, and genre

    • TITLE, a Fantasy MG, is complete at 55,000 words.

    • TITLE is a Contemporary Satire complete at 86,000 words.

    • TITLE is a 79,000-word YA SFF.

  • Comp Titles (or comparative titles)

    • Including comp titles can make a great difference, but they are not mandatory. 

    • Mention two or three recent titles that can give the agent or publisher an idea of where your book would be shelved.

    • In general, resist comparing your story to a bestseller.

    • ​Check if the agent has a wishlist with a book, film, or TV show that can make an excellent and fitting mention in your query.

  • Bio

    • Include writing credentials and/or experiences that focus on why you are the creator of this story.

    • Note: If you do not have writing credentials (yet), then do not worry. It is okay!

  • Remember: These elements are not listed in a strict order.

    • The structure could depend on the agent or publisher's preference. For example, you might open or close the query with a few sentences expressing how you met the agent at a writing conference and would be thrilled for them to consider your work.

  • Closing​

    • If the story has a series potential, then you can mention that (e.g., "This is a standalone with series potential").

    • Thank the agent or publisher for their time and consideration.​

    • If applicable, mention that you are pasting or attaching the requested material (e.g., first few pages, synopsis).

 

 

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• Query (Creative Nonfiction–Memoir)

  • Similar to a query letter for a fictional work, but with more emphasis on the creator's credentials and platform…

    • Introduce a compelling question, issue, or description to hook an agent or publisher

    • Personalize why you are specifically querying the agent or publisher

    • Outline the idea of your work with answers to what, why, who, and how

      • What is the work about?

      • Why are you the best fit person to create it?

      • Who is anticipated to buy this work?

      • How do you know this kind of work is needed and wanted?

      • How will you convey your message in this work?

    • Include your bio

      • Credentials

      • Significant platform

    • Market breakdown

    • Comp titles (comparative titles)

    • Stats of your work, such as the anticipated or completed word count, target readership, writing timeline

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• Proposal (Nonfiction)

  • Typical length: 10–50 pages; some can be 100+ pages

  • Generally, a proposal for a nonfiction includes…

    • Cover Page

    • Contents (ToC) Page

    • Book Overview

    • About the Author: bio and platform

    • Comparable book analysis (comp titles)

    • Market analysis

    • Promotion plan

    • Sample chapters

    • Chapter summaries / Outline

    • Writing timeline

    • Conclusion

  • Note: Proposals do not require the creator to have written or completed the manuscript before reaching out to an agent or publisher.

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• Synopsis (Fiction; Memoir)

  • A one- or two-page summary of your manuscript (reveals the beginning, middle, and end of your story)

    • Typical length: About 500 - 800 words

    • 12pt font, single-spaced, block formatting

    • Don’t just list A happens, then B happens, then C. Include character development and emotions as you show the advancement of your plot.

    • Resist the urge to mention every character, detail, and subplot

    • Focus on the main plot to show the flow and outcome of your work

    • For memoirs, consider using first or third-person POV

    • Use third-person, present tense no matter which POV or tense is used in the manuscript

  • An effective synopsis…

    • Reveals that the story has a specific beginning, middle, and end.

    • Reveals that the plot is compelling and surprising.

    • Reveals that the main plot doesn’t lack structure or have any major flaws, holes, gaps, or contrivances.

    • Reveals who or what readers are intended to care about, why readers should care, and what happens to keep readers caring to the end.

    • Reveals that the main characters advance the plot.

    • Reveals major conflicts, antagonists, and resolutions.

    • Reveals the coherence of the characters’ motivations and actions from one major plot point to the next.

    • Reveals that readers won’t have to suspend their disbelief in any major or ineffective way.

    • Reveals how the protagonist(s) has changed internally and/or externally throughout the work.