The BEST Querying Resources (that I Actually Use)
If you’ve completed your manuscript and gone through multiple rounds of editing, you might be poking a toe in the querying pool. And, if you’re like me and totally new to the process, wading might quickly feel like drowning! With so much information coming at you, paid services that claim to be your “next big break,” and feeling like everything comes down to connections, it’s easy to feel behind before you even begin.
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place!
In case you’re brand new to the querying process, let’s cover what “querying” means in the literary world:
Querying (n): "the process of finding a literary agent to represent your manuscript” (Olivie Blake)
Now that you know what querying is… where on earth do you start??
That’s exactly the question I found myself asking on endless loop early in my writing process. After writing my book, editing, and editing again, I was finally ready to introduce my story to literary agents. Research on the process quickly had me realizing, however, that the “step” of querying was more like an endless stairway.
If this all sounds way too familiar, then this article is for you.
I’ve compiled a list of all my favorite, FREE (yes, for real!) resources that actually helped me navigate the querying process.
* Note: I get no affiliate links or benefits of any kind from these resources (although, I totally would be open to a partnership!). I just genuinely love them!
1. Nathan Bransford’s Articles
This blog is GOLD MINE of information, ranging from basics on what querying even is to the complexities of appealing to different literary agents. The articles are short, digestible, and extremely friendly in tone (which is exactly what I needed amid the querying professionalism). Bonus: His articles expand to every area of writing, from the brainstorming process to story structure to publication deals.
Some of my favorite articles to start with:
“Query letter template” (plus the examples of his own query letters)
Trust me, this is just the start of info Mr. Bransford has about the process. Good thing research counts as writing time, too!
Now, research is great and all, but it doesn’t do much good without a place to actually find literary agents.
Thankfully, QueryTracker.net has everything you could need… completely for free!
There are some extra (very helpful) features that give data insights, etc. for a cost. The vast majority of information, however, is available for free. All you have to do is create an account, give some information about your novel/project, and begin researching real literary agents. I’ve used the free account for the entirety of my querying journey and have no regrets.
Definitely set apart some time to watch the brief tutorial videos! Once you know how to navigate the QueryTracker itself, it’ll become second nature. You’ll be set for querying on site - which most agents prefer, only accepting queries through their form on the site - or even through email.
Key perks to using QT:
Each literary agent has their own “profile page” with stats on reply rates, accepted genres, links to their agency sites, and even comments to hear the experiences of other querying authors.
The capability to add agents to your own “Query List” (not yet communicating with them, but marking them for later submission). This helps you organize your time into literary agent research and, separately, crafting/sending individual submissions. Trust me, this will come in handy later!
Helpful search criteria, even with the no-cost subscription. Right off the bat, you can search by genre(s), hide agents who are currently closed to querying (helpful for immediate submissions), and even hiding agents that you’ve personally marked as “Do-Not-Queries.”
Did I mention it’s free??
3. Lauren Kay Writes’ Free Publishing Masterclass
45 minutes of the most helpful querying information, given by the kindest, experienced instructor in a digestible format. Even in watching the replay, I felt such a surge of support from Lauren Kay’s writing community! Just to know that people out there are sharing their knowledge with no strings attached is exactly what propelled me forward in a slow querying time.
All of the information on Lauren Kay’s site is worth checking out; however, don’t pass over this resource because it takes some time. Make yourself an iced coffee, sit down with a notebook or your laptop, and take in all you can!
A couple of my favorite tidbits/takeaways:
“The Querying Funnel” - how agents review your query package.
What do you mean agents only give 10-30 seconds per query letter?? How daunting! Yet, by the time Lauren Kay was done talking about the Querying Funnel, this challenge felt achievable while giving me a much-needed change in perspective.
Standing out with a great query hook + an example from The Hunger Games
I’m a big-time visual learner, so seeing an example of a query hook from a book I know so well really drove this point home. Actually, it inspired me to completely rework my query letter from the version I’d used for 30+ queries. Now, I’m more confident than ever in my story’s chances, even amid the agents’ skim!
Don’t write a book report; talk emotion!
How validating and eye-opening to know that literary agents (at least in the very beginning) care more for the story’s vibes and emotional stakes than minute details. This perspective from a published author changed my querying perspective!
Have other great, FREE query resources that you’ve found? Let me know through email! We’re all in this together.