Can I Hook You on My Book? - Finding an Agent & Writing the Query (FULL)

NOTE: This class is now full and we are no longer accepting registrations. Sorry! In the meantime, we invite you to check out our other offerings, sign up for our newsletter, and become a member to be the first to hear about newly added classes.‍

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This workshop draws on industry research and interviews with four literary agents to provide current advice about the query letter, which is really a genre all its own. Even for established writers, it is a challenge to take a book of 80,000 to 100,000 words that we know and love and not only distill it down to fewer than 300 words but to go “meta” on it in a way that will entice an agent. Like a good novel, the effective query letter both tells and shows that you and your manuscript are ready to be represented. The workshop begins with a discussion of how to find agents to query. Then, we break the query letter into four parts—(1) shape the hook, (2) pitch the book, (3) pitch you, and (4) KISS at the close—and review examples of both poorly crafted elements and more effective ones. The presentation includes “rules of thumb” to help writers avoid pitfalls as well as “instant turnoffs”—elements that cause an agent to set aside the letter.

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‍Details: Can I Hook You on My Book? - Finding an Agent & Writing the Query takes place Thursday April 4 online via Zoom.

‍Prerequisite: None

‍Genre: The business of writing

‍Level: All levels

‍Format: Craft talk with workshop elements

‍Location: This class takes place online via Zoom

‍Size: Limited to 35 participants

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by December 11.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.