Now that it’s almost December, most querying writers have one thing on their mind: is this a good time of the year to query, or should I wait till the New Year?The answer depends on the agent. Some agents go on a query holiday at this time of the year, which can begin sometime in November and end in January. The best thing to do is check their websites, blogs, and Twitter. If you register for the QT agent update, this info will be sent to your inbox (Thanks, Patrick!).
If there’s no indication that the agent is closed to queries during the holidays, you can certainly send yours in, but read Nathan Bransford’s advice first. Or you can listen to author Elana Johnson and wait for the New Year, and spend December making sure your query and manuscript are in the best possible shape.
And if you need another reason to wait, I’ve got the best one yet. A friend of mine received a rejection last year. On Boxing Day. Kind of a downer after a wonderful Christmas day. Oh, and don’t send any queries on January 1st at 12:01 am, especially if you’ve been partying. I’m just saying, you know.
Stina Lindenblatt writes contemporary and romantic suspense for young adults. In her spare time (LOL), she’s a photographer and blogging addict, and can be found hanging out on her blog, Seeing Creative.
12 comments:
i know, all too painfully, the answer to this. an agent i'd queried in the fall sent a nice little rejection note the day after christmas. (note to self: not an agent i'd want anyway - i mean, who does that?)
LOL! Yes, rejections spoil the holiday cheer.
Love that elf ornament!
A rejection received the day after Christmas could very well be for something you sent out three (or more) months before. So why not just go for it when you know you're ready? :-)
Rebecca--you right. Some agents take forever to get back to you (if they do at all).
If you have the query itch, but don't want to land a rejection on Boxing Day (though a request would be awesome), query the agents who are known to take a long time to get back writers or who do not respond at all. It doesn't matter if you query now or in the New Year. You still have to sit the same slush pile as everyone else. ;)
I find December a great time to query or submit. Editors are still reading, but the slush pile may be reduced in size, even if snow is in the forecast.
I think I'm going to wait until January, like Amie said, rejections at Christmas just aren't fun.
Wow, that IS something to think about.
Great blog by the way! I knew you'd be great, Stina. :)
It's definitely worth considering. I admit that this post makes me in less of a frenzy to finish up my polishing. Just sayin'. :-)
Good post, bravo
Great advice, think I'll wait until January :)
Rach
ha ha, Stina. I know I got a rejection on boxing day last year. I'm not sure if I'm the friend you were thinking of, but yeah, it was a downer for sure. But, at the same time, I think the query had been sent out a month or two before, so it's hard to plan.... :)
Great post!
Amy
Stina, the link to your "Seeing Creative" blog doesn't work. I'd really like to visit!
Toni Leland
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