Querying Jodi

What can I say, I have a popular agent. I often (very often!) get emails from aspiring writers asking me what Jodi likes, how to get a leg up with her, what she's looking for. Often they will ask if I can read sample pages or even their whole book to see if it fits with what Jodi wants. (I can't BTW, it's too big of a liability risk for me. Sorry!) Unfortunately, the answer to this is often . . . well, I don't know.

However, Jodi has asked me to pass on a couple of her preferences! So if you are thinking of querying Jodi, here is what she says.

She does not like the abrupt jumping into book description without an introduction. For example, instead of this:

Dear Ms. Reamer,

The bloody knife was just lying in Chloe's living room. She didn't have anything to do with it, but now the police are carting her away!

Go with this:

Dear Ms. Reamer,

I am a reader of your very favorite author, Aprilynne Pike, and since you seem to enjoy riveting fiction, I would love to send you my paranormal YA manuscript, CHLOE'S MISTAKE, complete at 70,000 words.

The bloody knife . . . .etc.etc.etc.

(and yes, that intro is totally tongue in cheek.;))

A lot of agents like the jumping-in approach, but your exclusive Aprilynne tip, Jodi doesn't.

Also, with as full as Jodi's list is, she has a strong preference to read materials exclusively. You are welcome to debate the pros and cons of exclusives elsewhere, but just saying, you will get farther with Jodi in particular, if you are willing to grant a short exclusive.

There you go, a couple of Jodi's preferences. Other than that, she's just looking for good books. With her background as a corporate litigator, she is always looking for a good legal thriller, but she reps a bit of everything with a specialization in children's literature.

And for those who are querying right now, a few basic reminders:

DO give your word count. Don't try to trick the agent. A word count also lets them know your novel is finished.

DO tell the agent the plotline. I cannot tell you how many queries I have read that only tell about the character. You need a plot, you probably HAVE a plot . . . so spill!!;)

DON'T tell the agent how great/compelling/interesting/fabulous your book is, show them a great/compelling/interesting/fabulous plot in your synopsis paragraph. Telling an agent how masterful your own book is and how many readers will adore it means nothing. We ALL think that about our books! Just lay out your plot and let it speak for itself.

DON'T address your query to "Dear Agent" address the agent personally. (Also, Jodi is a woman, don't let the Esq. at the end through you off. It just means she's a lawyer.)

Similarly, DON'T send a query to every agent at the agency. One at a time. Jodi said that she and the other agents always have to laugh a little when someone queries every agent in the agency at once because it is painfully obvious. The mail all going to the same small mail room, people!!;)

So good luck querying!!!

Don't forget that the contest for the WINGS ARC and Valentine's gift bags is still open. And just as a little incentive, here's a picture of the bags I made this morning.:D



You can find the rules on how to enter here for Blogger users or here for LJ users.

And lastly, I can finally unveil Harper's tour plans for me this summer!!!

Well, some of them.:)



I will be participating in the Supernatural Summer tour this June with Kim Harrison, Claudia Gray, Kelley Armstrong, and Melissa Marr!!

EVENTS:



Tuesday, June 2 Anderson’s Naperville, IL

Wednesday, June 3 Books & Co. @ the Greene Dayton, OH

Thursday, June 4 Joseph Beth’s Cincinnati, OH

Friday, June 5 B&N Portland, OR

Saturday, June 6 Borders Redmond, WA


They are mixing and matching the authors, so I won't be at all these events, I will be at the ones at Portland and Redmond. I will have more specific info up on my website in a few days.

I also have four other places I am touring to, but I don't know the specifics yet. As soon as I do, I'll let you know!

Ciao!