Are you a writer struggling with that manuscript query you've been agonizing over trying to land an agent or book deal? Here are some thoughts from recent agent postings that may be helpful:
Michael Boureet of Dystel & Goderich warns authors not to obsess about the little details. He's more interested in a unique idea and good writing in your query and links to one he thinks was particularly effective, written by Lisa McMann for Wake.
Nathan Bransford says to be careful about comparing your book to others, especially bestsellers.
And Jessica Faust of the BookEnds agency has the most bleak, but realistic insight of all — even if your query is serious, well thought out and well-written, if the subject doesn't excite her or she feels like she's seen it a million times, your query is toast. If you need more ideas and examples of what agents like and hate, check out PubRants and Query Shark.


