Five Querying Mistakes I Made (and How to Avoid Them)

Mr. H and I recently repainted a few walls. We taped, primed, and otherwise thought we were totally ready. We just forgot one small detail: the cat!

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Querying a book project can be like that. You write, polish, and research, but sometimes it still goes sideways. Here are a few mistakes I made along the way, and how to avoid them.

1. Querying with a Typo

One night I eagerly hit send. The next morning I checked my work and saw a big-fat typo. Lesson learned? Always sleep on a query. Fresh eyes in the morning help catch those pesky mistakes. Sometimes even after you sleep on there’s still a typo. Heck, there are probably a few in this post. Agents understand small mistakes happen and will usually overlook them as long as the rest of the work sparkles!


2. Querying A Project Too Soon

The first time a literary agent requested more work, I didn’t have more polished pages ready. Rookie mistake! Agents almost always request more after an initial query. For picture book writers, this means 2-5 more manuscripts and for novelists often the full book. Be ready with these before querying.

3. Querying When An Agent Isn’t Open

I’d polished. I’d researched. I was finally ready to hit send...and got an “out of office” message. Always double check that an agent is still open before querying. This is especially true around the end of the year when many agents take time off or close to queries.

4. Misspelling an Agent’s Name. ACK!

This was one mistake I was determined NEVER to make but it happened. Once upon a time, I wrote Michael Stearns name as Sterns. I never heard back from Mr. Stearns or Mr. Stern. Despite best efforts, sometimes mistakes still happen.

5. Querying Someone You Don’t Want As An Agent

Later in my querying process, a bunch of writing friends were raving about a particular agent. She sounded perfect, so I added her to my query list. Even more exciting, she offered representation! However, after talking to clients and digging further, I decided it wasn't a good fit. I made the tough choice to walk away...and not nudge any of my other outstanding queries. I didn't want to rush anyone still considering.

Despite these fumbles and flubs, I eventually signed with the wonderful literary agent I have now. 

Mistakes aren’t the end of the road.
They are the start of a new pathway.

So whether you are querying literary agents, painting a house, or trying a new recipe: go out there and get your paws messy!

If you wait for everything to be perfect, you'll be waiting forever. Of course, you should read, research, and do your best, but sometimes the best way to learn is by doing.

And now for quick Valentine’s Day picture book round up. I’m sure thankful all these talented authors and illustrators persevered to make these beautiful books! Do you have a favorite Valentine's Day read?

1. Books About Loving Yourself

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

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Name Song.jpg
 
You matter.jpg
 

2. Books About Consent and Respectful Loving

Can I Give You A Squish?

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Doug.jpg
 

Rissy No Kissies (Coming in March - Available for Preorder)

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3. Books That Combine Valentine’s Day Themes and Core Learning Concepts

Elliot the Heart Shaped Frog (board book - shapes and colors)

Elliot.jpg
 

The ABCs of Love (board book - ABCs)

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Okay, one more that isn't really a Valentine’s Day book, but I can't stop. I really enjoyed From Here to There, a book about the origins of many common transportation means. I love learning about how things started!

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I hope you have a Happy February and a good Valentine's Day!

Which classic character most like to invite to a Valentine's day party?

A) The Cat in the Hat

B) Max from Where the Wild Things Are

C) Eloise
D) Someone else???

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Hannah Holt