Casting a Wide Query Net

Or how not to live and die by the agent wish list

Photo by AMIT UIKEY on Unsplash

When it comes to querying agents, I cast a wide net. I’ve read all the conventional wisdom about whom to query, how to query, and in what order, but a lot of that conventional wisdom doesn’t reflect reality.

Agent wish lists are a great example. Some are like novels themselves, and very detailed, but they can be problematic.

It’s like applying for a job where the posting says they’re looking for someone with leadership experience, and the ability to manage people while working under pressure. Does leading a Girl Scout troop count as leadership experience if the job is in a dress boutique?

My answer is yes. So if I’m that Girl Scout leader, and I have experience getting projects done on deadline, I apply. I wouldn’t let every detail of the job posting prevent me, even if on the surface I don’t appear to be the right fit.

I apply the same logic when compiling my list of agents to query.

Of course, I query agents who represent thrillers, mysteries, crime novels and suspense. But if an agent says they represent adult fiction, doesn’t specify mysteries, doesn’t say, “no genre fiction,” but does say they love unconventional female protagonists, I’ll give myself the benefit of the doubt and cast that wide net.

As a Black woman, I’m also on the lookout for agents who say they support marginalized writers. So again, if they represent adult fiction, don’t specify mysteries, but make a point of inviting marginalized writers to submit, I’m there.

Bottom line, it can be incredibly confusing and crazy making, with most of us constantly worried we’re not doing it “the right way.” We limit ourselves by being too timid, instead of of recognizing we may just be close enough to what an agent says they’re looking for.

I’m still waiting to see if, for me, my way is “the right way.” In the meantime, I’ll be tossing that net far and wide.