Hi guys:
I got your question Cynthia. What would it take for a romantic suspence query to peak my interest enough to ask for more?
Well that’s a two part question that you’re asking. The reason I say this is because I look for content first, meaning what your story is about. But in finding out what your story is about I also pay attention to how you pitch it. I swoon when I find someone who not only knows how to tell a good story, but can explain it well. Too many times I get letters from people comparing themself to multi-published, best selling authors. The trouble with that is it doesn’t give me a fair overview of your work. Then they give me a ho-hum plot that I’ve read before many times.
Now to brass tacks: I’d like to see romantic suspense that are heavier on the suspense side with a strong romance vein running through it. The main focus of the story would be suspense with strong romantic elements. I’m open to a number of topics, but to give you some idea about what I’m into these days, I’ve been addicted to shows like 24 and Prison Break, The Shield and The Closer. Of course they’re mostly suspense with lots of action, but if I had my way, Jack and Audrey would find a way to be together, Michael and Sarah would have some hot and heavy on-the-run sex, Dutch would find someone other than Vic’s wife to date and Brenda would dump the FBI guy and have a hot fling with an actor. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, my apologies for launching into geek-speak.
Also note: I’m not looking for romantic suspense authors at the moment b/c I have some fabulous ones on my list already. But if a query comes in that is really fresh and exciting, I will take a look.
Hope this helps and keep those questions coming.
C.
Caren,
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question! I appreciate the insightful response and agree that a query/pitch needs to be much more than a generic overview. Easier said than done sometimes, but I’ll keep working on it until I get it right.
Thanks again,
by Cynthia Justlin January 24th, 2007 at 3:23 amCynthia
Thanks for being so open, Caren.
by Irene Peterson January 24th, 2007 at 4:04 amWhat I’d like to know is how you personally get to know the editors at the different houses?
Do you meet them at conferences?
Do you sneak up on them and announce who you are?
Do you call them, email them, send them proposals and cross your fingers?
Or do you have some special kind of “in” with editors that writers can’t possibly have?
That’s a whole bunch of questions, I realize. Sorry.
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