• Moonlight Blade - Writing Advice

    How to Write a Query

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    The purpose of a query is to get an agent or editor interested enough to request the full or partial manuscript. Not all books lend themselves well to being summarized this way, but it’s easier to sell a book if you can. There are 4 main sections in a query: 1) Metadata: This part includes word count, genre, title, why you’re querying this agent. Book comps go here too if you’re using them. For example, “This book would appeal to fans of [X].” or “This book is [X] meets [Y].” Some people prefer to add this section after the pitch,…

  • Writing Advice

    Advice for Young Writers

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    Once long ago, I was a university career counselor, and so I absolutely love getting questions about careers and goals and what it takes to be a writer. First off… if you write, you’re a writer. Full stop. There’s no need to tell people you’re an aspiring writer, or an unpublished writer. Just like if you’re an artist, it doesn’t matter if you sell your art or not to be one – you just are. The best thing you can do right now for your writing is to read as much as possible, and read in every genre: fiction, non-fiction,…