3 Things to Do Before Querying Your Memoir
So you’ve finished your manuscript and want to take the next step toward publishing your memoir. Maybe you’re asking yourself: How do I know if I’m ready to look for an agent? While you might be eager to start querying agents right away, there are some benchmarks you should meet before moving forward. What are the steps should you take before trying to find an agent? Read below to find out!
What is querying and what does it entail?
Querying an agent means reaching out to them (usually via email or an agency form) to pitch your book. This involves writing a one-page query letter laying out what your manuscript is about and why you’re the best person to write it. If an agent is interested in your pitch, they will ask you for a portion of the manuscript and/or your entire manuscript. If they like what they see, they may offer you representation via a phone call, where you should be prepared to ask a lot of questions. If you sign with the agent, that person becomes the “middle (wo)man” between you and editors at publishing houses.
For more guidance on how to write a query letter, read this excellent article.
What should I do before querying an agent?
1. Get feedback. We are so close to our own stories that it’s often difficult to see them from a more critical, editorial lens. That’s where outside readers come in handy. Here are a few options for how to get feedback on your manuscript:
Send it to beta readers. Beta readers are people who volunteer to read your manuscript, with an eye toward what’s working and not working.
Pros: This is a chance to gather multiple opinions at once. You can identify trends in the feedback and determine if these are “easy fixes” or require longer-term revision. And it’s free! Here is a great article on what to ask beta readers.
Cons: While beta readers (including other writers!) may be able to identify areas that work and don’t work, they won’t necessarily be able to tell you why, or how to resolve these issues. The best readers don’t necessarily make the best editors.
Join a workshop.
Pros: Participating in a writing group or a workshop-focused class gives you a community of like-minded people, along with a diverse mix of perspectives on your writing.
Cons: Writing groups and workshops can involve a lot of work on your part. In addition to receiving feedback from other writers, you also have to give feedback, which can be time-consuming.
Hire an editor.
Pros: If you’re looking for in-depth, action-oriented feedback for getting your manuscript ready for agents, a developmental editor is your best bet. Developmental editors are experts at not only identifying issues, but offering concrete solutions to fix them.
Cons: It can be expensive. Be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck by researching the editor ahead of time. Some editors offer sample edits or free consultations so you can get to know them before making a commitment. For instance, I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations to see if we’re a good fit.
2. Perfect your pitch. Agents not only want to see quality writing, but also that you can talk clearly and compellingly about your story. Here are a couple of strategies for doing that:
Practice your elevator pitch. You never know when you’ll be called upon to pitch your book. This could happen during a run-in with an agent at a conference, or perhaps in an email with someone who expresses interest in your writing. You should be able to articulate:
What the STORY is of your manuscript (in 1-3 sentences!).
Who the AUDIENCE is for your book.
Build your platform. Publishing shorter pieces and getting involved in your “target communities” (the future audience for your book!) shows an agent your story is wanted in the world. However, platform does not mean you have to be a “famous” person or have thousands of social media followers. For more on that, read this article.
3. Mentally prepare for rejection. Rejections will inevitably come as you start to query agents. This doesn’t mean you are a bad writer or your manuscript isn’t ready. In fact, many writers end up having to query 50-100+ agents before getting the “yes.” While rejection can sting, keep in mind that you deserve an agent who believes in your work and whose vision aligns with your own — you should be as picky about them as they are about you!
In summary, you want to make sure that — before you start querying — you have the strongest possible manuscript and pitch for your memoir. Need some guidance? Reach out below to find out how we can collaborate in perfecting your manuscript and pitch.