Yes!
Every literary agency has its own protocol when it comes to submissions. Some prefer hard copy submissions. Some prefer email submissions. Here at Firebrand, we provide you with a handy-dandy online form that (hopefully) makes the querying process quick and easy for prospective clients.
And yet, I field countless emails per week from authors attempting to sneak around using the online form. I can understand the concern–perhaps the online form feels too sterile, as though you’re dealing with a customer service line that never allows you to speak directly to a human being.
Authors who contact me directly often indicate that they were hoping to gain my attention in a way they wouldn’t by using the query system.
Not so! At its best, the query system helps reduce the frills and gimmicks that are supposed to get me to pay attention, but instead clutter my head and distract me from the main purpose of my job.
As an agent, I want to provide every person who queries me, from first time authors to seasoned pros, with the same opportunity for consideration. Firebrand’s query system allows me to do just that; I am able to review projects in the order in which they are received. There’s no jumping ahead in line, no VIP treatment.
The secret for getting my attention is easy: Show me a great story with a strong protagonist, gorgeous writing, and a compelling narrative…and submit it via the Firebrand query system.
See you online!
July 10, 2009 at 12:32 am
I’m confused as to why it’s an issue. I had a positive experience with your form, though not an offer of representation. I’ve submitted to other agency’s, using their form, and was fine with it. One of them asked what the last book was that I read. I liked that question! Keep on, keepin’ on.
July 10, 2009 at 8:41 am
Well I suppose the snail-mailers did get your attention. You noted their inability to follow directions. That should make any agent want to work with them! (that dripping sound you hear is sarcasm)
July 10, 2009 at 3:19 pm
But Danielle…my book is REALLY special. That should grant me a free pass, right?
July 10, 2009 at 7:31 pm
I thought Firebrand’s query system was fabulous. So often we authors wonder what we should include in our magical query letter to hit the agent’s hot buttons and attract their interest. The form made it easy to understand what information you really wanted. I got a quick response to my submission and once I uploaded my full manuscript was always able to log on and see what the status of my submission was. BTW, Stacia Decker is incredbily efficient and has been wonderful to work with. You guys at Firebrand ROCK!
July 18, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I had a question. When I copied the appropriate text into the right boxes, all the formatting was lost. I didn’t have anything fancy, just indents and double spacing. Is it easy for you to read when you get it?
August 4, 2009 at 9:59 am
Your website seems to be broken. I haven’t been able to access it for two days.