Did you know that the recommended word count for a query is around 300 words? 300. That is it. And the vast majority of those words should be about your book. Not you as a writer, not bonding with the agent (although this part is reeeeeeeeally important), not your marketing platform, and not (seriously, don't do this) your possible pitches for other books you may have hanging on the line if they don't fall in love with what you are pitching now.
That was just one of the amazingly helpful tidbits I received on a live video conference with publishing and start up guru Kathy Ver Eecke last night. If you are a writer and not getting her free emails and video blogs, do it. She is funny and smart. I like those qualities in a teacher.
Armed with my newly gained knowledge, I am heading back into the fray, giving my query letter a few of the little tweaks it needs... and completely rewriting my synopsis. I had read that the synopsis should be a dry run straight through the book without fluff or garnish. Kathy says no. Keep it short and sweet, be cautious not to put unneeded info in, but tell it like the story it is. She also gave a bit of what I would call controversial advice. When asked whether or not to give the ending away in the synopsis, she answered... no!
Ok, I know all you writerly folks may have just fallen out of your swivel chairs, but chill and listen. She related that the whole point of the synopsis is for the agent or publisher to see that you know your story. That you know how to pace it to hold attention, and that you know how to end it well. You can give away the ending completely. It won't hurt you to do it that way. It's tradition, after all! However, bringing the reader right up to the plunging drop of finality and then just hinting at what is waiting below builds a lingering desire to know more.
So, heads down, pens up, let's get writing!
To accompany us as we work, let's have some cookies! Here's one of my many favorites:
5 Layer Cookie
1 stick butter
Enough graham cracker crumbs to cover the butter
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
1 bag peanut butter chips
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melt your butter in a 9X13" pan. Top with the next four ingredients, layered as listed. Do not stir. Pop it in the oven at 350 deg. for about 30 minutes or until everything is melty and bubbly and fabulous. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the richest thing since Bill Gates' bank account.
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