The Chopping Blog

Equate your query with a cover letter on a job application—it should be professional, polished, and meet all necessary requirements, but still show off your personality.

If I’m enjoying the query or cover letter there’s a good chance I’ll stay engaged throughout the whole submission.

I would like to issue a shout out to the authors dealing with a literal pandemic and all the obstacles that implies and still finding the creative space and time to write. You are incredible.

A reader needs to be pulled in, not lectured to.

Be patient—every good agent is deluged with submissions and so we can be slower than we might like.

It is and isn't a numbers game, but moreover it's a connection game. You just want to find the agent who is passionate about your work. You can't do that unless you query.

Even if the query letter is lacking, I’ll always read and make a decision on the submission based on the writing itself.

Simplicity and clarity are two of the hardest things to achieve for any writer but the best books always have it.

Rejection is part of the process – your work isn’t going to be right for everyone. But if you’re not getting anywhere, then maybe it’s time to think about why that is. 

I want stories that hook me fast and keep me there with strong writing and characters.

The editor is the champion, internally in the publishing house, for each book under her or his care. Finding that combination can be instantaneous or take years.

The book has to be great: writing, story, pacing, characters... all have to deliver at the highest level.