Question of the day: Do you think you get better results submitting queries by email or snail mail? My inclination is to save time and money by emailing, but I've heard of successful writers who swear by snail mail.
(ETA on 4/24: Btw, I took this question to mean querying magazines. Querying agents is different, and while I only queried via email, people do certainly still resort to snail when on the agent hunt.)
I know no one, repeat NO ONE, who still snail mails queries. Seriously, I've never even heard of it anymore! The only time I ever hear of writers using the actual mail is to drop requested clips in the mail to an editor.
Snail mailing queries is like microfiche: it worked at the time but now, there's just no need for it. And seriously, I could be wrong about this, but I feel like it will make you look a lot more amateurish. Especially if you read a magazine's guidelines and then send in to the generic address they request. This is just a filter with which to weed out newbie writers.
The best way to get your query read (and responded to) is to research the masthead, target the appropriate editor, and email them your pitch. There's certainly no guarantee that he or she will read it even then, but I suspect it's a lot likelier than if your query lands in their untouched - and mile-high- mail pile.
Writers out there...does anyone still query via snail mail? Or do you all stick to the electronic highway?
7 comments:
I do still occasionally snail-mail queries, because some mags clearly request receiving them that way. If you want your query to be read, best to call the editorial office to inquire (of whomever picks up the phone) the best means and the best recipient for your query. This is also a great opportunity to verify gender of the recipient!
Hey! I received the book today --AND SELL YOUR BOOK? No way, I'm keeping it forever so when you're REALLY rich and famous I can say you gave me a free book ;)
Love,
Jess
Ooh, I am running out to my mailbox now that I know the book may be in there!
Also, regarding snail vs email. I landed my agent via email; she has never even held a hard copy of my novel in her hands. I just hope one day, she will--a hard copy with a real live cover and my name on it! ha ha!
Whoo Hoo!! I received my book in the mail today! Thanks Allison! I can't wait to start reading it! I wouldn't even dream of selling it!
Regarding queries...I have my best responses when I send my queries by email. I don't bother with snail mail anymore unless absolutely necessary.
Thanks again!
Hey Allison,
I picked up a copy of TDLF at ASJA on the weekend and can't wait to dig in.
I got an autographed copy and didn't even notice the signature was on the 'wrong' page.
Jodi
I love it that you're apologizing for sending some of us lucky recipients your awesome novel (am enjoying it already, btw) because of where you signed it. You are so exceptionally nice it's actually amusing.
When I did my agent querying about a year or so ago, I did email whenever I could and snail when I couldn't. Much preferred email. (Got me an agent but no book contract, alas, so I'm on to the next novel.)
Thanks again for sending the book.
Allison, I've been out of town but I look forward to getting your book when I return. What a nice surprise to come home to. :)
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