Pitches and Queries: A Big Question
“I have been told that researching each agent and adding their relevant titles is a good strategy. What do you think of this?”
A critique client of mine asked me to review his query and also asked some questions. Here’s one:
“I have been told that researching each agent and adding their relevant titles is a good strategy. What do you think of this?”
It is generally recommended that you say something specific about an agent, often in the opening … but it’s tricky.
There’s not much point in saying “I’m submitting to you because you represent XYZ.” They already know what they represent, and it doesn’t show that you did more than look at a listing for them. It might be better than nothing, but it might be worse. (Depends on the agent.)
If you saw a specific, recent wish and your manuscript is a close fit, you could say “Since your recent [blog post/social media post/Manuscript Wish List] mentioned an interest in finding a queer YA mystery novel, I’d like to send you TITLE …” It's less compelling if the connection is broader, like they represent young adult novels, or they represent mysteries. Too many writers fall into those categories.
You can also mention a book they represented that you feel is similar to yours, or an author client of theirs who is similar in some way. Here you don't want an exact match, because most agents don't want to represent two authors writing the same kind of thing. But let’s say they sold a fantasy series based on Indonesian mythology and you’re querying a fantasy based on Aztec mythology. The fact that they like fantasy based on less commonly used mythology could mean they're a good fit for you, while your work isn't duplicating something another client is writing.
Or maybe they represent several cozy mystery authors, and you write cozy mysteries. It can be more effective if you say "because you represent [names of one or more of their clients]” rather than simply "because you represent cozy mysteries …” The client name(s) show you took a look at the books on their list rather than just the general summary of what they represent.
If you have a referral from someone, you can start with “[Name of person they know] suggested you might be a good fit for my YA fantasy novel,” or whatever. That can be a big help, but of course you have to know someone they know and respect, who also has read your work, enjoyed it, and given you permission to use their name. That’s a good reason to network with other writers! I have occasionally suggested that critique clients contact a certain agent I know if I think they're a good fit. Do not use someone's name without their approval though.
Find Manuscript Wish List here:
https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/
The main guide to searching for agents: http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/the-comprehensive-search-and-query-guide/
Info on my critiques: https://chriseboch.com/for-writers/