Friday, February 1, 2013

Query Time

Happy Friday!

Well, I survived two weeks of school (barely, but I'm still here!) The homework is overwhelming, but it's fascinating stuff, so that helps a lot. My first bachelors degree was in electrical engineering. I'm really not sure how I managed that one because I have no interest in it at all. But my classes now (Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology) are geared towards nursing students and are all about the human body, so it's like learning about myself. Pretty cool! And the labs I was so nervous about have actually been fun so far. So all in all, a very busy but good two weeks.

In writing news, I think my query is about ready to go. I spent a lot of time with Elana Johnson's From the Query to the Call, had several critique partners review my draft, and I'm still spit shining, but I think it's close. I've also been lurking on Query Shark and learning quite a bit from reading the archives. I'm considering the idea of submitting my query for critique, but I'm not sure I'm brave enough. Has anyone out there ever had a query critiqued on Query Shark? Do you have any other sites or resources for getting your query critiqued? And what references do you like to use when writing a query?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

27 comments:

The Happy Whisk said...

I haven't queried in forever. Glad you are about ready to go with yours.

And that is cool about school. It's great fun when it's interesting stuff.

Here's to your new adventure.

Cheers and boogie boogie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Glad you're enjoying your classes.
Never had my query critiqued there. You could always have Matthew at the QQQE critique it first as a warm-up. He's critiquing one today I believe.

Old Kitty said...

Beautiful Susan Fields!! You are a SCIENTIST and a writer! How amazing are you!!?!?

As for the querying - I was going to recommend QQQE too (The quintessentially questionable query experiment)!!!

GOOD LUCK and well done you!!!! Take care
x

Jennifer Shirk said...

ooh, Elana will have that query whipped in shape for you!

I've never done the QueryShark thing. It might be something to consider if you don't get any bites with it. (Ha! I made a pun)

DEZMOND said...

oooh, I didn't know you were an electric engineer, Suzie! How interesting! Do you know how to fix things around the house ? :)

Anne Gallagher said...

I like openquery.blogspot.com for queries. I always got good recommendations.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Kepp learning and keep writing, both are fun! Have a happy weekend!!!!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

You are so inspiring, Susan! I can't imagine taking college course again on route to a new degree. Have a fab weekend, and here's to some awesome writing!

Laura S. said...

I'm glad you're enjoying your classes! They sound fascinating. Good luck with your querying!!!

Tony Van Helsing said...

I've never heard of Query Shark, is it a real shark that can answer questions?

Carolyn V said...

I'm working on my query too. I'm going to have to check out Query Shark! I haven't heard of it before.

Robyn Campbell said...

Hey. What about MacNish. Send it in to the shark and while you're waiting in line have MacNish crit it too.

Sounds like you'll do bodaciously well in school, pal. I'm proud to know you! :-)

Cherie Reich said...

Good luck querying!

And like others said, I would see if Matthew at QQQE can help.

Kelly Polark said...

Enjoy the weekend, Susan!
Sounds like you have been working double-time! Good luck with the queries!

mshatch said...

Good luck querying! And I highly recommend the QQQE. I've had two of my queries critted there and my last garnered me some requests.

Anonymous said...

Good luck! Will cross my fingers and toes for you!

Stina said...

Ooh, those are the kind of courses I loved taking in university. :D

I used to do the query critique thing, but I found it wasn't always helpful. People start demanding everything, including the kitchen sink.

I'm too scared to get the query shark to look at mine. But maybe I'll brave it when it's time to write one. Good luck with yours, Susan!

Anonymous said...

Queries scare the fire out of me! I slave over them and then edit, edit, edit like they were a short story with a word limit demand. I think they are harder than the actual manuscript! Good luck :)

DL Hammons said...

Will you be using something like Query Tracker to keep your submissions organized? I would recommend it highly! :)

Theresa Milstein said...

Good luck spit shining that query!

I've submitted to Query Shark, but have never been chosen. I always comment on queries there.

Morgan said...

Ooo... yay! Happy querying! Have you been on Absolute Write Water Cooler? I think they might do query critiques over there...

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

OH!! Good luck with querying. I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to querying.

Anonymous said...

I've never had my query critiqued, but I enjoy reading critiques online. I learn a lot. Good luck on your goals.

Kimberly Franklin said...

I don't even want to think about querying. Just the thought makes me nervous and irritated. Ha! Good luck with querying and school!

Nas said...

Hi Susan!

All the best to your querying.

cleemckenzie said...

I just keep writing and sharing my queries with my crit partners. They're pretty "Sharky" when they need to be.

Deniz Bevan said...

Good luck with the querying!
You can share it on the Compuserve Books and Writers Community if you like - everyone's super helpful over there.
Ooh, Anatomy, and all the others. I'd love to learn more about that.