The Query Show

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A podcast to help writers get published, hosted by editor and author Blair Thornburgh. Each episode takes a deep dive on a query letter (or two) and diagnoses its strengths and weaknesses so that authors can put their best foot forward into the world of agents and editors.

Episode List

Episode 16: Romance

Apr 22nd, 2019 6:32 AM

Romance means double the emotional arcs, double the stakes, and plenty of opportunities for hijinks. So: how information-dense should your query be? Can our beloved cause-and-effect language ever lead you astray? How can you balance external plot, internal arcs, and, you know, that big ol’ relationship that’s at the literal heart of your book? Download a copy of this week’s critiques Listen Now Music by Lee Rosevere via Free Music Archive

Episode 15: Fantasy

Apr 1st, 2019 6:13 AM

Introducing worldbuilding while establishing character goal, motivation, and conflict—all that and magical Enchanteds, dreamwalkers, and the ever-present format for comp titles. Plus: are rhetorical questions as effective as statements? Two fantasy queries today with a lot to offer. Download a copy of the queries and critiques Listen Now Music by Lee Rosevere via Free Music Archive

Episode Fourteen: Middle Grade Contemporary

Mar 25th, 2019 7:02 AM

How long should a query be? When can you go deep on detail, and when is it just not relevant? Two excellent queries today that dig into this and more, as well as our old favorites: cause and effect, emotional stakes, and internal arcs! Download copies of this week’s queries and critiques Listen Now Music by Lee Rosevere via Free Music Archive

Episode Thirteen: Picture Books

Mar 18th, 2019 6:10 AM

The deceptively simple picture book query! How do you query a book whose text probably isn’t much longer than the manuscript itself? How can you make sure you convey the plot and the feeling of reading aloud? And how much of your bio paragraph should the query take? Download copies of the queries and critiques Listen Now Music by Lee Rosevere via Free Music Archive

Episode Twelve: YA Contemporary and Contemporary Romance

Mar 11th, 2019 6:15 AM

Timelines and query pacing and when it’s appropriate to say “I am seeking representation” and more! Stakes come up both for international intrigue and a romp through a woodsy divorcee retreat. Download copies of this episode’s queries and critiques Listen Now Music by Lee Rosevere via Free Music Archive

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