Tips for Following Up on Your Query

Whether fiction or nonfiction, novice or seasoned writer, following up on a query can be very daunting. You hear so many different responses if you ask whether you should follow up on your query or not. Many give you an emphatic "Yes!" Others may warn against this practice. However in my years as a writer, I've found that sometimes a follow up is what you need to get an acceptance or at least, positive feedback on your submission.

Therefore my advice on whether or not to follow up on your query is most definitely yes, but be professional when you do so. Here are a few tips for following up on a query that has been rejected.

#1 - Address the correct person. Whether you receive the response to your query via email, snail mail or telephone make sure you respond to the correct person when you follow up.

#2 - Be polite. Begin your letter, email or conversation with a 'thank you' for the time this person took to review your query.

#3 - Be professional - don't whine about the rejection instead ask precise questions to see if improvements can be made to your presentation in order for it to be more appealing.

#4 - End on a friendly note. Thank them again and be sincere!

Tip #3 advises you to ask precise questions when you follow up on your query but you may be wondering what questions to ask. Here are a few examples:

#1 Was there anything appealing about my query? Allow the person an opportunity to point out your strengths and weaknesses.

#2 If I revise may I resubmit? Make it apparent you'd like to write for this particular publication and that you are willing to make changes to fit their needs.

#3 Do you know of another publication that accepts what I write? This question is reserved for the instance what you write - regardless of revisions just will not fit this particular publication. Though a huge conglomerate, editors and agents within the publishing industry know each other and the needs of their colleagues and many times will refer writers to one another.

Suppose your query has not been rejected, in fact you've received no response at all?

In this instance, check the guidelines of the publication to makes sure adequate time has passed before you follow up on your query. Most if not all publishers, editors and agents have a turn around time. This can be anywhere from 10 weeks to several months. If adequate time has passed and you've received no response then follow up on your initial query. Many times things get shoved beneath a pile on a full desk or in the case of emailed submissions, lost in cyber space therefore following up on your query is a good thing UNLESS the publication specifically says not to. Again this is where double checking the guidelines can help. If they indicate you will NOT receive a response for a rejection then do not waste their time nor yours in following up on your query. However if the guidelines do not indicate this, a simple email or phone call will suffice.

The same rules apply as above: Address the correct person, Be Polite, Be Professional and End on a friendly note.

One final note of advice on following up on your query - don't be afraid. Editors and agents are people too. Treat them with respect and they will do the same toward you.