My story hinges around a phenomenal plot twist (a major spoiler) and I'm not sure whether I should include that in the teaser or not. It would definitely not be on the blurb. But without knowing it, I could imagine someone thinking the premise is a bit dry.
Posted by darklight (Member # 5213) on :
Perhaps draft two queries, one with and one without, post them in F and F and let us decide.
Hope this helps.
[This message has been edited by darklight (edited July 07, 2008).]
Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :
And I would disagree. In fact, when Kristin Nelson asked me for a partial (which she rejected but my query did get me that far) she specifically said not to include a synopsis and that she didn't want to know how the novel ended. Most of the advise you get is to base your query around what you see on a back of the book blurb.
I believe that being teased is exactly what most agents want in a query--or more accurately they want you to sell them that the rest of the book is worth reading. This does not apply to the synopsis if they want one.
Here are some links that I consider very worthwhile on writing a query, In particular, I think Ms. Nelson's "Pitch Workshop" series is helpful:
And two downloads from agent Noah Lukeman (Click to the Query page and he'll tell you he doesn't take them but he'll give you two free downloads with some great query and agent seeking suggestions):
[This message has been edited by JeanneT (edited July 07, 2008).]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Please note that JeanneT said
quote:This does not apply to the synopsis if they want one.
The synopsis must include plot twists and tell how the story ends. One of the purposes of the synopsis is to tell the editor or agent that you know how to finish a story satisfactorily.
A query may tease, but a synopsis should be complete.