Editorial Services

QUERY LETTER REVIEW

A query letter review helps you create the best possible query letter. The process involves reviewing your letter and making detailed recommendations on structure, tone and content. I will also give you notes to help you strengthen your hook and synopsis. Although, I cannot guarantee a response or an offer from an agent, a polished query letter can make the difference between getting a manuscript request or fading into the slush pile. Before reaching out for a review, I recommend watching the following webinar from The Author’s Guild.

What does my review include? Two rounds of edits on your one-page query letter. The first round focuses on the content of your query letter. The second round is a detailed proofread to address any grammatical, stylistic and punctuation errors.

Cost: $60

To request a review, please fill out the contact form here.

 FAQ and Resources for Writers

I have an idea for a book, how can I get started?

Every wonderful book every written started with an idea! And if you write one page a day, you will have a 365-page manuscript in a year!

In order to travel from idea to publication I recommend:

  • Read books on craft (recommendations below)

  • Attend a writing conference in your area. Writing conferences are organized by local and national writers organizations and clubs. They can be for writers in general, or specific to a genre, for example: romance, sci-fi, fantasy etc.

  • Join a critique group either in person or online. Here is a good list!

How do I get a literary agent? Can you refer me to your agent?

There are multiple ways to pitch your work to a literary agent:

Unfortunately, I am unable to make referrals to my agent.

how do i get a publishing contract? Can you refer me to your editor?

There are as many paths to publication as there are books. It took me eight years and three manuscripts to sell my book to a publisher. In that time, I wrote and edited, attended writing conferences, read books on craft, met with my critique partner, attended writing retreats and much, much more. In 2019, my agent sent my latest manuscript to an imprint of Harper Collins and they fell in love with the book right away! My debut novel, Salty, Bitter, Sweet was published in March of 2020. Does My Body Offend You? co-written with Marie Marquardt, will be published by Penguin Random House in April 2022.

Unfortunately, I am unable to make referrals to my editors.

What books on writing do you recommend?

  • The Artists Way by Julia Cameron

  • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need by Jessica Brody

  • Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell

  • No Plot? No Problem! Revised and Expanded Edition: A Low-stress, High-velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty

  • Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

  • Writing the Romantic Comedy: From "Cute Meet" to "Joyous Defeat": How To Write Screenplays That Sell by Billy Mernit

  • The Breakout Novelist: How to Craft Novels That Stand Out and Sell Paperback by Donald Maass

  • Writing Irresistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers Paperback by Mary Kole

  • Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by Lisa Cron

  • Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King

  • On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

  • Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

  • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

what webinars on writing do you recommend?

There are both great paid and free webinars on writing. Las Musas Books and The Author’s Guild has a YouTube channel full of amazing free webinars. For paid classes, visit The Highlights Foundation and The Writer’s Digest.

IS THERE A WRITING RETREAT YOU CAN RECOMMEND?

I have had the pleasure of attending a writing retreat at the Highlights Foundation and highly recommend it. I also recommend the Andrea Brown Literary Agency Big Sur and Cape Cod workshops.

can you give me advice about self-publishing?

I don’t know anything about self-publishing, but a good place to start maybe the self-publishing threads on Absolute Write Water Cooler forums.

How long will it take me to write a book? Get an agent? Get published?

Everyone’s publishing journey is different. Some people write a full book in less than a month, for others it could take decades. The same goes for getting an agent and getting published.

can you read my manuscript?

I’m so sorry but due to other commitments, I cannot read manuscripts at the moment. If you need a critique partner, CritiqueMatch, Absolute Write and this super long list are great places to start.

If you’re able to pay, you can also find really wonderful freelance editors to help with your manuscript. I highly recommend Deborah Halverson and Laura Silverman. 

CAN YOU BLURB MY BOOK?

Thank you for the giant compliment! Due to my own deadlines and prior commitments, it is almost impossible for me to blurb a book on short notice. Please send your blurb request to my agent, Saritza Hernandez saritza@andreabrownlit.com.