May I Recommend QueryTracker?

This is not going to be a long post. I have a busy week, to say the least.

As a progress report, let me say that I am sending out query packages to agents. And while the going was slow at the start, I find that the more packages I make, the more quickly I can create new packages.

But I owe a great debt to a website called QueryTracker, which is a resource for authors seeking to get an agent. Keeping your own list of agencies would be a lot of hassle, and QueryTracker saves you the effort by keeping a database of agents that can be perused. Almost every legitimate agency is listed. And all the information is fairly up to date (though not flawlessly).

You can also search their listings by author. So if there is an author out there whose work is similar to yours, you can look up the agent who cared enough about their stuff to represent it, and see if they are willing to explore similar works.

These kinds of searches are invaluable, as otherwise you’d be taking shots in the dark, using Google and various lit blogs to scrounge for names. And, as I said in a previous post, this effort is not about finding an agent—it is about finding the right agent.

QueryTracker basically gives you a search engine for the entire world of literary agenting. I’m not going to say it’s the only way to go about it. But I am saying that there is no reason not to use it, as it provides only benefit with no drawbacks.

They’re Transparent and Upfront, Too

QueryTracker does not conceal the fact that they make use of your information. During new user registration, they are upfront about how your data is used to improve their algorithms.

The site also has an ever-growing list of success stories from people who have used their services to acquire representation.

And while most of the features are free, if you opt to pay a $25 annual fee, then extra features are unlocked, allowing you to keep track of every query you’ve sent and make a timeline of your efforts (in case you’re not already doing that on your own).

I Recommend Them

You’ll have to experience their services yourself to get a complete idea of what they’re offering. But you can take my word on this much: they’ve done their homework. They must have put in a lot of research to come up with such a comprehensive database. There is no reason for you to make a duplicate effort. They’ve already put in all the legwork. And since they offer the fruits of their labor for free, you might as well take advantage.

You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

[This week’s tagline: “Where people come…equipped with the right tools.”]