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Friday, August 17, 2012

Queries That Worked--The Magic Wakes

This query garnished fulls and then offers from two small publishers. Ultimately I chose to go with WiDo Publishing. The Magic Wakes comes out Winter 2013.


Dear Allie Maldonado,

In August of 2010 I entered Karen Gowen’s Lettuce Write Contest. A few months later I received an email from you expressing interest in the novel and requesting a full (see below). However, by that point I had decided to make changes and join a critique group to make sure the novel was the best that I could send to you. Since I had prior contact with Allie from Karen's contest, I started with the personalization section instead of my query. The "see below" refers to the original email that I included with the new query.

The people of Sendek no longer believe in dragons, mages, or the two-legged hybrid they created. These creatures are returning from exile stronger than ever with only one thought on their minds. Wipe out the humans and claim the planet for their own.

Talia Shannon has dreamed of an invasion all her life. She’s kept it a secret, hoping it’s nothing more than a childhood nightmare. But the face in the mirror now matches that of her dreams, and she fears the dreams will turn out prophetic after all. She must use her job at the Space Exploration Foundation to prove that life exists beyond Sendek. Perhaps then someone will listen and prepare to fight. Her work leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a conspirator. His magical talent convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them and they discover they can communicate telepathically. They’ve barely begun to trust each other when the invading force arrives.

Together they must uncover the secrets of Sendek's past if they hope to defeat the creatures. Talia is the key—if she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.  

SENDEK: THE MAGIC WAKES is an 85,000 word science fantasy with romance elements. I hope it grabs your interest the way it did a few years ago. Sendek has since been dropped from the title.

Thank you for your time,
Charity Bradford
(Personal Info)

6 comments:

Lara Schiffbauer said...

It is so helpful to read all the successful queries. I am starting to identify the rhythm of a query that wasn't there before. Thanks for all the great examples. Plus, your book sounds fascinating! I don't want to wait a year to read it!

Huntress said...

Super!!
And I agree with Lara. It will be difficult waiting until next year.

Charity Bradford said...

Thanks Lara! I'm working with my editor now in the hopes we can get it out in six months or so. ;)

Charity Bradford said...

*hugs* You've been so much help in this process Huntress! I think you'll be surprised with some of the changes. Thanks for reading those early versions.

Ink in the Book said...

Wow Charity. You book sounds amazing! (I've used that word so much in the last few days I think it's time to pull out the thesaurus.)
Your query is so inspiring. I agree with Lara, too. I am seeing that pattern that my query is missing.
Congratulations on your book:)

Charity Bradford said...

Thanks!