So, I'm giving some manuscripts--those I'm planning on selling hard next year--one final read through and spit-shine polish before I start crafting my queries. I read somewhere that as some part of a New Years resolution, agents get slammed with queries at the beginning of the year and during the holiday season. It's often contributed to that age-old ritual of "this will be the year" mentality and just having enough time to breathe during Christmas vacation to send of a query like a shot in the dark. 

I did that once.

And while it resulted in a partial request, they ultimately passed on Ulterior Motive. Which, is fine, because as I read through THAT draft I originally sent--I'm absolutely amazed they even requested a partial. Not this time though. So, does it all fall into timing?

I think so. Instead of sending off a salvo of queries 1/1/11, I'll be sprinkling them along at the end of Winter and then launch a full on assault at the beginning of Spring. 

As I check out the requirements of some literary agencies I'm shocked to still see snail mail requests instead of electronic. Does that mean I should pass on them for having an antiquated system (that, in my opinion provides an out for the agent to say, 'oh, it was lost in the mail' when it comes to lack of response), or respect they have studious principles and abide? 

I've also found that following some agents on Twitter and reading their blogs is sometimes a curse. Agents are known to nitpick "anonymously" or snarkily pick apart queries for the public "education" (read: entertainment) and I can't help but feel a bit dismayed. Not only is that unprofessional, but it makes for an insecure would-be author with a lack of trust for the industry. I've thought on numerous times, "oh my gosh, are they talking about me?!"

Ultimately, it's not a world for the thin-skinned, it will be a challenge, and I'm ready to have my stories picked through.