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Hi, having researched endlessly, listened to hours of agent-querying podcasts, I've trimmed my query letter to a slim 320 words in three sections: necessary background on the book (including comps), the blurb (starting with a 29-word one-sentence pitch/hook), and a bit about me. I have not yet started querying, but it won't be long. My question is, do I try something a little different at the start of the email? Instead of the usual Dear 'Agent', I'm seeking representation for etc...I'm considering Dear 'Agent', followed immediately by a ten-word hook line, and then the I'm seeking representation for etc... Thoughts on the immediate 10-word hook approach, please? Thanks Mark

Congratulations to all those who entered the prize. We had over 533 entries, which is significantly more than last year (which was our first). Judging & feedback will proceed in line with the schedule on our website.

Clarity is so important, and often where good pieces go wrong. But over-explaining is a problem. How do you balance the two?

Hello All, I see the word count limit is 3000. Can you go slightly over or are they pretty firm on that? Does anyone know?