Querying in 2026

January 2, 2026

I'll be querying in a couple weeks.

I'd previously queried a novel in 2021 after working two years on that novel. 4am early mornings, late nights, every weekend, vacation time. I gave that novel my all and it just didn't land with the market—abstract hook, unclear stakes. After sending it to 21 agents, I got only two full MS requests and no bites.

Here's what I'm doing differently in 2026:

Focusing on the hook. Hook, hook, hook. How can I encapsulate my story in one short sentence? Mine has changed a million times, but I think I got it.

Great comps. Previously, I'd just comp with my favorite authors and be like "yeah, I'm kind of like them…' but now: no, no, no. It's about how each comp is specifically connected to my novel. No hand-waving anymore.

A synopsis with clear cause-and-effect. How does each event lead to another? Are the stakes clear throughout? The different character motivations? The synopsis isn't "officially" a selling document, but it is because it's going to agents who haven't read your novel and checking if it has legs.

Research agents intensely. Being very diligent about who I send my materials to; looking at their authors lists and exactly what they're looking at now. For US agents, I also look at what they've recently sold on Publisher's Marketplace.

A solid MS. Character agency: Does my protagonist have a clear agency throughout the novel? Are they making choices—even if bad—for themselves? Solid momentum: Being ruthless with whatever doesn't push the story forward. Also, beta readers.

I'm more cautiously hopeful this time. Because of the reactions of my beta readers, because I believe in my hook. Because I know the market better. Because I know my MS is complete. And I'm also working on something new that genuinely excites me.