Newsletter

[Patrick]

You won the Nigerian Lottery, too?

Hey, ask Loth about Nigerians.  He has a good story.

I did send the newsletter out again, and just to the odd people.  But there were still problems.  They have been worked out and it should go fine next time.  I just don't want to send it again and risk sending it 3 times to the same people.  There is nothing in there you probably don't already know.  It is mainly just announcements of the new features available.  I'll post it here.

[Patrick]

QueryTracker News

July was another busy month at QueryTracker.  As you may know, the site has only been open since mid May.  By the end of July QueryTracker membership has already reached 850, with 1,000 expected by mid August.  This is good news for all QueryTracker users because it means more data with which to calculate agent information. 

Enough data has been accumulated that I have added agent response times to the agent statistic pages.  These now show the average, longest, and shortest response times for query letters, with positive and negative responses listed separately.  Also listed are the response times to full and partial reads.  Not all agents have response data associated with them, but many do.  And at the rate the site is growing, it shouldn’t be too long before data is collected for all of them.

Other new statistics include an agent’s accept/reject record based on genre.

Also new in July is the Author’s Showcase.  Think of it as a custom website for each QueryTracker user where users can show samples of their work.  But not just anyone can view it.  The pages are password protected, and you can hand out passwords to just the people you want.  The concept is this:  You would include a link and password in your query letters.  Then, if the agent is intrigued enough by your query, he/she can visit your showcase and read more.  Some advantages to this method include the ability to receive instant notification if an agent logs into your showcase, and the agent has the option to leave some quick feedback for you.

We are currently in the process of contacting all agents about the showcase concept and will then compile a list of those willing to use the feature and those who are not.

Another major new feature at QueryTracker is the new Premium Membership Subscription.  This is a way for users to help QueryTracker remain open and growing, and allows us to give something back to those who help.  Users are asked to subscribe to the extended service for only $25 per year.  In return, subscribing users will have access to many advanced features at QueryTracker.  A complete list of premium features is available at http://querytracker.net/premiumFeatures.php

And if you haven’t dropped into our forum you should.  It’s becoming a very spirited little group.

[Chelc]

It's becoming a very spirited little group.

That might scare people away
kidding

[Diowe]

We are currently in the process of contacting all agents about the showcase concept and will then compile a list of those willing to use the feature and those who are not.

ooh. I didn't know you were doing that. Very helpful and much appreciated. Karma to you and Lot (since you said "we" and I assume he's helping)

[Patrick]

I'm out of town this week, but when I get back I hope to start by contacting the agents that blog first and get their opinions.

[Diowe]

WHAT? You're leaving town??? You can't leave us all unattended! You know we'll have a raucous party and wreck the house while you're gone!

[Patrick]

I'm already gone.  I'm sitting in a little hotel room right now, someplace outside of Portland, OR.  This job of mine can have me traveling quite a bit, and I really hate it.  I would much rather stay home and work on QT.

[Diowe]

You know, I have absolutely no idea what it is that you actually do 

[Patrick]

Sometimes I wonder myself.

Actually, I'm a programmer.  I do automation and controls, which means I program factories and manufacturing plants, stuff like that.   But I've been doing it for way too long and really need to find something else.  I know, how about a website for writers?

[Chelc]

That sounds like a brilliant idea pat! 

[Lynne]

Sometimes I wonder myself.

Actually, I'm a programmer.  I do automation and controls, which means I program factories and manufacturing plants, stuff like that.   But I've been doing it for way too long and really need to find something else.  I know, how about a website for writers?

Or, just wait for your 6-figure advance when you get your book published.

[Lotheus]

We've been waiting for 19 years, so we figured it was time to try something else.

[Lotheus]

Oh, and i don't want to talk about nigerians, ebay, or PSPs.  Thank you.

[vripley]

How often will this newsletter go out?

I will opt-in... Lemme go check my profile...

[vripley]

Hmmm... I think I am signed up. Either I am an odd user or I registered after this went out.

Perhaps both...

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