Query Guidelines

From the agent: Dear Author, I periodically read the comments section on QueryTracker to make sure that my team is responsive to your queries. It is very important to me that every query is responded to in a timely way, within days whenever possible. And that if a manuscript is requested, that we read it and give you feedback within a month. I do not use interns to read queries, but one of my in-house agents as well as an editorial person. Every query is read by someone with at least five years professional experience in trade publishing. While I understand that there can be frustration with a quick response, I demand that of my staff out of respect for your time and efforts. I absolutely use a form rejection (one that I crafted years ago to respectfully decline materials) and also have a form rejection for manuscripts where I recognize that I just don't get the book. A more personal rejection will follow with projects that touched me but may not be quite ready, and where I do have some ideas to share. Recognizing that this is all very subjective is also important. You must have faith in your work and talent in the face of multiple rejections until you find that one very smart agent and editor, that get you. I have declined the work of a number of bestselling authors and will, I am sure, do so again. The point is to keep writing, and know that we all at VS&A are honored by you and the invitation to review your work. Kind regards, VS Victoria Sanders & Associates, LLC