Query Packages

Not sure what service you need? Have further questions? Wanting a sample?

What is a Query Package?

A Query Package helps you create the common files expected for shopping a manuscript in traditional publishing.

The Query Package helps you build a query letter, an appropriate synopsis, and polish your opening pages.  Additionally, it includes consultation on your "approach" to shopping your manuscript to agents and editors.

Query Letter Review

After gathering information from you about your book, and reviewing the first fifty pages, I will help you draft an engaging query letter.  Typically, this is a three-pass process.

**I do not perform single-request query letter reviews on any book I have not edited in some fashion.**

Synopsis

When shopping a manuscript, a writer must have a full synopsis and a short synopsis.  There are expectations that accompany these documents.  I will review your existing synopsis and help you craft it to those expectations.

Opening Pages Review

The opening pages of your novel are critical to receiving a request for a full submission.  Agents and editors can request anything from five pages to fifty or more.  I will copy edit your first fifty pages of your novel, as part of my package.

But you've already had the novel thoroughly edited?

Having your first 50 pages reviewed by an additional set of eyes is beneficial, regardless.  All editors make mistakes; all editors can be too close to a novel. 

Query Consultation

Who you're shopping to, and how you're going about it, is every bit as critical as what you're shopping.  I consult on tips and tricks I have learned through the years and provide what guidance I can on your overall goals.

While I will not evaluate or provide opinions on any industry professional, I will review the agents you have selected in terms of whether they match with what you're shopping and help you find tools to aid in your research.

  • National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
    Claire's insights into my novel helped me identify areas needing improvement--what was working, and what wasn't--allowing me to polish my novel and take it to the next level. Knowledgeable and easy to work with. I would recommend her to anyone.
    National bestselling author and Hugo-nominated editor Bryan Thomas Schmidt (Davi Rhii, John Simon, Fox's Predator)
  • Derek R.
    Claire was a breath of fresh air, giving me honest, unvarnished -- but very constructive -- feedback! I'm confident I'll be able to make the project better because of her work :)
    Derek R.
  • Dan M.
    She takes the effort to guide the writer through the process and produces high-quality work. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended!
    Dan M.
  • Michael B.
    In every project we've worked on together, she has consistently shown professionalism, efficiency, and patience;-) Most importantly, she is very detail-oriented, which is crucial for me.
    Michael B.
  • Saima I
    Her insights into narrative structure and character development were invaluable, enhancing my manuscript while respecting my original vision.
    Saima I
  • Steve M
    Claire was great to work with. She has a positive attitude and communication style. She also has an amazing eye for detail. Thanks, Claire!
    Steve M
  • Deborah W.
    Claire is fantastic. VERY supportive and helpful. Working with her has helped me become a much better writer.
    Deborah W.
  • Katrina C.
    Claire was wonderful to work with and made my first experience with this sort of thing a breeze. I feel like I have learned so much through working with her!
    Katrina C.
  • Mark M
    Her critique was constructive and encouraging, and she clearly has the background to address problems at both technical and developmental levels.
    Mark M
  • Adrena J
    Very detailed in her feed back. Gave examples for me to follow to improve my novel.
    Adrena J
  • Alexa C
    Claire is friendly, communicative and efficient. I also appreciated that my voice/style of writing wasn't altered in the editing process.
    Alexa C
  • Abby G
    Claire gave me a very helpful, constructive critique. I appreciate her encouragement and wisdom when it comes to writing scenes that move the story forward.
    Abby G
  • Kendall M
    Claire was great to work with. She is thorough in her approach, responsive, and professional. She exceeded my expectations!
    Kendall M
  • Deena B.
    Working with Claire was just what I needed. She manages to mix a perfect blend of encouragement and feedback in her editing.
    Deena B.
  • Chris B.
    She truly goes above and beyond the call of duty, not to mention a very thorough copy edit.
    Chris B.
  • Lamar G.
    Hire Claire immediately if you want someone who will challenge you and bring the best out of you and your story. She's amazing.
    Lamar G.
  • Sheila B.
    Claire's work is phenomenal! You will receive quality editorial services and supreme kindness! Her professionalism is excellent, and her turnaround time is surprisingly quick.
    Sheila B.
  • Angela S.
    I found her very easy to communicate with, and her project turnaround time was unreal!
    Angela S.
  • Patrick C.
    Claire, you did a great job copy editing a massive and complicated science fiction novel for me, and you did it under an insane deadline with grace and aplomb.
    Patrick C.
  • Nathan A.
    She was prompt and professional. Her speed also allowed me to move my release time table up significantly which is a huge bonus!
    Nathan A.
  • Denise B.
    She submitted a very thorough editorial letter with excellent suggestions of how I could improve my overall story, character building, themes, and even did some copy editing. She is well-versed with what the industry is looking for, and as a new author, I greatly needed this education.
    Denise B.
  • Ada A.
    Claire made me feel at ease the minute I started working with her. She is exceedingly refreshing, professional and encouraging to be around and I am so looking forward to working with her again in the future!
    Ada A.
  • Diana M.
    Not only a thorough developmental review, but a long editorial letter filled with teaching moments. Her work has already improved my writing style and should power my book to the next phase.
    Diana M.