new adult fiction - Page 7

Mention Erotic Scenes in a Query Letter?

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Dear Editor…

I am in the process of querying agents for a New Adult novel I’ve written. My question is, should I mention in my query letter that there are a few erotic scenes in the novel (a potential selling point)? Due to the broad definition of “New Adult,” I’m wondering if I should prepare the agent for the adult scenes. If I do decide to include this information, how should I go about doing so?

Sincerely,
Jamie

Dear Jamie…

Leave the steamy stuff out of the query. There’s plenty of steam in New Adult novels, and agents know that, so there’s no need to “prepare” the agent for it. Plus, it’s not a selling point in particular. It’s better to use the short query space to highlight your awesome hook, emphasizing what differentiates your manuscript’s plot, characters, and themes from the masses. Pitch your concept and your craft, not the sex.

Happy writing!
The Editor

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