I read a lot about writing that perfect query letter for submission. Any advice on that for kid lit? Also, do you use an agent?

K. Lamb The best part about being an Indie Author is not having to write query letters and having your stomach tied up in knots while you anxiously await a response. To be honest, I have only written one query letter and that was over 15+ years ago. I did receive a very nice letter of encouragement in response, however my children's book (another mystery) was not what they were looking for at the time. I should have done my homework, but I was young.

If I were to write one now, I would try to research the publishing house I was submitting it to so that I could be assured what I am sending off even falls into the parameters of what they are interested in.

Next, I would treat it the same as I would a job interview cover letter: professional, concise, and informative. You probably have about a 30 second opportunity to gain the attention of the person reviewing your letter for them to make a yay or nay decision. The publishing business is just like any other business and time is money!

I do not have an agent. I am a newly published author as of December 2013, although I have been writing for years. Since I intend to remain an Indie author, an agent isn't necessary. I wish I could be more helpful to you in that area.

Everyone must decide for themselves what they want out of their writing career. As a "working" Indie author, I have limited time to devote to my craft each day. I find joy in writing and do not want to be tied to deadlines or stressing over awaiting submission results. I want to be in charge of my own destiny and how it unfolds. I am in no rush and I am happy to be patient and let it build slowly. As I have said a hundred times, "I'd rather be the tortoise that makes it to the finish line than the hare that never gets there."

I'd like to invite you to follow my blog at http://www.authorklamb.blogspot.com where I am writing a blog series entitled, An Inside Look at the Working Indie Author.

Thank you for your incredibly thoughtful questions! I enjoyed answering them immensely and look forward to connecting more with you in the future!

Wishing you a little mystery and adventure,

K. Lamb

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