Querying Agents

A manuscript’s last page is only the starting point for query readiness, which in trade publishing means print-level structure, settled category and length, stable point of view, and clean, consistent pages that have already been tested by outside readers. The path runs from structural rebuilds and word-count sanity checks through scene work, line edits, proofing, and legal considerations, laying out clear thresholds and red flags so writers can tell the difference between fatigue with revision and a project that is genuinely prepared to leave their desk.