query clinic

why query clinic?

Are you ready to query? Who should you query? What’s a query? What goes into one? How long should it be? When should you send it? How long should you wait before no response is a no? Want tips, techniques, resources, references and some examples of query letters which got results? We’ll break down the basic structure to every query letter and strategies for customizing and personalizing yours. It’s a boot camp, so be ready to stretch, run some drills, build your confidence, and exercise to build your query muscles.

what kind of writer should take this course?

This class is intended for writers across all genres. Query letters are notoriously intimidating and difficult to write because the writer is asking for something. Will you read my writing? Will you select me for the residency? Will you be my literary agent? Will you host me on your podcast? Will you provide grant funding? Will you publish my essay? Will you sponsor a reading for my book launch? Will you invite me to speak to your organization? Most of us have a hard time writing to someone we don’t know and asking for something we desire. Even harder to provide a compelling reason for them to comply with our wishes. You will learn how every query is organized into four parts and why. We’ll dissect sample query letters during our first session and you will gain the confidence you need through guided exercises to write and share drafts of query letters during our second session. This workshop will help you learn how to write a query letter that gets a positive response.

what are the requirements?

The only requirement is that you bring your big dreams for your writing. If you have already written a query letter or have never written one, you are welcome to this workshop. We’ll provide a safe space and an opportunity to talk and write about your writing projects and aspirations. Sharing your draft query letter is voluntary, though participation in the seminar-style conversation is highly encouraged.

how does this remote class work?

This online synchronous workshop will be held on Zoom and you will be sent a link to join the group via email. The first session will begin with a guided introduction to each other and the basics of query letters. Sample query letters from clients which led to a YES will be shared on screen, dissected, and discussed during the second half of our first session. Between the first and the second sessions, participants will draft a query letter of their own and submit 24 hours in advance of the second session. Through a guided and moderated session, participants may volunteer to workshop their draft query letters and receive encouragement and constructive feedback.

what will writers take away?

You leave with a draft query letter and feedback so you can revise and send. You will gain a greater sense of what you have to offer in your writing and grow more comfortable with asking for help. The basics covered provide you with a framework and a template for creating future query letters with confidence.

who is the teacher?

Jill Swenson is a developmental editor and literary representative in Wisconsin who earned her M.A. and Ph.D. from The University of Chicago and taught journalism at the University of Georgia-Athens and Ithaca College. She has taught writing workshops at The Loft Literary Center, Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, and the Grand Marais Art Colony. In July 2021 she completed a writing residency sponsored by the St. Croix Watershed Research Station (Science Museum of Minnesota) and was the featured writer-in-residence for the Red Shoes Lake of the Woods Writing Retreat in September 2021. She has recently completed a braided nonfiction narrative manuscript, Dispossessed, exploring on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota the connections between her maternal relations and the Kakaygeesick family over seven generations and why we can never dispossess ourselves of the past, no matter how shameful or tragic or distant.

what is the cost?

Elephant Rock tuition for this two-part course is $179 and is non- refundable. Under normal circumstances, full payment is due at least 15 days before the workshop begins. Extended payment plans may be available in cases of severe economic hardship. Please send an email to Elephant Rock to inquire.

what have other writers had to say about Jill Swenson?

Jill is a wonder: part literary professional and part fairy godmother. With expert guidance at each stage of the process, she helped me transform an unwieldy 556 page manuscript into a 208 page Nautilus Silver Medal winner. ~Jean Benedict Raffa, author of The Soul's Twins: Emancipate Your Feminine and Masculine Archetypes

Jill is writing coach, advocate, and mentor all wrapped in one; she helped me find my voice. I know my work is in the best hands with Jill because she pushes and prods until it is the best it can be, ~Cathryn Prince, author, Queen of the Mountaineer (Chicago Review Press, June 1, 2019)

how do I sign up?

please click below to complete course registration and payment:

Elephant Rock does not discriminate against anyone, regardless of age, color of skin, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, or anything else. We expect the same from our all of our participants.