Every year, I offer free agent query letter feedback for trans and non-binary writers. I do this to support under-represented writers in getting published, because we need more trans and non-binary writers on our bookshelves.
Writers who identify as trans, non-binary, or both can receive supportive, constructive feedback by emailing me with their query letter and synopsis. You’ll also receive free proofreading for both to catch any typos that might distract from your otherwise amazing descriptions.
Read on for more information to get the most out of this offer!
What does agent query letter feedback involve?
If you’re a trans or non-binary person, including anyone who feels they fall under those umbrella terms, you can get free agent query letter feedback just by emailing me your cover letter template and synopsis.
While every agent query letter should be personalised to the agent or publisher you’re submitting to, it’s recommended to save yourself time by having some kind of template. I’ll provide feedback on whatever letter you send me, critiquing your letter to improve it by:
- checking the amount of words you’ve written, and letting you know if it’s too much or not enough
- suggesting ways of strengthening your letter, like different wording or adding information
- using my knowledge and experience of cover letters to find weak points that could be left out
- proofreading what you’ve written so no typos distract from your words
With your synopsis, I’ll proofread what you’ve written to eliminate typos, spelling mistakes, punctuation and grammar errors, and check the formatting if you provide it in a .docx file. I’ll also let you know if there are any areas that could be improved or edited.
Want to just send me the synopsis without your cover letter? Go for it! Want to send me multiple cover letters? Feel free to!
Worried about the feedback you’ll receive? I promise, the way I provide feedback, you’ll feel sandwiched by positivity amongst my constructive criticism, and you don’t even have to change anything you don’t want to. This is a positive, inclusive query review experience.
To get feedback, email info@hnossproofreads.co.uk and tell me about yourself: what you’re writing, what you’ve written, and whatever else you’d like.
But what if you’re not ready yet?
I understand: you might still be working on your novel, or maybe you’re going through edits still. You don’t want to deal with your agent query pack just yet, let alone get feedback on it!
While my free feedback is only available during November to celebrate Trans Awareness Month, if you really want to get in touch outside of the month then you absolutely can.
If you’re not a trans or non-binary writer in the UK, I also provide a (paid) proofreading service for agent query packs, which also includes feedback as part of that on your agent query letter and synopsis.
Facebook groups are a great place to ask a multitude of writers all at once for feedback on your query letter, though most of those opinions will come from a writer’s perspective rather than an editor’s. Still, one group I’m part of with other editors and publishing service providers often gets requests for feedback on cover letters: Beta Reading/Proofing/Editing.
There are also paid agent query letter critique and review services available elsewhere. You can get feedback from editors on Reedsy, pay another freelance editor to review it for you, or check gig sites like Fiverr for the same service.
If it’s your first time writing an agent query letter, you can also make use of some templates and tips on my website:
- Agent query letter tips for aspiring authors
- Query letter samples for romance novels
- Query letter samples for LGBTQ+ novels
- Query letter samples for fantasy novels
Why celebrating trans and non-binary writers matters
In 2022, I decided that this was the best way to celebrate trans and non-binary writers. As a non-binary writer myself, I’ve always felt like the publishing industry doesn’t do enough to platform us.
Part of the problem is that there’s not much support out there for us. While I’ve come across more and more programmes, writing communities, and even competitions over the years, there’s no such thing as too many.
So my celebration of Trans Awareness Month does two things:
- It supports trans and non-binary writers in getting published.
- It raises awareness of trans and non-binary writers and their struggles in getting published.
Being traditionally published has barriers for everyone, but the barriers for LGBTQ+ writers make it so difficult that many think the only way they’ll be published is to self-publish. I want more writers to feel supported during the querying process. So this is just one aspect of how I’m giving that support.
Transgender people have to deal with a lot of adversity in the world, and publishing isn’t different. In fact, several high-profile authors have contributed to creating barriers to trans writers, and have been supported by their publishing companies to do. They’ve even published books specifically to attack and dehumanise trans people.
Non-binary people often feel erased and invisible, and very few publishing companies seem to acknowledge our existence. Raising awareness and being visibly non-binary has become easier in the past few years, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still challenging to get published.