It's been awhile since I've blogged about the query pile. Mostly because I haven't looked at it too frequently in the last few weeks. But today I begin another purge. And yes, I'm aware I said "purge" as if it whatever is contained within is something unwanted.

I don't want to talk about trends in book ideas/hooks I've been seeing. I'd rather talk about the expectations writers create with their letters, because there has been a growing trend in the guilt trips I find when I read the letters. Some clips:

• "What I need now is someone to take a chance on a new author with incredible talent and a hearty work ethic.  I am hoping you are that person."
• "I pin my dreams on you."

I think it goes without saying that all writers who are querying have dreams of being published, and need someone to acknowledge their talent in order to make it happen. But isn't it better to rely on the strength of your work rather than the guilt-flavored butter you grease your letter with? 

I know the odds aren't good. I get 100 queries a week (and this number pales in comparison to agents who have been doing the job longer than I have). I may only request an average of one manuscript a week. And I don't sign most of those.

But look at the stats the other way: more than half of my clients are from the slush. Not referrals. Not conferences. So I need the queries to find good projects. Making me feel guilty that yours isn't right for me doesn't help me--or you.

I'm not here to destroy dreams. Quite the contrary. But I can't make them all come true--just a few of them if I'm lucky.