Thanks so much for your interest in querying me. If I am open to queries, you can pitch to me at QueryManager.com/QueryCathie. I never accept queries by email or through social media DMs, so please don’t try that route as they will be automatically deleted without my reading or answering.
If you are working on a nonfiction project, I strongly recommend you take a look at Jane Friedman’s website, specifically her page dedicated to NonFiction Proposals. On it, you’ll find a download link to her NonFiction Proposal Template. Whether you’re pitching to me or another agent, you’ll want to complete a comprehensive proposal, and I can’t think of any better place to start than with Jane Friedman’s template.
If I am open to queries, I promise I’ll announce it on my social media pages. You can find me on the following social media sites:
When I am not open to queries, take time to polish your manuscript. You can find my editing document here, and my word cutting document here.
If you’re not sure what I’m looking for, please feel free to take a look at my Manuscript Wishlist. A couple of things to keep in mind about my wishlist: If I take your genre but don’t mention looking for exactly the tropes or themes you have in that genre, please do not self-reject. Just because I’m not specifically asking for it does not mean I’m not interested in it. I may have overlooked adding it to my list, or I may not have known I wanted it until your project is in my hands. So shoot your shot! Generally speaking, when I open to queries, I represent the following genres:
- Romance (all categories except Science Fiction)
- Romantasy
- Domestic or Psychological Suspense
- Horror
- Thrillers
- Mystery
- Paranormal Fiction
- Historical Fiction
- Commercial Fiction
- Upmarket Book Club Fiction
- Select Young Adult
- Select Non-Fiction
As you’ll notice, I don’t list Science Fiction, High Fantasy (i.e. Tolkien or Martin), Poetry, Middle Grade or Picture Books. Otherwise, if it’s on my list of what I represent, even if I don’t list it as “I’m looking for,” feel free to pitch it to me.
A quick word about word count: It is exceptionally rare that I will consider a manuscript over 110K words, and I can’t imagine a situation where I will consider one at 120K or over. Weirder things have certainly happened, but I find it challenging to get an editor who will even look at the pages of a manuscript with a word count that high. So please be mindful of your word count when querying me. If you’re not sure what your word count should be, Google your genre, and you’ll get a good guideline.
Thanks so much for thinking of me, and I hope to see you in. my query inbox when I’m open.
C.H. Armstrong Books 