Anita Exley's Current Query

First of all: shout out to leap day. If you were born today, you're only one fourth as old as the rest of us, so you probably can't drink, smoke, or drive.

Next, does anyone know Anita? Probably not. Her blog is pretty new. But, like many of my New Zealand Middle Earthian friends, I met her through Jade. Anita blogs at Mutterings from the Oubliette, which is the second coolest title for a blog after The QQQE (no, I can't even be bothered to type the whole thing myself anymore, maybe I should reflect on that). Anyway, go follow her blog.

Back? Great. Here's her query:

Dear [agent],

[Enter research done on the agent and reference as to why I chose them to query]

In Georgian England, seventeen-year-old Allie Donovan carries an Egyptian blade in her boot, a chip on her shoulder and the shadow of the noose over her life.

Common born Allie roams the slate hallways of exclusive St Matthews armed with her dagger and sharp wit, trying to find her place in an inhospitable environment. She sparks conflict, physical and verbal, with the aristocratic Jared McLaren. The handsome noble is undefeated with a blade, until Allie turns his sense of honour upon him, for a win.

When a Kings Royal Aeronautical Corp airship lands at school, discharging black clad soldiers it raises a spectre from Allie’s past. Breaking Jared into the underground laboratory of their mutual friend, Zeb, they discover he’s not just constructing mechanical cats and automated limbs. He is working on a devastating new weapon for the military.

With Zeb marked as a target by the underworld, KRAC fails to protect him. Allie’s illicit skills and contacts make her the only one Jared can trust. The deeper Allie goes, her feelings for Jared intensify, as she discovers her history is intertwined with their mission.

In revealing her past, Allie jeopardises her future. She must decide her course if they are to find the weapon before it plunges Europe into a monstrous war.

REVELATION is a steampunk novel aimed at the young adult market. The novel is complete at 76,000 words.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

That's it.

What is it with Kiwis writing really good queries? Don't answer that. We'll be back tomorrow with my feedback, so please save yours for then as well.

Thanks!