Amy's Own, a novel
An evaluation of an agent query letter
Published: August 2, 2010
 Marla Miller
The query letter
Dear ________: What constitutes love? Is it possible to recalibrate after a lifetime of accumulating baggage? My novel Amy’s Own (approx. 80,000 words) follows the provocative dynamics between 42-year-old Amy Harrington and her mother. Charlene, chronic partners with her gin on the rocks, bimonthly dye job and mani-pedi, and deliciously uncensored commentary, has always been “Mother,” not “Mom.”
Amy’s childhood of bobbing and weaving like an alert boxer evolves into their pattern of verbal head-butting, chiseled and finely tuned with age. Now, Amy must find a new path with her mother after her father unexpectedly dies, his affair is exposed, and Amy’s discarded first love returns.
But how can Amy deal with her own upended reality when Charlene’s setting her dead husband’s E-Z Boy and favorite beer cooler on fire in the driveway? How is she going to make any headway when Charlene padlocks her house—from the inside?
This is a story about how we can still feel bonds even with those who have neglected us. It’s about finding one’s way, to meet in the middle or even take the extra step—and finally connect with those essential to one’s life.
A complete manuscript of Amy’s Own is available upon request.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,[Name withheld]
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Marla Miller, a writer herself, teaches Marketing the Muse Workshops at the Southern California Writers' Conference and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Her Quick Query Critique video segments are available at www.marketingthemuse.com.
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