Querying can be just as frustrating as it is exciting. You've dreamed of the moment that your manuscript is polished and you're finally to finally pursue a literary agent in hopes of a book deal. There's a chance you've sent out dozens of queries in exchange for silence and thoughts of where you went wrong.
An effective query letter balances your personality as a writer, a strategic approach tailored to the litagent you hope to engage, and the ability to sell yourself as an author with longstanding potential.
1-on-1 Query Letter Reviews are designed to give you the querying insight, critique, and targeted approach you need to write a memorable query.
Alyssa Eisner Henkin is the owner and Lead Agent at Birch Path Literary. She has a BA in American Literature from the University of Pennsylvania and a background in editing at Simon & Schuster, where she worked for seven years in the Books for Young Readers department.
Afterward, she took a literary agent position at Trident Media Group. Over the next fourteen years at TMG, she championed a list of award-winning and bestselling children’s book creators and rose to the role of Executive Vice President.
In early 2021, Alyssa Eisner Henkin launched Birch Path Literary, where she provides a compass in helping authors and illustrator navigate the intricate, ever-changing, and ultimately verdant publishing landscape.
"Alyssa knows how to access the essence of a story, helping to flesh out character, setting, dialogue and plot to make it the absolute best it can be. Her critiques are constructive and insightful, and it is truly a joy to work with her, and benefit from her infinite wisdom!"
— Lisa Greenwald, author of 11 BEFORE 12 (Harper Collins) and two dozen other celebrated books for kids and tweens
"My career definitely blossomed after I signed on with Alyssa and I value very highly the working partnership that we have. Alyssa’s experience as an editor prior to becoming a literary agent is invaluable as it allows her a much broader understanding of the creative process. She knows and respects the fact that every writer works a bit differently and she honors that individuality. The wide range of projects she has represented speaks to the depth of her passion for good literature in all its many forms."
— Jen Bryant, Caldecott-Honor, Schneider Award, and Seibert-Honor-award winning author
"Alyssa has been a super-agent to me since the start of my career. Her editorial insights, her business acumen, her deal-making abilities, and her pulse on the industry are spot-on. She's been a champion, an advocate, and a true partner in growing my creative career. I can't recommend her highly enough."
— Julie Berry, Printz Honor Award, and New York Times Bestselling author
Literary Agent Alyssa Eisner Henkin will meet you 1-on-1 via Zoom to give detailed feedback about your query letter. This includes:
If you have any questions about working with Alyssa, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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