Query Ready 2026: A 2-Month Cohort for Writers Preparing to Query Agents — Starts October 2

What It Is

Query Ready 2026 is a 2-month small-group cohort designed to help you polish your query letter, build a strong agent list, and walk into the new year ready to query with confidence.

Over the course of 4 live sessions, you’ll learn the anatomy of a winning query letter, how to research agents, and receive a personalized edit of your query letter from me. You’ll also get worksheets, templates, and guidance on choosing comps and creating a submission strategy that works for you.

Who This Is For

This cohort is for writers who are ready to take the next big step toward publication and want both guidance and accountability along the way.

• Writers preparing to query for the first time and feeling overwhelmed by where to start

• Writers who’ve tried querying before but want a stronger letter and strategy this time

• Writers craving a community of peers who are in the same season of the writing journey

• Writers who value feedback, structure, and insider knowledge on the industry

You’ll Thrive in This Cohort If You Are:

• Ready to query in early 2026 (your manuscript is complete or nearly complete)

• Tired of second-guessing your query and want expert eyes on it before you send

• Craving structure and deadlines to keep you moving forward

• Excited to learn from others and share in a supportive group setting

• Motivated to do the work now so you can start the new year strong

Why work with me

• I’ve spent the past six years immersed in the writing and publishing world—as the founder of Write or Die, I’ve built a thriving community of writers, interviewed hundreds of authors about their process, and helped countless creatives shape, submit, and share their work. Through my collaboration with Chill Subs, I’ve guided writers through the often-intimidating world of querying and finding the right agent.

• I’ve been where you are. I spent four years writing, revising, and querying—and when I finally landed my agent, it happened in just three months, because I had done the groundwork. I know the emotional highs and lows of the process, and I bring real, lived experience to every step of the journey.

• I specialize in the early stages of writing—the messy first drafts, the false starts, and the breakthroughs. I love helping writers tap into their creative rhythm, stay accountable, and build sustainable practices that last well beyond one project. I’ll offer clear, thoughtful feedback on your opening pages, treat your work with care and attention, and support you through the inevitable ups and downs of the creative process.

• My own writing partnerships have been essential to my growth—I know how powerful it is to have someone in your corner. I bring that same spirit to the writers I work with.

If you're craving honest support, clear guidance, and a mentor who shows up with both strategy and heart, I’m here to walk alongside you.

What’s Included

• 4 biweekly live Zoom calls— interactive sessions where we’ll cover everything from query letter anatomy to agent research to submission strategy. Each session will include teaching, discussion, and space for Q&A.

• Personalized Query Letter Edit— Every participant receives a line-by-line query edit from Kailey, so you’ll leave with a polished, agent-ready letter that reflects your unique voice and story.

• Community & Accountability—You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be part of a small group of writers preparing to query at the same time—sharing encouragement, ideas, and wins along the way.

• A Clear Roadmap for Success – with resources, worksheets, and templates to guide you step by step.

Cohort Timeline

Over October and November, we’ll meet for four live sessions, with homework and resources in between to keep you moving forward. By the end, you’ll have a polished query letter, an agent list, and a clear plan for querying in January 2026.

Oct 2 — Kickoff & Market Positioning

• Big-picture overview of querying and how the industry works

• Setting your January goal and mapping the road ahead

• How to choose and frame comps that align your book with the market

Between sessions: Homework + resources to draft your comps and clarify your pitch.

Oct 16 — Anatomy of a Winning Query

• Line-by-line breakdown of successful queries

• Craft your own query draft with guidance and examples

Between sessions: Submit your query draft for personalized feedback from me.

Nov 6 — Researching Agents 101

• How to find and vet agents (tools, red/green flags)

• Start building your personalized agent tracker list

Between sessions: Use worksheets to refine your agent list and query draft.

Nov 20 — Submission Strategy & Mindset

• How to polish your query, finalize your agent list, and prepare to send

• Query tracking systems, nudging etiquette, and resilience for the process

By the End, You’ll Have:

• A polished, agent-ready query letter

• A researched, prioritized agent list

• A clear plan for sending out queries in January 2026

FAQ’s

Q: Do I need a finished manuscript to join?

A: Ideally yes, or you should be in the final revision stages. This cohort is for writers preparing to query soon, so you should have your manuscript as close to your final revision as possible.

Q: What if I can’t make a live call?

A: All sessions will be recorded, and you’ll still receive your query edit + resources.

Q: How many people will be in the group?

A: 8 -15 to keep the community intimate and allow for personalized support.

Q: Does this cohort work for all genres?

A: Yes! The principles of writing a strong query letter and researching agents apply across most genres, including literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, fantasy, memoir, and narrative nonfiction. The only exceptions are poetry collections and chapbooks, which typically follow different submission paths and don’t use traditional query letters in the same way.

Q: Will you give feedback on anything beyond the query letter?

The focus of this cohort is on query letters and agent research. You’ll receive a personalized edit of your query, plus guidance on comps and submission strategy. If you’d like more in-depth coaching on pages or your manuscript, you can explore my 1:1 coaching options.

Q: Is there a payment plan?

A: Yes. You can either pay in full or in two monthly installments of $275. The payment plan is there to make the experience more accessible and spread out the cost. If you have questions about timing or need to talk through other options, feel free to reach out directly.

About the Instructor

Kailey Brennan DelloRusso is a writer from Plymouth, MA. She’s the founder and editor-in-chief of Write or Die Magazine and a columnist at Chill Subs. She is represented by Creative Artists Agency. Her work has been published in Trashlight Press and is forthcoming from Dreamworldgirl Zine and World Insane.

You can find her newsletter, In the Weeds, where she helps writers trust their creative rhythms and finish their novels. Or subscribe to her channel on YouTube.