How To Write A Query Letter

Query letters play a major role in getting your book published. It is usually a one-page letter, which pitches the idea behind your book to literary agents or publishers. With that, you expect them to request a full manuscript of your book. Then you can take the first step of publishing your book. If you are new to writing, you can work through my step-by-step writing guide or, if you are looking for publishing, marketing, or freelancing advice: resources for Writers.

As an author, you should be effective when creating a query letter. It will help you to make a good first impression and, in the world of literary agents and publishing houses, a first impression can mean the difference between an offer of representation and a prompt rejection. A well-written query letter will also convince the recipient to invest further time into reading more of your work. Here’s a step-by-step guide that you can follow to create a compelling query letter.

1.      Hook with a Strong Opening

You have just a few sentences to grab the recipient’s attention, so make them count. Open with a “hook” that presents an intriguing scenario. Alternatively, you can open with a fascinating character or compelling conflict from your story. You could start smack in the middle of a dramatic action scene, or dialogue, pose an interesting “what if” scenario, or paint a vivid setting. Render the agent unable to resist reading more. Just be sure that what you introduce ties directly into the overall concept you summarize in the next paragraphs.

2.      Summarize the Key Details

In 1-3 concise paragraphs, explain the key details an agent or publisher will need to assess if your idea has merit or sales potential. Cover the genre/category (young adult contemporary fantasy?), target audience (ages 13-18?), word count (80,000 words?), the protagonist and their motivations, the main conflict or obstacles, and the stakes involved if they fail. Share just enough specifics to demonstrate this project is well-developed but save intricacies of subplots and twists for the full manuscript.

3.      Establish Your Writing Credibility

This is a biggie. If you have any relevant publishing credits, academic credentials, or professional expertise related to the book’s subject matter, briefly mention them to build credibility. Nothing screams authenticity like a Doctor writing medical thrillers. However, the writing quality and premise alone should be strong enough to impress. If this is your debut work, showcase any related experiences that show your capability and commitment to writing this book and establishing an author career.

4.      Don’t be Afraid to Make Requests

Wrap up by clearly stating what you are asking for – commonly to submit sample chapters or the full manuscript for consideration of representation or publication rights acquisition. Specify if the work is finished or still in progress. Mention that you have enclosed the requested writing sample or synopsis at their request. Thank them for their time and state that you hope to discuss this further soon.

Additional Tips:

• Address your letter to a specific agent or acquisitions editor when possible. Avoid generic greetings like “To whom it may concern”.
• Do not share overly personal information or try too hard to be clever or funny. Keep it professional.
• Be clear if your project is a standalone or part of a planned series.
• Avoid comparing your book to bestsellers in terms of quality or sales expectations.
• Keep it concise – one page will suffice in most cases – but I certainly wouldn’t go over two single-spaced pages.
• Follow submission guidelines carefully and polish your letter to perfection. Typos or sloppy formatting could make rejection certain.

Take the Plunge!

Now you have a clear overall understanding of how to write a query letter, you need to follow through. Don’t delay, or procrastinate. Publishers take time to get back to you, and you may not hear back for months in some cases, so don’t let your nerves get the best of you.

Follow this strategic approach to make your query letter more professional, then send it in. What’s the worst that could happen? At the very least, you will have increased your chance of potential publication.

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