How to Write a Query Letter

If you are hoping to be traditionally published, the most important thing you will ever write (after your manuscript) is your query letter. This is the first thing that agents and publishers read. It determines whether they are interested in reading your manuscript, which is the first step to becoming a traditionally published author. If they like the query letter, they'll request your manuscript. If they don't, they'll pass.

Since this document is so important, it can seem daunting and is therefore one of the most difficult things to write. However, if you take it step by step and consult professionals to help you refine and polish your query letter, you can put your best foot forward and increase your chances at representation.

Note: The following advice pertains to querying for fiction manuscripts. Non-fiction manuscripts follow a different process.

Query Letter Elements

This is the first thing the agent or publisher reads and should follow a fairly consistent formula. It should be no more than one page and 3 - 5 paragraphs, although the number of paragraphs is a little more flexible as long as they fit on a single page. There are 5 basic parts to a query letter.

Greeting

This is a simple Dear Agent. Be professional and direct. Always use the agent's full name and not something generic like "To whom it may concern." Be careful with honorifics. There is nothing wrong with using them, but make sure you are using the correct one.

Include a connection to the agent if at all possible. If you met them at a conference or heard them speak or give a seminar/webinar, mention that. If they encouraged you to reach out to them, definitely mention that. You should also mention if someone who knows the agent has referred you. It is important not to make up a connection. If there isn't one, leave it out.

Quick pitch

This is the facts part of the letter. It should include:

1. Manuscript Title

2. Word Count

3. Genre

   
   

This is also where you can include whether the manuscript is part of a potential series, although there is a lot of debate about whether or not this should be mentioned. Always use envisioned or potential, never planned or part of a series. This takes the pressure off the agent to commit to multiple books and shows that 1) You are thinking ahead and 2) You are open to suggestions and collaborating with the agent.

If you are an expert in something that has relevance to the book, place focus on this over the book itself, especially if you are a first-time author. If the inspiration for the manuscript is unique and relevant to the narrative, you can also mention that. But make sure it stands out. If it's more generic, then leave it out.

Short summary

The summary should be no more than 2 paragraphs. Boil the narrative down to its most important and interesting elements. This isn't the place to get into specifics. Keep it general. You want the reader to have unanswered questions that will compel them to read the synopsis and then, hopefully, the manuscript.

Bio

This should be a single paragraph and only included if there is anything relevant. This includes anything you've had published, including short stories, journal articles, news articles or columns, in addition to any previously published books. Be specific. What were the titles and who published them? Provide links if possible. If you have been previously been self-published, mention it only if it shows a strong track record: good sales and reviews. Leave it out if it could potentially hurt you: no sales or poor reviews.

You can also include relevant degrees or work experience that tie into the narrative or your writing ability. If the experience can't be connected to the manuscript, then leave it out.

Include a sentence about your development as an author, especially if you don't have any publication experience. This shouldn't be a comprehensive list of everything you've done. That can come across as overcompensating. Pick one or two of the most relevant courses or seminars.

Closing

Keep this short and simple: a single line. Something like "Thank you for your time." or "I look forward to hearing your thoughts about my work."

Structure

There is some flexibility with the structure of a query letter. If your bio is super relevant to the narrative (say you've written a spy novel and you're a former spy) you probably want to include that right at the top. The quick pitch and short synopsis are pretty interchangeable and can be combined. The decision of which to lead with comes down to several factors:

1. Did the agent specify a format? If yes, follow it.

2. How specific is the agent about the word count and genre on their submissions page? If this is prominent, then it's a good idea to start with the quick pitch so they know your manuscript fits their criteria.

3. Is your premise gripping and do you have a good tagline? If yes, then start with the synopsis.

   
   

In the grand scheme of things, unless the agent has asked for something specific, use the structure that feels most comfortable for you. There should be a clear narrative to the query letter. Make sure it shows your narrative in the best possible light and follows a clear, logical progression.

Comp titles

Comp titles can be placed at the end of the quick pitch, the synopsis or the closing, whichever fits best. Strong comps are often key to hooking an agent. Make sure they are relevant to the content of your manuscript and that they are titles likely to be on the agent's radar. Avoid massive bestsellers. Very few books reach bestseller status and placing your manuscript in that kind of company shows a lack of self-awareness. The sweet spot is titles that are known/respected within the genre that were modestly or comfortably successful.

General Tips

Remember that the agent is not your friend. They receive hundreds of manuscripts and are looking for a reason to reject yours. Present yourself as confident and self-aware. Brevity is your friend. Write in short, direct sentences. Avoid adjectives that present an opinion of the manuscript. The agent doesn't care what you or others think about the work. Theirs is the only opinion that matters in this instance. The goal is for the letter to be easily skimable so the agent can get the gist quickly. Make sure the whole thing is solid as many agents won't read it from top to bottom.

Jump right into the letter. Other than the initial greeting, there shouldn't be any pleasantries or reason for writing. They know why you are reaching out. The goal is to hook the agent. Focus on the best and most exciting part of the narrative. It is ok to leave things out. The goal is to entice the agent and get them to want to read more.

The letter should give a sense of your voice as an author and the pacing of the manuscript. Use language similar to what is used in the manuscript. Particularly for the synopsis, think about what would be on the dust jacket. What would you tell readers to get them to buy your book? This is the same question the agent will be asking.

Do

• Follow all guidelines on the agent's submission page. Sometimes agents will include something unusual to weed out authors who don't read carefully.

• Write in the first person.

• Be as specific as possible with the genre: not just fantasy, romantasy or historical fantasy. This can make or break the query.

• Include any social platforms where you have a significant following (put this in the bio) and include a link.

• Avoid repetition of ideas and words. There isn't space.

• Use the word manuscript or work instead of book or novel. It is a manuscript until it's been published.

• Use the word writer instead of author.

Don't

• Start the query with "I'm seeking representation." The agent knows this.

• Attach anything to the email unless specifically asked to.

• Ask questions in the letter. The letter should be answering questions the agent might have.

• Explain the obvious. The agent understands the market and genres and other publishing terminology.

• Query the same agent multiple times for the same manuscript.

Parting Words

While the general structure of a query letter is more or less set in stone (you need the title, word count, genre and a short synopsis) don't feel like you have to follow every piece of advice you are given (unless it comes directly from the agent you want to query), Agents read hundreds of queries a year, so there is a lot to be said for making yours stand out. Once the crucial information has been covered, the important thing is to make your voice and personality stand out. Show the agent why your book should be published and what is going to make it stand out among the thousands of books published each year.

*For guidance on the querying process, see the posts on Finding an Agent and Finding a Publisher.

*If you'd like help with your query letter, check out my querying services*