The first step to getting published is to write a query letter. This is basically your sales pitch to a publisher or agent. Many agents or publishers do not read unsolicited manuscripts. Too much reading! Instead, they prefer a well-written query letter that gets right to the point. If they like what they’ve read in the query letter, they will request the manuscript.
Writing a query letter can sometimes feel daunting. After all, trying to summarize your entire novel into 300 words is not easy. Furthermore, being so close to the product, authors sometimes find it difficult to sell their own work. We’ve put together some tips on how to write the perfect query letter. Hope this helps!
The Basics of a Query letter
A query letter should only be one page, preferably 300 words max. The query letter is basically an advertisement designed to catch the agent or publisher’s eye and make them want to invest in your book. You want to leave them wanting more.
The format of your query letter should be a standard formal business letter format. Type it out using 11 or 12 point font in an appropriate style like Arial or Times New Roman. Use single spaces in your paragraphs and after the period. In the old days, we’d use two spaces after the period. However, opinions on this have changed and folks now advise to use single space. Between paragraphs, use double space to create clean breaks for the eye. Make sure you include the date, your name and address, and other contact information such as phone number and email. Always address the letter to the specific agent or publisher you are targeting. Never use a generic address of “Dear Sirs” or “To Whom It May Concern”. This shows you didn’t do your research. Also avoid using decorative stationary. Just a clean, crisp sheet of decent paper is sufficient.
Your query letter should be approximately three paragraphs. Each paragraph must be distinct and clearly written. Do not have any spelling errors or punctuation mistakes. This is your opportunity to put your best foot forward! The opening paragraph is the hook. This is where you really want to inspire the agent of publisher to read on instead of throwing your letter into the trash. The second paragraph is where you will write your synopsis. Tell the reader about your book. The final paragraph is your biography as a writer. Everyone wants to know a little something about you.
Get Them on the Hook
Your first paragraph should have a good hook to nab the reader and get them interested in reading more. Do some research online to find what makes a good hook. Below are some examples of hooks:
- Open with the setting: “It was a warm New York morning in September 2001…”
- Start with your character: “An exciting adventure story about an octogenarian cliff diver who beat the odds to win the Olympics…”
- Open with a central event: “While paddling through the Kern Canyon, river tour guide Jose saw a hand emerge frantically from the swift flowing water…”
- Begin with your main theme: “A biography of visionary Elon Musk from childhood to Tesla…”
Keep it Brief
A query letter should be brief and to the point. Focus on the highlights or main aspects of your work. The synopsis (second paragraph, remember?) should not be overly detailed. It’s not easy trying to condense hundreds of pages of your work into a brief paragraph. But with a little practice and research into how others have done it, you will be able to produce a top-notch query letter. If the agent or publisher wants to know why your main character had seven husbands in two years, they will ask to read your manuscript.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Query Letter
Do
- Do your homework! Make sure you research the agents and publishers that fit your genre.
- Do include a self-addressed and postage paid envelope so the agent or publisher can respond to your query.
Don’t
- Do not waste the time of the agent or publisher. They don’t need your praise or information on how you found them. Just get straight to business!
- Do not praise your own work. Let the work speak for itself.
- Do not make unfounded claims. You may think you have “the next bestseller”, but making such a claim only annoys agents and publishers.
- Do not send the agent or publisher your manuscript along with your query. They will request the manuscript if they want it. Always follow the agent or publisher’s submission guidelines exactly.
Conclusion
To become a successful author, you will need to constantly improve your writing and always persevere. Very few authors become famous or wealthy overnight. Many famous authors were rejected numerous times before ever getting their first book published. Hang in there! We have additional resources to assist you along the way such as more on how to write a query letter and a list of agents to contact. You can be a successful author!
Do you have experience with how to write the perfect query letter? We’d love for you to share your experience with the community. Please comment below!
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