A query letter is a brief introduction to your book or manuscript that you send to potential agents or publishers. It aims to pique their interest and convince them to request a full manuscript for consideration.
The catch? Literary agents receive dozens of query letters every day. Your letter should give an accurate representation of the book you’re pitching. However, it needs to do more than that. It needs to grab attention in an already crowded sea. How to do that successfully?
If you’ve never had to write a query letter before, this guide will help you understand how to construct it and increase your chances of positive outcomes.
Typical Query Letter Format
How to write a query letter? A typical query letter includes:
- Your name and contact information
- The title and genre of your book
- A compelling hook or unique selling point
- A brief synopsis of the story
- A brief overview of your writing experience
- A polite request for a full manuscript reading
Sounds easy enough. But before you start typing, let’s answer one crucial question. What do professional literary agents really expect from a query letter?
What Do Agents Look For in a Query Letter?
Apart from the formal requirements we highlighted above, there are certain determinants many literary agents pay attention to when skimming your letter. Often, they look for a book that is:
- Completed (especially if it’s fiction).
- Fits the genre they represent.
- Is written by an author who demonstrates professionalism.
- Sounds like an engaging read with a strong premise.
It’s not uncommon for agents to look for writers who showcase a high level of professionalism and readiness/experience needed to promote the book. When writing your letter, you should be aware that you’re not only speaking from the position of the book’s author but also someone who can assist in its promotion.
At the moment of submitting a query letter, your book should be a finished manuscript. The rules are a bit more lenient for non-fiction titles, which can be sold on proposal alone, however, you still need to provide a detailed layout and summary of each chapter.
It’s also important to consider the industry standards regarding the length of your manuscript when writing and editing your book.
With more mainstream adult fiction, we’re looking at titles between around 60,000 and 100,000 words. Anything below 50,000 or above 150,000 words could raise potential red flags.
With that in mind, let’s explain how to write a query letter by going over each element of a traditional literary agent pitch.
Greeting
1. Direct and personalized greeting
Begin with the agent’s name, followed by a formal salutation like “Dear [Agent’s Name].” You can use their first name, and in most cases, it might be a preferable route to take. Addressing the agent by their full name, e.i. “Dear Ms. Black” can come off as a bit too formal, not to mention you’re risking misgendering them.
2. Talk about your previous successes
Including previous successes or accolades in your query letter can significantly strengthen your credibility as an author. You should lead with them. For example:
“I am writing to express my keen interest in having you represent my novel, [Book Title]. My last short story collection, [Title], was a finalist in the [Award Name] competition. The recognition I received for [Title] has inspired me to take on the challenge of writing a full-length novel.”
Highlight any writing experience that is relevant to your current project. If you’ve published articles, blog posts, or other works, mention them and explain how they relate to your manuscript.
Remember to keep it concise and relevant.
Don’t overload your query letter with a long list of accomplishments. The goal is to provide evidence of your talent and professionalism, not to boast.
If you’ve never been published before, or you don’t have any tangible accolades attached to your name, don’t panic. There’s an alternative way to start any query letter.
3. Use personal connection
You can take two approaches here. The first and most obvious is to mention any personal connection/discussions you might’ve had with the agent.
“We discussed [Topic of conversation] recently at the [Event], and I believe my manuscript, [Manuscript title], would be a perfect fit for your list.”
Alternatively, it can’t hurt to insert the referral you received from an industry authority.
“As [Industry authority’s name] suggested, I’m reaching out to you directly about my manuscript, [Manuscript title].”
4. Pitch your book
If you don’t have a personal connection with the agent or referral to fall back on, the easiest solution is to pitch your book. A simple introduction that includes your book’s title, genre, and word count offers enough information to grab their attention.
“My historical fiction novel, A Time for Courage (80,000 words), explores the lives of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times.”
Hook
A hook is nothing else than a short description of your book’s biggest selling points. It plays a crucial role in the query letter. This is the part in which you’re selling your story, trying to produce enough intrigue and interest from the agent for them to get hungry for more.
A good hook includes one or multiple of these elements:
- Original concept
- A thought-provoking question that sparks curiosity
- A high-stakes conflict
What are some good examples of that?
Original concept:
“A world shattered by cataclysmic Fifth Seasons, where the land itself is a living, vengeful force. A young woman, born with the power to shape the earth, must navigate a treacherous landscape and confront a society teetering on the brink of collapse. As the Stillness prepares for another devastating Fifth Season, she must harness her extraordinary abilities to save humanity from extinction.”
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
Thought-provoking Question:
“What if the secret to vibrant health and boundless energy isn’t about counting calories or restrictive diets but understanding the intricate dance of glucose and metabolism? A groundbreaking exploration of how optimizing cellular energy can revolutionize our well-being.”
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Casey Means with Calley Means
A high-stakes conflict:
“Two extraordinary young men, bound by a twisted fate, engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Victor, a man haunted by his past mistakes and desperate for redemption, clashes with Eli, a ruthless killer driven by a twisted sense of justice. Armed with terrible power and driven by the ghosts of betrayal and loss, arch-nemeses are locked in a deadly dance of revenge. But who will be left standing when the dust settles?”
Vicious by Victoria E. Schwab
When crafting your query letter, you should spend a lot of time and effort on the hook. Make sure it’s powerful enough to grab the agent’s attention. Don’t be afraid to run it by your writer friends or avid readers you trust. Their input, especially if they know what your book is about, can be invaluable!
Story Synopsis
The story synopsis is where you really get into what your story is about. Now that you’ve hooked the agent, you should introduce the main plot, important characters, and central conflict in more detail so they have a good idea of what you’re actually pitching.
How to Write a Book Synopsis That Sells
Look at the example below.
“A tranquil summer morning in the idyllic village of Three Pines is shattered when a series of strange occurrences disrupt the peace. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a man known for his sharp mind and unwavering integrity, is drawn into a perplexing mystery that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the community. As a missing coat, an intruder alarm, and a cryptic note lead Gamache and his team deeper into the investigation, they uncover a sinister plot that could have far-reaching consequences. As old friendships are tested and new alliances are forged, Gamache must race against time to identify the shadowy figure behind the threats and protect his beloved village from impending doom.”
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
This synopsis answers a few crucial questions. We learn about:
- The main character and his role in the story
- The driving force behind the plot
- The stakes
We are also left with some unanswered questions, like who is behind this impending threat and what trials await our protagonist. Of course, your synopsis can go into even more detail, especially if your plot is complex and you have numerous important characters.
A good tip
You can treat the synopsis as the extension of your hook. In fact, these elements should account for around 50% of your query letter. It’s good to aim for around 300 to 400 words for both of them combined.
Contextualizing Your Book
This element goes right after the synopsis and can be considered its extension as well. It’s a good idea to show that you understand the current publishing market. Think about your manuscript and what similarities it shares with some successful titles out there.
You can use formulas such as:
- “For fans of…”
- “Some other titles like this include:”
- “The book combines the elements of X with Y and Z.”
What this does is provide essential context for how you view and, more importantly, how you would approach marketing your book. It works like an anchor for the agent, who is able to evaluate whether the title you’re pitching holds a marketing value they look for.
Author Credentials
Now, it’s time for your bio. A brief bio in your query letter should highlight your writing experience and any relevant qualifications.
Here’s what we mean by that:
“A former [previous profession], I now dedicate my time to writing [genre] fiction. My work has been recognized in [mention any awards or honors], and I am a member of [writing organizations, if applicable].”
This is the best place to talk about:
- Your personal background in a topic/genre you’re writing about.
- Inspirations that stand behind the manuscript.
- Any significant awards and accomplishments highlighting your experience and recognition from peers and readers.
- Social media following or community you have built around your work or name.
“Growing up in a small coastal town, I was captivated by the tales of the sea and the legends of merfolk. These childhood stories, combined with my love for fantasy, have shaped the world of Ocean’s Heart.”
“With a dedicated following of [number] on [Social Media Platform], I’ve built a strong community around my work, actively engaging with readers and sharing writing tips.”
Remember to keep your bio concise and relevant to your manuscript. The goal is to establish your credibility as a writer without overshadowing the book itself.
Personalization
Personalizing your query letter is a great move if you want to stand out from the crowd. Nobody likes to receive copy-and-paste messages, and that includes literary agents!
A personalized letter shows that you’ve taken the time to research the agent and their specific interests. This indicates a genuine interest in working with them rather than a generic mass mailing.
But how to achieve that?
- Study their client list: Identify authors whose work is similar to yours.
- Check their social media: Look for any public statements or wish lists.
- Read their blog posts or interviews: Gain insights into their preferences and opinions.
- Mention a shared interest: “I’ve always admired your work in [Genre], particularly your ability to [Specific Skill]. My novel, [Your Title], also explores [Similar Theme].”
You can reference all of this information in your letter. That is one of the easiest ways to capture the attention of a very busy agent with dozens of similar letters waiting in their inbox.
Closure
Lastly, a good closure is like a cherry on top. Fortunately, it should be quick, easy, and painless to construct.
1. Express Gratitude:
“Thank you for your time and consideration.”
“I appreciate you taking the time to read this.”
2. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm:
“I’m excited about the possibility of working with you to bring this story to life.”
“I’m eager to discuss my manuscript further.”
3. Provide Contact Information:
“Please feel free to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number] with any questions.”
Here’s a sample closure:
“Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m excited about the potential of [Your Book Title] and eager to discuss it further. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address].”
That’s pretty much it. You’ve just crafted your first query letter.
Handful of Additional Tips
1. Keep it Concise and Professional
A query letter is not your autobiography. Literary agents are busy people, so it’s important to write concisely. Aim for a query letter that’s between one and a maximum of two pages, single-spaced.
Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the letter. Avoid using overly casual language or excessive exclamation points.
Use a clean and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a standard font size of 12.
2. Avoid Sounding Desperate or Overly Confident
Balance confidence and humility. While you should be confident in your writing, avoid sounding arrogant or boastful. Highlight the strengths of your book rather than your own ego.
3. Proofread Carefully
Typos and grammatical errors should never have a place in your letter. They can make a negative impression on potential agents.
It’s a good idea to use a spell-checker and grammar checker. You can also utilize Voxtury’s free Online Rich Text Editor to quickly identify duplicate words in your writing.
A good tip is to read your query letter aloud. This can help you catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
Final Thoughts
Now it’s time for you to put pen to paper. Maybe only figuratively, because many query letters nowadays are sent via email. Nevertheless, hopefully, this guide provided you with everything you need to know to craft your own query letter.
For more writing tips, be sure to visit our website, where you can find plenty of resources on how to write a book, how to use AI for editing, and how to effectively promote your story.
