How to write a successful query letter

What is a query letter?

A query letter is an engaging letter to publishers or agents to get them intrigued in a novel you've newly written. A proper query letter will include a synopsis of your book, and will also give a bit of information about the author, as in you. Hopefully, this letter will grasp the interest of agents or publishers and make them want to read the book. The most important thing with a query letter is to follow the basic format, and to also present all of the relevant information about your book, all while making the letter interesting and hooking.

How do you format a query letter?

At the top of the page, write your first and last name, followed by your address on the next two lines, followed by your phone number on the next line, and finally your email address below that.

• Leave one space, and then write out the agent's name, the name of the publishing company or agency, the address, and contact information below your address

How long should a query letter be?

You should try to keep the whole thing short. Agents and publishers can get very busy, and if your query letter is too long or wordy, there's a chance the publisher or agent will look at it and throw it away because they don't have time to read it. Moreover, the agent may just skim over your letter, and you want them to still get the gist of your story if they do that. Preferably, you should keep your query letter to just a page of writing, and use short, succinct sentences and short paragraphs. The entire body of the query letter shouldn't be longer than five paragraphs.

Should you use a certain font or format to write the query letter?

Type your letter in a regular font with basic formatting. Query letters should be seen as professional, and you should practice dictating using basic formatting only. This includes using...

• 12-point font

• Single spacing

• Left-margin alignment for the entire letter

• Times New Roman or Arial font

• A single line of spacing between new elements and paragraphs

Do query letters have a specific formula you need to follow?

Query letters have a basic formula that you should follow closely. This will help you to make sure you include all relevant information, and increase the chances that your letter will be read. Along with contact information, a query letter should include...

• Line one: the greeting

• Paragraph one: the personalization, or introduction, and the hook

• Paragraph two: the synopsis of your story

• Paragraph three: a short bio about you

• Paragraph four: your closing

• A farewell (on a separate line)

• Your signature

Should you greet the agent by name?

A personalized query letter is the only way to grab the attention of a publisher or agent right away. It also demonstrates that you're diligent, careful, and that you chose the agent for a reason. It's also important to make sure the agent you're sending your letter to actually deals with your genre of work. For example, if you wrote a children's book then you have to make sure the agent deals with children's authors. Do not address a query letter to To whom it may concern, as this will probably never get read. If you cannot find the name of your agent or publisher online, then don't be afraid to call and ask who you should address your query letter to.

How important is it to personalize your letter?

The first paragraph is an introduction between you and the agent, and this is where you explain to the agent why you chose them for your representation. Start by explaining any sort of relationship you have with the agent. This could include a mutual friend, a meeting you met him in, a lecture you heard that the agent gave, or any other link between you and the agent. If you and the agent have no links, mention an author you know that the agent has represented. Once you've made your introductions, talk about your book. Be sure to mention the title, the word count, and what genre it falls into. Lastly, if your manuscript has been professionally edited, say so. This demonstrates that you're serious about your work.

What's important to remember when creating your hook?

The hook typically comes in the second paragraph, and the job of the hook is to get the agent interested in your book. The hook is a grasping and interesting sentence that sums up who the protagonist is, what he or she is trying to achieve, and what struggles are brought up along the way. It's important to not give away the ending. Instead, leave the end of the story a mystery or cliff hanger, as it will help the agent want to keep reading.

What do you need to include in the summary of your book?

Include information about the important characters involved, explain when, where, and why the story takes place, and demonstrate who the characters are instead of just describing them. This should be in the next paragraph after the hook, to provide a slightly more in-depth summary of the story. The important thing here is to write a compelling synopsis that will leave the agent wanting more.

What are some things to include when you're telling the agent about yourself?

This brief biography should include writing credits, awards, writing experience, previously published material (include the name of the publications), and any personal experiences that make you the perfect author for your story. Make sure your bio is no longer than two sentences. It should only include information that's relevant to your story, credits to you as a writer, and your authority on that particular topic.

Why should you thank the agent for their time?

It's important to thank the agent for their time. The final paragraph of your query will be the closing. In the closing, you will thank the agent for reading your letter. You should try to do this simply and quickly, saying something like thank you kindly for your time. You should also put in the closing, if works of fiction, that the book is available to read, of course only say this if your manuscript is done. You should also mention that you're prepared to send additional information at the agent's request.

What are some last details to add at the bottom of your query letter?

Lastly, you should always remember to bid farewell and sign off. Use a business-like manner when signing off. Such as sincerely or yours truly. Remember to leave a couple spaces for your written signature, and then type out your full name to end the letter. Before you sign off the letter, be sure to edit the document and fix any grammar mistakes along with spelling mistakes. If you don't, it will give the agent the impression that you aren't a professional writer. Along with the editing process, submitting your letter can be confusing. When submitting your letter, you must follow the submission guidelines if an agency or company has provided some. If you write a physical query, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This is a simple courtesy to make the agent's and publisher's lives just a little bit easier.