How To Write A Query Letter
So you’ve written a whole book and it’s time to get it published: no big deal, right?! Some might say that ‘this is where the real work begins,’ but I am not one of those people. From my perspective, writing a book is a completely different process than getting your book published. When writing, we are making art and connection with ourselves, whereas publishing is a business.
If you don’t consider yourself as someone who is business-savvy, don’t worry — that’s where an agent comes in. Agents are the connective tissue between you, [the author], and the publishing house that will be printing and selling your book. Agents are required for anyone seeking traditional publishing, especially if you are hoping to get an amaaaazing book deal with one of the Big 5.
If you’re ready to start querying agents, start by reading this excellent blog post by Sarah Flocken.
Can I Publish A Book Without A Query Letter?
Absolutely!! Self-publishing your book is a wonderful option for many writers and I’ve got a whole article about self-publishing just for you. <3 If you are seeking traditional publishing though, you will need to query agents which is where your kick-ass query letter comes in.
Check-List Before You Get Started
Why did you write this? What is your why? Being clear on these things will help guide you in your query letter writing. It is also great to free write on this subject to get some clarity for yourself and anyone who asks, “So, what’s your book about?”
What is your desired audience? What tools or devices have you used to ensure this work will reach that audience?
What is your word count (excluding front and back matter)?
What genre are you writing in? (pick ONE and only ONE!)
Do you have a cover concept? (And are you willing to let it go?)
What are your comp titles? (Make sure they are recent AND successful!) (click here for more info on comp titles — what they are and how to select them, from the brilliant Courtney Maum)
Query Letter Format and Sample
Professional salutation
Explain, clearly, with minimal word magic, what you are querying. List your genre, word count, and title here.
Summarize the project and its themes (feel free to give this bit a little heart!)
Tell the person you’re querying why your book will be successful. Answer the question: why do people need THIS book NOW? (List your comp titles and make sure they are RECENT and RELEVANT and SUCCESSFUL) (more from Courtney Maum on comp titles)
Lastly, introduce yourself and insert your professional author’s bio. Include any accolades here.
Thank them for reading and let them know you are happy to send a sample should they wish to receive one unless they explicitly ask for it beforehand
Query Letter Example
Dear Agent,
I am currently seeking representation for my 300-page novel about radioactive spiders, Web of Lies.
This project is based in Brooklyn, New York, where I lived until my parents divorced when I was eleven years old. It is a labour of love that I have been working on for over twenty years and think now is the perfect time for such a surprising, entertaining, and sentimental book.
Not unlike Comp Title #1 this playful coming-of-age story follows a young, transgender boy who gets bitten by a radioactive spider. It delves into the anti-hero trope in a similar, compelling way at Comp Title #2 This book is more timely now than ever and due to my recent success as a freelance writer, having been recently published in The New Yorker and The Paris Review, I believe this book will have a very high retail value.
I truly hope my book will find a home with your agency. I have been writing for nearly three decades and am a true New Yorker!
Should you wish to view a sample, I would be most happy to provide one. Reach me at myname@gmail.com or via telephone at 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time.
Best,
Your Name
Click here for more tips on how to make your dream agent fall in love with you