Spencer Lanoue
Writing a query letter can feel intimidating—especially when you're faced with the challenge of pitching your book to an agent or publisher. In this post, I'll break down a simple structure you can follow to get your ideas flowing fast and make a strong impression.
The Purpose of a Query Letter
A query letter is your first opportunity to introduce your book to a literary agent or publisher. Think of it as a cover letter for your manuscript. It's meant to capture interest and convince the reader that your book is worth their time. Your goal is to get them to request your manuscript. Simple, right? Well, not quite. You need to be clear, concise, and compelling all at once.
But what should a query letter include? Here's a quick rundown:
- Introduction: Mention the title, genre, and word count of your book.
- Brief Summary: Provide a compelling summary of your story.
- Author Bio: Share relevant information about yourself.
- Closing: Thank them for their time and express your willingness to send the full manuscript.
Crafting a Compelling Introduction
The opening lines of your query letter are crucial. You want to grab the reader's attention right away. Start by addressing the agent or editor by name. This shows you've done your homework and are not just sending out a generic letter.
Next, introduce your book with its title, genre, and word count. Here's an example:
Dear [Agent's Name],
I'm seeking representation for my debut novel, *The Lost Wanderer*, a 90,000-word fantasy adventure.
This introduction is straightforward and provides the basic details an agent needs to understand what you're pitching. It sets the stage for the rest of the letter.
Writing a Gripping Summary
The summary is perhaps the most challenging part of the query letter. You must distill your entire book into a few paragraphs, highlighting the main plot points and characters. Think of it as a movie trailer for your book. You want to entice the reader without giving away every detail.
Start with your protagonist and the inciting incident that propels them into the story. Here's how you might summarize a fictional book:
In a world where the sun never sets, Elara, a young cartographer, discovers a map leading to the legendary Nightfall. With the kingdom on the brink of war, Elara must navigate treacherous lands to find the mythical place that promises darkness and, perhaps, salvation.
Notice how this summary introduces the setting, protagonist, and central conflict. It leaves the reader curious about what happens next.
Building Your Author Bio
Your author bio is where you share a bit about yourself. Highlight any writing experience or credentials that are relevant to your book. If you don't have formal writing credentials, don't worry. Focus on what makes you uniquely qualified to write this story.
Here's an example:
I have a degree in medieval history, which inspired the rich, historical elements in *The Lost Wanderer*. My short stories have been published in various literary magazines, including *Fantasy Monthly* and *Tales from Afar*.
This bio connects the author's background to the book's content, giving credibility to their storytelling.
Closing Strong
Wrap up your query letter by thanking the agent or editor for their time. Express your willingness to send the full manuscript or any additional materials they might require.
Thank you for considering my query. I have included the first five pages of *The Lost Wanderer* below. I would be thrilled to send you the full manuscript if it piques your interest.
A polite and professional closing leaves a positive impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-written query letter can fall flat if it includes certain pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Being too vague: Your summary should be specific and detailed enough to give a clear picture of your story.
- Overloading with details: Avoid diving into subplots or secondary characters. Keep your focus on the main storyline.
- Lack of personalization: Always address the agent by name and tailor your letter to their interests and preferences.
- Ignoring guidelines: Agents often have specific submission guidelines. Ignoring these can get your query rejected outright.
Sample Query Letter
Let's put it all together. Here's a sample query letter to illustrate how these elements work in concert:
Dear [Agent's Name],
I'm seeking representation for my debut novel, *The Lost Wanderer*, a 90,000-word fantasy adventure. In a world where the sun never sets, Elara, a young cartographer, discovers a map leading to the legendary Nightfall. With the kingdom on the brink of war, Elara must navigate treacherous lands to find the mythical place that promises darkness and, perhaps, salvation.
I have a degree in medieval history, which inspired the rich, historical elements in *The Lost Wanderer*. My short stories have been published in various literary magazines, including *Fantasy Monthly* and *Tales from Afar*.
Thank you for considering my query. I have included the first five pages of *The Lost Wanderer* below. I would be thrilled to send you the full manuscript if it piques your interest.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tailoring Your Query to Different Genres
Different genres have different expectations. A query for a romance novel might focus more on character dynamics, while a thriller might emphasize plot twists and suspense. Research agents who specialize in your genre and adjust your pitch accordingly.
For instance, if you're writing a romance novel, you might emphasize:
- Character chemistry: Highlight the relationship development.
- Emotional stakes: What do characters stand to lose?
For a thriller, you might focus on:
- Pacing and tension: How does the story keep readers on edge?
- Unique plot twists: What sets your story apart from others?
Querying Multiple Agents
It's normal to send out multiple query letters. However, make sure each letter is personalized. Mention why you're querying a particular agent and how your book aligns with their interests.
Keep track of your submissions. A simple spreadsheet with agent names, submission dates, and response status can help you stay organized.
Using Spell to Enhance Your Query Letter
When crafting a query letter, every word counts. I use Spell to refine my writing, ensuring clarity and impact. Spell helps me quickly draft and edit my documents, saving time and improving quality. Whether it's checking grammar or enhancing the overall structure, Spell makes the process smoother.
Final Thoughts
Writing a query letter is both an art and a science. With the right approach, you can hook an agent's interest and pave the way for your manuscript. And remember, tools like Spell can assist in crafting a polished, professional query letter. Good luck with your submissions!
