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Traits of a
Winning Query Letter
When your novel is
complete, that's when you sit down to write your query letter.
You'll be surprised the number of writers who send out feelers
before their manuscript is complete. Below are common questions
writers have about drafting great query letters and the submission
process.
Can I send
an unagented letter?
Most major
publishers don't accept query letters directly from writers so the
majority of the time you'll contact literary agents. On the
flipside, small, independent publishers do accept unagented letters.
Is there a
big query letter "no no" I should know about?
Some writers think
it's cute to write the letter in the protagonist's
"voice." That concept is cheesy and is not as original as
writer's think. In fact, this tactic ensures your letter will be
sent off to the slush pile. In the next section of this article,
there is a listing of do's and don'ts. Follow that advice to create
a query letter that sells.
I'm a
first-time author, does that matter?
No.
There's no reason to fret if you have never been published. When it
comes to novels, the story is what counts. An agent or editor won't
hold the fact you've never had any thing published against you.
The Art of the
Query Letter
 Read
the submission guidelines. Agents and editors have different
specifications. Some request a synopsis, proposal (for
nonfiction and some memoirs), sample chapters, or the first five
pages be sent along with your letter. Don't send an unsolicited
manuscript in its entirety.
Include
your address, email address, and phone number on the top of the
query letter. You'll be surprised how many people forget!
Write
your query with block paragraphs, single space, with a double space
between paragraphs. The first paragraph lays out the novel facts
(title, word count). The subsequent paragraph mentions the book's
main character, hook, and conflict. Stick to the main plot of
the story and don't include variables that the agent or editor don't
need to know. Also, don't include all of the characters in your
book. The query letter has to be short and to the point. Adding extraneous
information or descriptions takes away from what matters. The
last paragraph contains publications, if you have any.
Never
mention that the manuscript you're submitting is the first one
you've ever written.
If
your manuscript has been rejected by others, never mention that in
the query letter.
Your
presentation should be professional. Proofread all the materials you
send for spelling and grammar errors.
If
you want your manuscript back or you want to receive a rejection
notice, send a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope). A
comment on rejections: many agents receive lots of manuscripts and
as a result implemented a "if you don't hear from me the answer
is no" policy. So even when you send a SASE, you may never hear
from the agent if he or she isn't interested in your work.
Have
a beta reader look through your query letter. Ask him or her to be
honest and tell you what's working and what isn't.
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