Fishing for an Agent or a Publisher? Hook Them Fast and Hard with the Proper Query Letter

The proper query letter asks permission to send a few sample chapters of a longer manuscript described in the letter. It is a business letter of introduction, a sales tool. It should show that there is a specific need for your work. It should also show how that need would benefit that particular agent or publisher. You should tell how you plan to help market your work by targeting your readers (e.g., visitors to your blog site, website, church, school, P.T.A., co-workers, organizations, conferences, newsletters, etc.).

You have about ten seconds to get their attention, and it should be in the tone and format of the manuscript you wish them to request. E.g. an introductory paragraph (to set the hook), a middle section (a description of your work— like those on book jackets), and the close (your good-bye).

You should separate your query into five paragraphs:

1. This paragraph introduces your work, the word count, and that it is complete.

2. Tell why you wrote this piece, keeping it brief and simple.

3. Your brief, concise thumbnail of your work goes in this paragraph. You will introduce your protagonist, and give a brief account of your manuscript.

4. This is where your credentials go. If you have none, do not mention it. Your background also goes here.

5. This is your good-bye. Be polite, do not push for a response time, or offer to call.

Your query should be neat, legible, no more than one page in length, and on 8 ½ by 11 inch white quality paper. You should enclose an SASE with the proper postage, and mail to the correct agent/editor.

 Carefully proofread grammar and spelling.