Tips for Writing a Query Letter

An unpublished author’s submission requires a great query letter in order to impress prospective publishers. A good letter requires a specific style, tone, and format to give your novel its best chance.

Learn Their Guidelines

Each company has different preferences and different specifications for query letters. It pays to learn what the company prefers through writers blogs or forums (providing you don’t have an agent to help you), especially if you’ve decided to query a company that seldom accepts unpublished authors.

Be Simple

Don’t brag about yourself or your project excessively. Touting your credentials won’t help your work or make a positive impression on a publisher. Keep the focus on the details of your novel — not what you think they should think about it.

Find Your Passion

A lukewarm impression is almost as bad as too much bragging. You want to share your story with passion and enthusiasm in order to inspire your publisher. A unique “hook” or angle is important, along with concrete writing that reflects your style and “voice” as a writer.

Sharing a part of yourself in a query letter will help you create a letter worthy of a publisher’s notice. In the long road to publication, you should make the most of every possible advantage.