How to write a query letter
If you’re sending the exact same query letter to every agent, you’re going to have a bad time. Image credit: pxfuel
If you’re trying to get a literary agent to represent you, the first step is to impress them. A rushed and impersonal query letter in which you’ve referred to her as “Dear sirs,” made spelling mistakes and attached the wrong file format isn’t going to do that.
If they see you can write an engaging and well researched query letter that doesn’t go on for too long, they’re more likely to believe you could write a book that shares those qualities. Including details catered to a specific agent’s interests will demonstrate you understand how the business works, making you a more appealing prospective client.
How to write a query letter: What to include
There are some crucial details an agent wants to know before they start on your sample chapters, and putting them near the beginning of your email increases their chances of seeing them before their interest starts to drop off. They are:
Genre: while there are some books that transcend genre, describing yours like this will probably get eyes rolling. Knowing where your book would sit in a shop demonstrates its commercial potential, so get to know what else is out there that’s doing well. Don’t worry if you get it wrong, you won’t be binned over confusing suspense for thriller. If you’ve written a horror story with themes of love running through it, say that. It’s not about the exact words you use, it’s about showing you understand what your book is about.
Word count: Knowing your word count shows you’ve finished the book. It also shows if you’ve done enough, or too much, for a reasonable novel. Novels are generally 70,000 words upwards, lower than that and you’re in novella territory, which typically don’t go down so well with traditional publishers. Above 100,000 and you’re really asking a lot of the reader, so make sure the words are worth it and if they’re not, trim that baby down.
Title: Titles often change during the publishing process, but your best chance of getting to choose what it is starts with suggesting a brilliant idea of your own. Look online to see if there are already books with the same name, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t use it, but you don’t want to be competing with the literary greats by debuting your first novel under an already-known name.
Elevator pitch: If you had to describe your book in the time it took to go up a few floors in an elevator, what would you say? A one- to two-line summary that is punchy, intriguing, and leaves a person wanting to know more can be very convincing when trying to get a literary agent to consider your work.
Them: Agents tend to only represent specific genres across commercial or literary fiction. If you’re reaching out to an agent, it should be because you’ve researched them and believe they are the best fit for your novel. Have they represented similar titles? Does their wish list describe your novel? Mention it so they know why you are a good fit for them.
You: Standing out in an agent’s mind includes giving them some idea of who you are as a person. If you’ve got writing experience, or have won any relevant awards, let them know, and tell them a bit about yourself. They don’t need your life story, but a bit of character to your query letter can motivate a person to try and connect with your work.
How to write a query letter: Presentation is everything
Edit your query letter with the same consideration with which you edited your book. Spelling mistakes probably won’t send you to Trash, but they won’t help your case either. Be courteous and friendly, and don’t be too pushy. You’re about to ask someone to take an hour out of their working day to read your chapters, synopsis, and consider if the book has commercial potential, so don’t demand too much and respect their time.
How to write a query letter: Hellos and goodbyes
If you’re feeling stuck on your cover letter, here are some ways to start and end it to get the ball rolling.
Dear <Agent Name>,
I would be very grateful if you would please read the first three chapters of my debut novel, Title Of My Book. Sitting firmly in women’s fiction, it’s just over 81,000 words at completion and explores themes of loss, redemption, and smashing the glass ceiling.
<Pitch, why they’re the right agent for the book, a little bit about you>
I am submitting to multiple agents at once, but would be honoured to hear your feedback. Please let me know if you would like to see a full manuscript.
Many thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
<Your Name>
How to write a query letter: The takeaways
Use their name and spell it right, they need to know you’re looking to work with them specifically and not just sending out generic queries
Include all of the necessary information, but keep it short
Be polite and appreciative of their time
Attach the correct file formats with the requested information
Keep track of who you contacted when, some agencies offer that you can follow up if you’ve not heard back within a certain window of time
If you’re not sure how to keep track of your queries, I’ll be talking about a handy spreadsheet structure you can try soon.