How To Write A Query Letter
First of all . . . What is a query letter?
It's a letter sent to an agent letting them know about your manuscript, and
asking them for representation. Nowadays almost no publisher will take a
manuscript directly from a writer -- they want the writer to have an agent. It's
sort of a filtering out process for the publisher.
The problem is agents are inundated with query letters . . . so you make sure
yours stands out from the pack.
1. DO NOT send a letter asking if you can send a query letter. It's a waste
of your time and the agents! Just send the darn letter!
2. Remember the best query letters are NEVER more than two pages long. Try to
stick to one page.
3. Letter should be single-spaced, and you should try to hook the agent from the
very beginning.
4. Remember to focus on your manuscript, what it's about, why it's unique, and
what makes it worth publishing.
5. You should also compare to other books on the market so the agent can quickly
get a feel for what kind of book you've written so as to decide if they want to
read it.
6. Also, let them know how long the manuscript is -- not how many pages but how
many words. That's how manuscripts are measured.
7. And finally, tell them something about you, and why you're qualified to write
this book. Yes, this even counts for fiction. For instance, I set most of my
books in Harlem, although I live in Philadelphia. Well, it would behoove me then
to mention that I was born and raised in Harlem. Get it?
8. If you've never written anything before, don't bother mentioning that . . .
just say that you love to write and completing your novel has been an enjoyable
endeavor or something to that effect.
9. And please, please, please . . . no typos! And use proper grammar and
punctuation. Remember, this is the first time the agent sees you in writing, and
first impressions are lasting. If you DON'T make a good impression, you'll
probably not get an opportunity to try again.
Okay, I'm often asked if its alright to send more than one query letter out at a
time.
The answer is YES!
Listen, it can take up to 6 weeks for an agent get back to you (they really are
that backed up!), and what if, after all that time, they turn you down? Well,
then you've got to send to another agent and start the waiting process all over
again. And you might get turned down again. You can actually waste 6 months and
have only approached like 4 agents!
Cast your net wide, is what I say!
And good luck to you all!