When the time comes to write a query letter, hair gets pulled, lips are bitten, and often, mouths are full of cuss words. Boy, we writers are tough on ourselves, aren’t we? Alone in a room with only our computer to fight with—Ugh!
So, what exactly is a query letter? Basically, it’s a one-page formal letter introducing not only you, but your work to the publishing industry. Consider it a sales pitch, because let’s be honest, when you send your manuscript out into the world, you are branding yourself. Remember, it’s not the best writer on the New York Times list, it’s a best seller list. The publishing world is a money generating industry and your brand, and the way you wish to represent yourself, is a direct reflection on the agent and ultimately, the publisher.
With that in mind, consider a few basic elements to include in your query.
A rockin’ awesome one-liner:
Go back to the days of yore, when you first came up with your story’s premise. It may have come to you in a dream or the grocery store, but more than likely it started with a question, like What if?…Dragons were real?. Now take that question, the one that got you writing two thousand words a day for what felt like forever, and turn it into a sentence that pops out on the page and makes the reader want to continue reading—just like the first sentence of your novel kept the beta group reading, same here.
Genre and word count:
By visiting any local bookstore, you’ve determined that books are separated into genre. When agents release their newest “wish list”, they indicate genre and the age groups they are looking to represent next. Include this invaluable information so not to waste the agent’s tired eyes. This indicates that you’ve done your homework and your piece is perfect for their list.
A short paragraph:
This may be only my opinion, but creating five sentences to explain a 60K word manuscript feels pretty masochistic. It’s tricky, but doable. Here’s the trick…Your main character is on center stage. Take everything you’ve learned about her and give a concise representation of her. Talk about her biggest struggle, who will get in her way of getting out of the struggle, and then give the reader a quick takeaway of the character’s adventure as the events unfold. Simple, right? Right. Bottom line, include a takeaway, not the ending, that gives the reader a chance to care about the main character.
Competitive/Comparable Titles:
As a writer of a particular genre, you should be reading that genre as well. Period. Google, Amazon, and Goodreads are just a few places to compare your character, her obstacles, her world, which helps you and the agent have a clear understanding of your target audience. Remember, it’s a best seller, not a best writer. You need more than just your family and writing group to want to read your book. And honestly, try your best to avoid super-sellers, like Harry Potter, for instance. Yes, they’re popular, but seriously, you’re not the next JK. She’s already found her place in history. It’s time to find yours!
Look for slightly lesser known comparables, or at least use a few. For example, if you are dead set on comparing your manuscript to Harry Potter, maybe you’re basing the comparable on the magical realism aspect. Have you thought about adding The Graveyard Book or Always October to indicate the paranormal and creepy aspects of your novel as well?
Author Bio. Personalization. Context:
I’ve lumped these together for a reason—because you can too. In an author bio, add any writing credits as applicable. You can add personalization here as well. Are you affiliated with a writing group, or organization. Answer how writing this particular book was important to you, and wink, wink, check the agents wish list to see how your personalization matches their needs. If you’re a middle grade teacher, writing middle, well, that indicates you have a clear understanding of the dialog, culture, psychology, etc. of your target audience. And finally, if you’re querying more than one agent at a time, which you should, than simply add that near the end of the letter.
The bottom line is, if you are looking for agent representation, the mean ol’ query letter is essential in getting the agent’s attention. It’s a direct representation of you and your writing ability to entice the agent to take a deeper dive into your pitch package, and with a well-written letter, extensive research on the agent, and a little bit of luck, the query can be the open gateway into the next steps of the publishing world.
-RADolence
