Tips on writing query letters

You just crafted a 70,000–100,000-word manuscript. Now, you must write a one-page letter to convince someone to read it. Creating a query letter is the first stressor of an already stressful submission process. But if you write an effective one that gets an agent’s or publisher’s attention, it can make the rest of the process easier.

I attended an online query letter coaching session presented by ProWritingAid and taught by book coach and editor Kerry Savage. As part of this session, I had the opportunity to submit a query letter and have it critiqued. The image on top is my letter marked up with plenty of useful comments.

Kerry recommends you include an introduction, summary, comps, personal information (bio), and a closing. She also gave specific tips as she reviewed the submitted query letters.

Introduction

A good introduction should describe what you’re pitching and why it would be a good fit for the agent or publisher. Include the title, genre, and length. If your submission is a follow-up from a previous meeting, or if someone else referred you, mention this in your introduction. If you found the agent or publisher online, show how your manuscript fits with the genres and topics they are looking for. Your introduction should show you’ve done your research, and reading your query is a good use of their…