How to Write a Good Query Letter

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, you will probably have to write a query letter to an agent, editor or publisher at some point. Query letters are what you use to sell yourself and your work. They are just as important as the actual writing you produced, so you'd better make sure to write a strong and effective query letter.

Fiction queries are different from non-fiction, but every query has to grab the attention of whoever is reading it. This means you need to start strong or risk losing the agent or editor. In fiction, this is called the hook. The hook must include the essentials. But what are these essentials? Basically, you have to state what the genre of the story is-romance, thriller, historical; how many words-not pages but the word length; and the most important, a very brief synopsis of the story. The actual hook part of the query should entice without revealing too much. Build up the basic premise of the story without giving away the ending. Tease the agent or editor so they will want to see more and request a '˜partial'-sample pages or chapters, or a '˜full' submission, which is just what it sounds like, the entire manuscript.

Writing a query letter isn't as easy as it might sound and many authors will have to write several drafts and then work on revisions and edits to get it right. And getting it right can make the difference between getting that request for a partial or full and getting the dreadful rejection.

Query letters should never be longer than one page, unless the editor or agent guidelines state something different. You can include anywhere from one to two paragraphs on the brief synopsis, but no more. The rest of the query letter, the final paragraph, will have your '˜bio'. The bio is anything that is related to the story you're submitting, including contest wins, previous published work or education. Education is usually reserved for non-fiction to show that you actually know about the subject you're writing about, although occasionally certain education can be included for fiction. For instance, if you're writing historical fiction about a specific time or a particular event, it might benefit the agent or editor if they can see that you have a degree that makes you an expert in that time period. Include in the bio section your contact information, which is your physical address, phone number and email address. If the guidelines state to include your website, blog or links to previously published work, add that in as well.

One thing to always remember, and be very cautious about, is to always, always, always spell the agent's or editor's name correctly and do a thorough spellcheck of the entire letter. Misspellings will tell the reader that if you're not careful with the query, your writing is probably laced with misspellings as well. Before you submit your query letter, try to get someone you trust to read it first and give you an honest critique.