How to write a Query Letter

Query letters are essential tools for writers seeking literary representation, pitching articles to editors, or proposing non-fiction book ideas to publishers. Fiction authors, more than any other writer, needs a well-crafted query to serve as a key to opening doors in the publishing industry. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of writing and sending an effective query letter, providing valuable tips to help you make a compelling impression on agents, editors, or publishers.

What is an official query letter?

A query letter is an inquiry sent to multiple literary agents to gauge their interest in representing your book for publication. The best agents receive dozens of queries a day, but only sign a few authors per year, so crafting a successful query letter is a crucial step to literary success.

Format and Structure

A standard query letter consists of the following elements:

• Salutation: Address the recipient by name and use a formal greeting (e.g., “Dear Ms. Smith”).
  • First Keep the salutation simple. “Dear Carrie” is perfectly fine, assuming that is the agent’s name. Addressing agents by their surname (“Dear Ms. Greaves”) is also fine, though the formality may feel outdated, and you risk accidentally misgendering them. The very next line should make the agent prick up their ears.
• Introductory Paragraph: Start with a brief and engaging introduction, mentioning any relevant credentials or writing achievements.
  • An agent will always want to find publishable clients — and if you’ve already had some publishing success (no matter how small), that will likely work to your advantage. It doesn’t have to be full-length novels; it could also be short stories in literary magazines or novellas. 
  • If you have connections get a referral from an established author or a publishing insider.
• Book Description or Article Pitch: Provide a concise and compelling summary of your book (in the case of fiction or non-fiction) or the article idea you are proposing (for non-fiction writing). Your main sales tool should be your book itself. If you can’t think of a clever way to hook an agent in, just jump straight into your pitch by sharing three key information of your book:
  • The title
  • The book’s genre
  • The word count (rounded to the nearest thousand)
• Author Bio: Include a brief bio highlighting your writing experience, relevant publications, and any expertise related to the subject matter of your work.
• Closing Paragraph: Express your gratitude for the recipient’s time and consideration, and invite them to request additional materials or a full manuscript.
• Sign-off: Use a professional closing (e.g., “Sincerely” or “Best regards”) followed by your name and contact information.

Query Hook

Query hooks, also known as “hooks” or “elevator pitches,” are short and attention-grabbing sentences that aim to pique the interest of literary agents, editors, or publishers. They are typically used at the beginning of a query letter to draw the recipient into the rest of the pitch.

Just as your novel must get readers involved within the first few pages, your query letter must pique an agent’s interest within a few lines. This part of the letter is known as the hook and it’s a short description of your book’s concept which helps agents get the gist of it at a glance.

Remember, a successful query hook should be clear, intriguing, and reflective of the essence of your story. It should entice the recipient to want to learn more about your project, compelling them to read further into your query letter. Tailor your hook to the specific genre and theme of your work, and make sure it captures the essence of your story in a captivating manner.

Here are some examples of query hooks for different genres:

1. Fiction (Mystery/Thriller): “In a race against time, a brilliant detective must decipher a series of cryptic clues left by a sadistic serial killer to save the next victim, who may be closer than anyone suspects.”
2. Fiction (Romance): “When a chance encounter reunites two childhood friends, they must confront their past and buried feelings as they embark on a whirlwind romance that challenges everything they thought they knew about love.”
3. Fiction (Fantasy): “In a world where magic is forbidden, a young outcast discovers a powerful secret within herself and must decide whether to embrace her gifts and save her realm or risk losing everything to an ancient evil.”
4. Non-Fiction (Memoir): “In this candid and heartfelt memoir, a survivor of a life-changing accident takes readers on a transformative journey of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a new identity.”
5. Non-Fiction (Self-Help): “With practical tips and personal anecdotes, this empowering self-help book offers readers a roadmap to overcoming fear and self-doubt, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams.”
6. Non-Fiction (Science): “Exploring the wonders of the natural world, this captivating science book delves into the astonishing behaviors and adaptations of animals that challenge our understanding of the world we share.”
7. Young Adult (Fantasy): “In a kingdom ruled by darkness, a reluctant teenager with a hidden magical ability must lead a band of misfit rebels to overthrow a tyrannical regime and restore light to their realm.”
8. Young Adult (Contemporary): “Amid the chaos of high school, an introverted teen discovers her passion for music and forms an unlikely friendship with a rebellious classmate, leading them both on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.”

You could also build your hook around an intriguing central conflict.

Examples of Query Letters

Despite of their cliches the query examples I asked ChatGPT to write, they do have the right format and order. To see over 125 real examples of successful query letters here.

Showcase Your Voice and Style

Your query letter should reflect your unique voice and writing style. Write with confidence and clarity, ensuring your personality shines through while maintaining a professional tone.

Keep It Concise

Aim for a query letter that is clear, concise, and to the point. Agents and editors receive numerous queries daily, so brevity is crucial. Keep your letter to one page, focusing on the most relevant and compelling information.

Proofread and Edit

Edit your query letter meticulously to avoid any grammatical or spelling errors. A polished and error-free letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Related: Levels of Editing

Submission Guidelines

Follow the submission guidelines specified by the agent, editor, or publisher. Some may request email submissions, while others prefer postal mail. Adhere to any specific formatting requirements and ensure you have included all requested materials.

Query Multiple Agents/Publishers

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Query multiple agents or publishers simultaneously to increase your chances of success. However, inform them in your letter if you are querying others simultaneously.

Be Patient

Response times can vary widely. Be patient and avoid sending follow-up emails too soon. If the recipient’s guidelines state a specific response time, wait until that period has passed before inquiring about the status of your query.

Writing and sending query letters can be a nerve-wracking process, but it is a vital step in getting your work noticed in the competitive world of publishing. By researching your recipients, crafting a compelling letter, and adhering to professional standards, you can greatly increase your chances of catching the eye of agents, editors, or publishers and taking your writing career to new heights. Good luck on your querying journey!