What is a query letter?

Question

I am entering a competition for a publisher to read a story, but I don't know what a query letter is.

We have to include a query letter and a first chapter or up to 25 pages.

Answer 1

Although every winning query works its own magic, all good queries should contain the following:



• A "grabber" or hook sentence that makes the reader want to get his hands on the actual novel.

• One to three paragraphs about your novel.

• A short paragraph about you and your publishing credentials (if you have any).

• A good reason why you're soliciting the person you're soliciting. (Why this agent or publisher instead of another?)

• The length of the novel--word count.

• A sentence or two about the intended audience.

• An indication that an SASE is enclosed if you are sending it through the mail.

FORMATTING



• Use a standard font or typeface.

• Use a 1" margin on all sides.

• Use block or semi block letter format.

• Use letterhead or put your name, address, phone number, e-mail, and fax in the top right corner.

• Address your query to a specific agent or editor (call to get the appropriate name).

• Try to keep the query to one page, but it's acceptable to go as long as 1 1/2 pages.

• Single-space the body of the letter; double-space between paragraphs.

• Catalog every item you're sending in your enclosures.

OTHER DO'S AND DON'TS

• Do state any previous publishing credits.

• Do mention if your novel isn't finished, and state the date your manuscript will be complete.

• Do tell if you're sending simultaneous submissions to other agents and editors.

• Do address your letter to a specific agent or editor.

• Don't e-mail or fax your query unless a publisher or agent requests it or if their guidelines state it is acceptable.

• Don't mention that you're a first-time writer or that you've never been published.

• Don't spend much time trying to sell yourself. Your manuscript will stand on its own.

• Don't state that some other agent or editor has rejected your novel.

• Don't ask for advice or criticism--that's not the agent or editor's job at this stage in the game.

• Do summarize any relevant experience you have.

• Don't mention anything about yourself that is not pertinent to the novel.

• Don't bring up payment expectations (advances, royalties, etc.).

• Don't mention copyright information. The manuscript is yours once it's in printed form.

• Don't staple your query letter to your manuscript.

• Don't go over two pages.

Answer 2

A query letter is a letter that is designed to sell your book without the agent/editor/publisher ever setting eyes on it. It is a very tedious and annoying task that every writer has to go through. There are sites on the internet and articles in magazines/ books that tell you how to write them. Bullet Proof Book Proposals is a good book, but if you're in a hurry and need immediate help, you can check out sites such as

http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-query-letter/

http://www.charlottedillon.com/query.html

there are plenty more of course, but these are just a couple off of the top of Google's search for 'how to write a query letter'

Normally, agents or publishers will tell you exactly what they want in a query letter, and it's normally along the lines of

A) give a brief summary of the book

B) tell us a bit about yourself

In paragraph A, be sure to include the genre and word count for your manuscript as well as audience (ex. young adult, middle grade, etc.). Make sure that when you write the summary, it is not like what you would read on the back of a book or in the inside flap. Editors do not like to be left hanging and it may turn them off of your proposal.

In paragraph B include a bit of personal information, but only that which is relavent to your writing (school, employment, etc.). Also include credentials for writing your book, and publishing history if applicable.

Make the last paragraph short and simply thank them for taking the time to review your query and let them know if you have attached anything (only do this if they told you to, never send any unsolicited materials). Make sure that if they didn't want an attachment that the excerpt or whatever they asked for is a few lines below the closing of the letter.

Finally, close the letter with your name, address, phone number, fax (if applicable), and email address, in case the company wants to contact you in the future.

Hope that was helpful!

good luck on the contest!

Answer 3

a query letter is when you ask or query a publisher/agent if they are interested in your work.



it should briefly introduce yourself (any writing/publishing credits/experience you have), give a bit of your background & give a bit of info about your story/book. this is not a full synopsis of your story/book, just a brief overview.



i'm sure if you check with websites and books concentrating on writing you can find examples. try writer's digest and writer's market.

Answer 4

A letter to an agent or publisher detailing about your story and why they should represent it.



Usually the requirements are given to you (what they want in the letter.) Most want a synopsis of what you have written, your experience, and a portion of the writing.

Answer 5

generally, an agent composes a question letter to deliver to a writer. it particularly is a short message to invite if the writer could be attracted to a proposed manuscript. curiously, your agent is allowing you to write down that letter. That works on your earnings, on the grounds which you have administration over what's being stated and how your e book is being pitched. a cover letter is a simple letter addressed on your agent saying, "enclosed please discover......" confirm to incorporate the information your agent asked as properly as your touch information. brokers generally examine submissions at domicile at unusual hours, so it particularly is a robust thought to incorporate an e mail handle in case the agent needs to talk with you immediately. In right this moment's marketplace, maximum publishers won't seem at unsolicited manuscripts. flow with the agent. reliable luck!