What Is A Query Letter?

A query letter is a formal letter sent by a writer to literary agents, editors and publishing houses. This is a way for writers to propose their prose ideas. And if you are a writer, aspiring to get your work published, then getting this right is vital for you to achieve your goal. After all, literary agents, and publishers would greatly base their first impression of you and your book upon this document.

Preferably, this letter should be contained in a single page and should follow specific guidelines. The ideal format includes single spacing and a twelve-point font size if you are using a computer. Your query letter would also consist of four sections in its single page format: the hook, synopsis, the biography and the closing.

The Hook

The first section or paragraph of your letter is the hook, which is basically your whole book compressed into a single sentence. Here, you will briefly introduce the most basic elements, like the character and the dilemma.

Take in mind that this sentence needs to give just the right quantity of information, but of course, not too much. More importantly, it should be able to catch the attention of the reader and intrigue him to learn more about your book. This part of your letter will determine whether or not your letter will be accepted or not.

The Synopsis

The second part in your letter or the synopsis is where you are given the chance to describe your manuscript in a whole paragraph instead of limiting yourself in just one sentence. Here, you can expand more on some things that have been mentioned in the previous section.

You must mention certain aspects of the book such as its genre, word count and even your understanding on who is the market for your project is. Take in mind that you must be able to show that there is a demand in the market for your book and convince your reader (whether it is a literary agent or a publisher) that there are people who will be interested in buying and reading your book.

Examining current books that are successfully selling and those that are not doing so well in the market can help you state in your query substantial evidence on how your work holds more potential. The usual markets for books are the Children's book genre, Fiction and Fantasy.

The Biography

The third section is the easiest among all sections, because all you have to do is basically talk about yourself. Remember that you do not only have to sell your book, but as a writer you must also sell yourself.

In this part, mention any awards, achievements, as well as experiences in writing and publishing that you have had. It is also important to mention if whether or not you have had any works published before and what they are.

Do not hold back on your credentials and if you have an impressive record in writing then make sure you show your editor or agent that you have all the skills and experience in the world. Just make sure that you are able to fit everything in one paragraph.

If this is your first book however, and if you do not have a lot of fancy awards or accomplishments to talk about, you do not have to worry. This just means that you are left with more space to talk about your book at a deeper level.

The Closing

The fourth and final paragraph is the closing paragraph. This is the portion in your letter wherein you would be asking the agent or the editor for permission to send your manuscript. At the same time, you would also be giving out your thanks for the time that they took to review your query. Also do not forget to mention that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Aside from these things, it is also important that you remember to place your contact details your name, e-mail address, telephone or cell phone numbers- at the end of the paragraph.

This is a very basic and universally accepted format in writing your query. If this were your first time to write such a letter, it would be safest to follow this form of arrangement. After all, most agents, editors and publishers do not prefer query letters that have new and fancy formats that differ from the usual types that they receive.

Remember that this letter can make or break your writing career, and it is all really about making the right impression. Keep this document simple yet impressive in such a way that you stimulate your readers interest to want more of what you can offer. And most especially, just be yourself in the best possible way you can. By following all of these things, surely you wouldn't have many problems in selling.