Query Letters 101

Most writers assume an exquisitely written manuscript will get you published. While your manuscript will ultimately determine your chances for publication, many often underestimate one essential step of the publishing process: querying.

Maybe you’ve never written a query letter, or you’re tired of agent/publisher rejections. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for NHM’s step-by-step guide to query letters.

Step 1:​ Wrap Up Your Manuscript
Many authors are tempted to submit query letters before they’ve finished their manuscript. Even though publishers and agents may take a while to get back to you, you don’t want to be unprepared for a manuscript request. Your manuscript should be the best it possibly can be before you query. And yes, that includes editing!
 
Step 2:​ Check Agent/Publisher Guidelines
Most agent and publisher websites provide guidelines for submissions. Make sure you edit your query letter for each person/place you apply to! Publishers receive countless letters each day, so you don’t want to give them any reason to discard yours.
 
Step 3:​ Keep It Short and Sweet
Since query letters should be short (300-450 words), you want to get right to the action. What is your connection to the agent/editor? Maybe you’ve been referred to this agent by an industry insider, or received a request from this agent/editor at a conference. If neither applies to you, you might mention why you wanted to query them in particular and then skip right to the most pertinent details of your manuscript: title, word count, and genre.
 
Step 4:​ Hook ‘Em
The same way your story has a hook, so should your query letter. Consider this the most important part of your letter. Don’t just outline your story—market it! First, explain what your story is about. While it may be difficult to whittle down your entire manuscript into just a few sentences, you’ll want to find a way to intrigue an agent/editor. Shock them with a twist, highlight the main conflict, or relate your book to other popular titles.
 
Then, explain why readers will want to read your story. How will a reader feel after reading your book? What will they learn about the characters, or even themselves? Don’t skimp here. Publishers want to know why your book, in particular, will sell.
 
Step 5:​ Introduce Yourself
Tell the publisher who you are in relation to your book and writing experience. Here, you can include previous publications along with any awards or writing credentials. If your profession relates to your title, include that, too. Share anything that lends credibility to your work. Side

Note: Don’t use this space to beg for representation, or lament your previous publishing attempts. Stay positive throughout your letter, even if you feel down about your publishing chances.
 
Need more help? Review these bonus tips before sending off your query letter: 

• Don’t get too crafty—you want your manuscript to be unique, not your query letter. Publishers want to read your letter as fast as possible, so stick to the format.
• Embrace your narrative tone. You can, however, infuse your voice into the query letter. Give them a sneak peek into your writing style.
• Check for typos. Okay, this one seems obvious. But if a publisher sees any errors or inconsistencies in your query letter, they might throw it out altogether.
• Send a bunch. Don’t just pick three or four agents. Send your query letters to any reliable agent open to submissions. Some of the most esteemed authors had to send over fifty query letters before they received representation.
• Believe in yourself—a writer’s life can be tough. You constantly have to face rejection and pick yourself back up. Hang in there! Somebody will see the worth in your manuscript; we promise.
  

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By Sydney Meve, Intern