Querying Help
FREE Query Letter Template below
Querying is a science.
In book publishing, querying is the process of sending literary agents a concise and persuasive letter (a query letter) with the aim to secure representation.
Your query letter needs to be smart and compelling; it should excite literary agents enough to request more materials. Of course, your pages will need to stand on their own. But your query letter is your first impression with literary agents, so it’s crucial to get it right!
What needs to go into your query letter?
❋ Agent Personalization
It’s important to show the agent that you did your homework, you’re familiar with their work, and you’re querying them for a specific reason.
❋ Comparative Titles
It is customary to provide comparative book titles so agents know where your book falls in the market. You should provide at least two book titles that were published in the last three years. You may also comp other media, like TV shows, movies, or even songs.
❋ Metadata
Metadata puts your book in context. It should include your book’s title, genre, word count, and comparative titles/media.
❋ Plot Summary
The plot summary needs to answer three major questions:
Who is your protagonist?
What is their goal? (What does your character want and what are they willing to do to get it?)
What are the stakes? (What is standing in your character’s way? What happens if they fail?)
❋ Author Bio
Introduce yourself! This should be quick and can include things like your job, your hobbies, your prior publications, where you live, who you live with, etc. It should show the agent why you were the best person to write your story.
❋ Thank You
Thank the agent for their time and consideration.
Querying Tools
All-in-one query tracking spreadsheet created by an agented author. Excel sheet designed to help you track all your query submissions and agent responses. Complete with dropdown menus and formulas for streamlined organization.
FREE Query Letter Template
Fill-in-the-blank query letter template based on a successful query letter. Written by an agented author.