Query Letter Assistance

Find a 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.

Pitfalls / Things to Avoid

❋ Try to avoid too much world building / info dumping. The agent will want to get to the plot right away.

❋ Don’t make the query letter too long. It should only be one page (usually 250 to 500 words).

❋ Don’t give away the ending! Your query letter should only cover about 70% of your plot.

Helpful Querying Resources

Query Tracker

Publisher’s Marketplace

Manuscript Wishlist

Query Letter Template

Directions: Fill out the brackets to fit your story! Keep in mind that this is a very basic template designed to ensure you include everything you need for an effective query letter. It’s a great starting point, but you’ll want to adjust it to capture your unique voice. Start here and then have some fun editing and making it your own!

Dear [Agent],

I loved [XYZ book they represented], and I was excited to see you’re looking for [something very specific from their profile or wish list. Bonus points if you can add a witty personal connection. Be yourself!]. I would love to offer [YOUR MANUSCRIPT’S TITLE] for your consideration.

[YOUR MANUSCRIPT’S TITLE], a [genre, e.g., upmarket adult] novel complete at [word count, e.g., 80,000] words, is [Comparative Title] meets [Comparative Title]. This story has the [story elements] of [Comparative Media] and the [story elements] of [Comparative Media].

[Adjective describing main character] and [adjective describing main character] [Main Character’s Name] wants [the thing your main character wants the most]. But [Name] cannot achieve [goal] because of [the thing holding Name back]. Which is why [everything changes for Name] when [your inciting incident] happens.

After [Name] deliberates [the new world], they officially [do something to choose the new world]. [Name] navigates [all the cool fun and games] in the [new world]. They are especially drawn to [B-story], a [brief explanation of B-story]. As [time or important events] go by, [Name] gets [a taste of victory]. For the first time, [Name] has a [new perspective. A pivot from the old self].

But when [Name] experiences [climax/biggest setback], they must face [the difficult thing they’ve been avoiding]. [Name]’s [worst character flaw] threatens [Name]’s chance at [what Name wants the most]. As [finale] approaches, [Name] must decide if they’ll go back to [life from the old world] or if they’ll commit to [better life promised in the new world].

I work as a [job] for [company]. I do [cool hobbies]. [Mention any prior publications and/or writing contests and/or writing accomplishments]. I live in [place] with [family/pets/house plants]. [Name any personal information that makes you the best author for the story you wrote. You can also mention any publishing interests or goals].