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How to Write a Book Query

The query letter is the hook that gets an editor's or agent's attention and sparks interest in your unpublished book. It's well worth spending considerable time and energy crafting an effective, persuasive proposal. Editors read query letters and proposals before taking a look at a manuscript, but odds are that won't happen for a first-time author, especially in fiction. In that case, your query letter may be just as important in getting the attention of a literary agent who will represent your work to publishers. If the letter doesn't read well and promise value to the publisher, there's no point in an agent or editor reading on. The query letter is like the cover of the book: if it looks good, the reader picks it up and checks it out further; if not, she passes it by. You want your book query to quickly command the editor's or agent's attention and make him interested in finding out more about what you have to offer.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Format your query letter using a normal font and typeface such as Times New Roman 10 or 12 point. Use one-inch margins on paper queries. Don't send an email query unless the publisher's website specifically states you can. If you have a professional letterhead, use it. If not, remember to include your name, address, phone number, email address and if you have one, a web address.

    • 2

      Address the letter to a specific editor and limit the letter to one single-spaced page with a block paragraph format. Remember to thank her for considering your query.

    • 3

      Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response and be sure to include the correct amount of postage on the return envelope.

    • 4

      Get into the specifics of your book in the very first line. For example, "My 50,000 word novel, The Deliveryman, is a thriller reminiscent of Jonathan Kellerman but with a touch of Dean Koontz." Don't worry about listing the features of the book. In the first sentence you've given the word count, the working title and the genre.

    • 5

      Include a short paragraph about the popularity of the genre, briefly naming some other titles that may be comparable to your book.

    • 6

      Write a quick summary pointing out the hooks in your plot that are intended to draw in the reader. Two short paragraphs is enough.

    • 7

      Mention similar titles in the publisher's catalog to show you're done your homework and researched the company website. If you've written a biography, for example, you won't want to submit your manuscript to a publisher of romance novels.

    • 8

      Add a paragraph about previous writing experience and any professional experience you bring to the table, especially if it is pertinent to the book you've written. For example, note that you're an art history professor if you've written a book on the life of Caravaggio.

    • 9

      Conclude the letter with request for permission to contact the agent or editor again, this time including a first chapter or a set number of pages of your manuscript. If the editor or agent is intrigued by your query, she will want to see portions of your book and concrete examples of your writing before making any further decisions about publication or representation.

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