Address the recipient formally and specifically. For example, write "Dear Ms. Jones" rather than "Dear Sir or Madam." The quickest way to have a query rejected is to use a generic salutation.
Inform the agent if you are querying via referral, meaning that a colleague or client of hers has recommended you. If not, use this first sentence to personalize the query. Show that you put time and energy into researching the market by including a specific reason for targeting this agent. For example, "I am writing to you because you represented (name the title and author) and I feel my book is similar."
Start a new paragraph with a one-sentence description of your work. Give only the essential information, which includes the title, word count, genre and your "hook." A hook is a tagline meant to draw a reader in. A hook highlights a book's distinguishing feature, which can be the theme, a protagonist's unusual point of view or unexpected elements of the world. An example is, "Sidney Sneaker, a 75,000-word fantasy, is set in a futuristic New Jersey and told from the point of view of a foul-mouthed, womanizing sneaker."
Continue the second paragraph by describing the protagonist's dilemma or central conflict and how he tries to resolve it. In broad strokes, describe the catch or an unexpected twist and hint about where the story goes. Your second paragraph should contain no more than six sentences.
Start a new paragraph with any relevant biographical information. Include any publishing history, writing awards, degrees or life experience that directly relates to your book.
Thank the agent for his time in a polite and professional manner. Mention that you've enclosed a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or SASE. Offer the complete manuscript for his consideration and state that you look forward to hearing from him. Do not ask for an expedited response and do not offer to call.