WRITING AN AGENT QUERY LETTER
By Nicky Hackett
Reputable literary agents receive dozens of query letters a month, but they only take on a few new clients each year! Writing a compelling query letter is an important step for landing a good agent. Letters must be concise and professional and have all the information the agent expects, but they must also be intriguing and capture the agents’ attention.
There’s no "standard" format, but a query letter should be a PERSONALIZED formal one-page business letter, 250 to 400 words, with no errors. Standard formatting makes it easier to read. Submission guidelines differ agent to agent, so follow them carefully! When it’s an email, include the word “query” in the subject line.
The opening is important. Think about browsing for a new book in a store. How much time do you give a book to capture your attention? In the very first paragraph, you want to show the agent that you know who they are, and you must give the title, genre and word count of your book. It’s expected.
Next you’ll move into a succinct, specific summary of the book, written in the same tone as your manuscript. Have a hook that shows agents how your book is different from all the others in your genre, but don’t just give an enticing blurb like it was on the back cover. An agent should come away with a clear idea of your book’s organization or plot, primary topics or characters, and the central problem or conflict that drives the story. (You don’t have to give away the ending though.) The hook and summary should be no more than half the letter.
If you haven’t already, define your target audience and work in a couple of CONTEMPORARY comparative titles (no more than 5 years old). This gives a sense of where your book belongs, the type of marketing it will need, and it shows that you read and know your genre. If the book can be worked into a series or if you have another book planned, mention it, but keep the focus on this particular book.
Now write about yourself. If you have relevant degrees and awards and other published works, this will be easy. Include details and sales figures. But if you are a new author with unclear qualifications, don’t despair! Write about your platform if you have one and how many readers you have. Have you attended workshops, given lectures, etc.? If you are writing nonfiction, give the agent a sense of your authority on the topic. You can write about your inspiration for the book and why you are the perfect person to write it.
When you personalize the letter to a specific agent, be diligent and do your research. Mention similar authors they represent and why this makes you think they are a good match for you. But don’t be ingratiating; you will sound false. You want to put your best foot forward in the hopes of starting a good and lasting relationship. Give your letter a short, polite ending. Disclose somewhere if you are writing under a pseudonym, but sign the letter with your legal name.
Finally, show your letter to a trusted friend and incorporate their feedback. Done well, your query letter will have the same unique flavor as your book. Check one last time that you met all the submission guidelines, take a deep breath and send it off!
Other helpful posts:
How to Write a Query Letter That Wows Literary Agents — Tiffany Hawk, Writing Coach
