What is a query letter?
A query letter (sometimes called simply a query) is a one-page business letter that introduces you and your book to an agent or editor. It is NOT a cover letter (more on cover letters below).
How long should a query letter be?
Ideally, one page. If you must go to two pages, ok. Write in a legible font, like Times Roman 12.
To whom do you send a query letter?
An agent or an editor whom you want to interest in your book, and/or an editor at a publishing house that does not accept unsolicited manuscripts and partials. A query is your ice-breaker.
To whom do you NOT send a query letter?
If an agent or editor has already requested your book or partial, either through a meeting at a conference or because you won a contest, etc., a query letter is no longer necessary. With the partial, you include a cover letter (more below).
How is a query letter formatted?
Just like any other business letter. Block style with everything flush left on the margin is easiest. Include your return address (use your own letterhead if you have it), the agent's/editor's address (SPELLED CORRECTLY), the date. Write the body, conclude with "Sincerely," and sign.
Use standard white paper or stationary (ivory or parchment is ok). Don't use cute colored paper, cute colored ink, cute graphics, cute language ("if you turn me down, you'll just break my little old heart.") Be businesslike and brief. Don't waste their time.
What is included in the envelope with the query letter?
A self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with one first-class stamp. Do NOT send the manuscript or partial with the query.
What does a query letter contain?
The big question! A query letter should be a very SHORT introduction to yourself and your book.
Paragraph 1:
- Tell the agent/editor why you are writing ("I am looking for someone to represent my historical romance novel.")
- Lay out setting, time period, main premise of the book. ("The story is set in the year 1898 and involves a half-breed Apache and the widow of an Army colonel who must come together to help a handful of schoolchildren in Arizona territory.") Here you have told the when, the where, and some of the who and the what.
- Your blurb. You should have one short paragraph about the hero (1-3 sentences), one short paragraph about the heroine (1-3 sentences), then a short paragraph (1-2 sentences) about the main conflict. Because you are writing romance, include the conflict between the main characters ("He remembers her saving his life with a timely drink of water, but he cannot forgive her dead husband for leading the soldiers who killed his father…)
- Make sure to emphasize an unusual element that makes your story stand out from similar stories ("The main action takes place high above the tree line on a sacred Apache mountain" or "The heroine secretly studied Tantric yoga when she lived with an army family in India.")
- Spark the agent/editor's interest--keep it short, sweet and to the point!
- Mention your writing background (short stories, magazine and newspaper articles, other books, fiction or non-fiction) that have been published, if any.
- Mention any background relevant to the story ("I grew up a half-breed Apache on the White Mountain reservation and have been writing about White Mountain Apaches in major magazines for nine years.")
- Tell how long the manuscript is and whether it is finished. ("The manuscript runs 100,000 words and is finished.") Offer to send either a partial or a full (ONLY IF YOU'VE FINISHED) at their request.
- Give your telephone number and e-mail and offer to answer any questions they might have.
- Conclude with the standard "looking forward to hearing from you" or something similar.
What is the difference between a query letter and a cover letter?
A cover letter is what you send when you mail your partial or full manuscript to the editor who requested it. You also use a cover letter to send partials to publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts.
A cover letter is a brief business letter (again on standard white/ivory paper with your name, address, date, yadda yadda yadda). Here's an example of the body of a cover letter:
"I met you at the Desert Dreams conference in Phoenix last weekend. Thank you for seeing me and answering my questions. Enclosed is the full manuscript you requested of Mrs. Watson and the Apache, my historical romance set in Arizona territory in 1898. I have also enclosed a SASE for your convenience. Please feel free to call me at (phone number) or e-mail me at (e-mail) if you have any questions." That's it.
In conclusion:
Query letters are SHORT introductions to yourself and your book. The purpose is to spark the interest in the agent/editor so that he/she wants to read what you have written. Novels these days are expected to be tight and fast-paced, and your query letter should be as well. Resist the urge to tell the entire story in the query! You want to entice, not tire.
Please see links and books under What to Look For in an Agent for tips on where to research agents.
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