WRITE A QUERY LETTER IN 3 PARAGRAPHS
As a writer, one of the hardest things is to condense a 300 plus page novel into a one page query letter, but with a little practice (believe me, I’ve had lots of practice) it can become second nature. Some tips to craft a great query letter are listed below:
ALWAYS SEND YOUR LETTER TO A SPECIFIC PERSON:
Find out who the editor or better still the editorial assistant is for the publication you are submitting to and address your query to that person.
Don’t just use To Whom It May Concern or Dear Editor.
BE SHORT AND TO THE POINT:
A good query should run 1 to 2 pages tops (ideally 1 page).
Remember that editors are busy and they don’t have time to read long, detailed queries.
Get yourself noticed by being focused like a laser beam. Hopefully, the time to submit a more detailed synopsis will come later, but for right now, short and sweet is what you’re striving for.
PEAK THEIR INTEREST IN YOUR WORK USING ONLY THREE PARAGRAPHS. Sound impossible? It’s not. Here’s how:
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and list any credentials you have (if you’re unpublished don’t be embarrassed to say so), name your book, include the length and of course whether or not it is finished.
Paragraphs 2: This is the "meat" of your query. This is where you write a brief synopsis of your book. Basically just name your characters and give a very short description of what the book is about, including some of the obstacles your characters will face during the novel. Make this as interesting as you can; give them a reason to ask to see more.
Paragraph 3: This is where you close up your query by thanking the editor for his/her time and let them know you patiently await their response. Remember editors receive tons of queries and their response times could be weeks and even months. It’s hard to do, but be patient, and while you’re waiting continue writing.
CLOSING: Be professional when you close your query letter. Don’t try to be cute or too familiar with either your opening or closing of your query. Don’t address the editor by his/her first name and don’t sign your letter with only your first name.
That's it, three paragraphs and your query letter is done! Best of luck with your submissions!
WORTH NOTING:
ALWAYS INCLUDE A SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) for their reply if using "snail" mail instead of E-mail.
If you’ve sent several chapters via "snail mail" (to save money on return postage), just enclose a regular letter size envelope (size 10) and you will only receive a rejection/acceptance letter back and they will recycle your proposal pages.
SEND OUT MULTIPLE QUERIES: Send out 5 to 10 queries at a time in order to maximize your novel’s exposure. Most editors don’t like multiple submissions (but this refers to partial or full manuscripts, not to query letters).
DON'T FEAR REJECTION LETTERS: If you receive a rejection letter, don’t be discouraged—every writer has received them; Lord knows I have a collection! Just remember if you stop submitting, you'll never have the opportunity to be accepted!
Above all else, keep writing, revising and believing in yourself and your work!
ALWAYS SEND YOUR LETTER TO A SPECIFIC PERSON:
Find out who the editor or better still the editorial assistant is for the publication you are submitting to and address your query to that person.
Don’t just use To Whom It May Concern or Dear Editor.
BE SHORT AND TO THE POINT:
A good query should run 1 to 2 pages tops (ideally 1 page).
Remember that editors are busy and they don’t have time to read long, detailed queries.
Get yourself noticed by being focused like a laser beam. Hopefully, the time to submit a more detailed synopsis will come later, but for right now, short and sweet is what you’re striving for.
PEAK THEIR INTEREST IN YOUR WORK USING ONLY THREE PARAGRAPHS. Sound impossible? It’s not. Here’s how:
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and list any credentials you have (if you’re unpublished don’t be embarrassed to say so), name your book, include the length and of course whether or not it is finished.
Paragraphs 2: This is the "meat" of your query. This is where you write a brief synopsis of your book. Basically just name your characters and give a very short description of what the book is about, including some of the obstacles your characters will face during the novel. Make this as interesting as you can; give them a reason to ask to see more.
Paragraph 3: This is where you close up your query by thanking the editor for his/her time and let them know you patiently await their response. Remember editors receive tons of queries and their response times could be weeks and even months. It’s hard to do, but be patient, and while you’re waiting continue writing.
CLOSING: Be professional when you close your query letter. Don’t try to be cute or too familiar with either your opening or closing of your query. Don’t address the editor by his/her first name and don’t sign your letter with only your first name.
That's it, three paragraphs and your query letter is done! Best of luck with your submissions!
WORTH NOTING:
ALWAYS INCLUDE A SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) for their reply if using "snail" mail instead of E-mail.
If you’ve sent several chapters via "snail mail" (to save money on return postage), just enclose a regular letter size envelope (size 10) and you will only receive a rejection/acceptance letter back and they will recycle your proposal pages.
SEND OUT MULTIPLE QUERIES: Send out 5 to 10 queries at a time in order to maximize your novel’s exposure. Most editors don’t like multiple submissions (but this refers to partial or full manuscripts, not to query letters).
DON'T FEAR REJECTION LETTERS: If you receive a rejection letter, don’t be discouraged—every writer has received them; Lord knows I have a collection! Just remember if you stop submitting, you'll never have the opportunity to be accepted!
Above all else, keep writing, revising and believing in yourself and your work!
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