Pitching an Agent: Query Letter Perfection

Article Details: How to create a spot-on query letter for a literary agent in ten easy steps

2022-12-31

A query letter is a one-page letter sent to literary agents in an effort to get them interested in reading your book. The key to a successful query letter is to be brief, professional, and to the point. Here are ten easy steps to creating a successful query letter:

1. Do your research. Before you even start writing your query letter, make sure you do your research and target a specific list of agents that you think would be a good fit for your book.

2. Keep it brief. A query letter should only be one page, so make sure you get to the point quickly and don’t include any unnecessary information.

3. Start with a hook. The first sentence of your query letter should be a hook that will grab the agent’s attention and make them want to keep reading.

4. Introduce your book. After the hook, briefly introduce your book and give a brief summary of the plot. Create a comp or mash up of books, or movies from the last 3-5 years that reflect similarities of where your book would be placed between in a book store.

5. Explain why you wrote the book. In a few sentences, explain why you wrote the book and what you hope to achieve with it.

6. Highlight your credentials. If you have any writing credentials or awards, make sure to mention them in your query letter.

7. Compare your book to others. If you can, compare your book to other successful books in your genre to give the agent an idea of what your book is like.

8. Include a brief bio. Include a brief bio that mentions your writing experience and any other relevant information.

9. End with a call to action. End your query letter with a call to action, such as asking the agent to request pages or even a full manuscript.

10. Follow up. After you’ve sent your query letter, make sure to follow up with the agent to ensure they received it and to thank them for their time.