The dreaded query letter—the literary equivalent of a first date. A query letter is a shorter version of a book proposal: a letter an author sends to literary agents and publishers to convince them to publish their book. It’s a short and sweet crash course in what you have to offer. You get one shot to convince a publishing agent that your book has that something special they’ve been looking for, all in a single page. (No pressure, right?)
Don’t worry, we at HOPE Publishing House have the inside scoop on how to write a query letter that will get you that publishing deal. And it’s easier than you think! Highlight your book’s strengths, showcase your sparkling voice, and above all, be authentic. Here is our six step guide to writing the perfect query letter–top tips from our years in the industry included.
HOPE’s Six Steps to a Killer Query Letter:
Step 1: Set the Stage And Make a Memorable First Impression
You’ve got one shot to dazzle, so make it count! Start with a captivating hook that grabs the agent’s attention from the get-go. Think of it as the opening line of a novel, one that leaves them begging for more. This could be a quote from your book that highlights the central theme or ultimate benefit to the reader, a dramatic statement that identifies and laments the worldly problem your book addresses, or a gripping cliffhanger that pulls the reader into your world. And of course, don’t forget to include your book’s title, genre, and length.
Step 2: Introduce Yourself
You’re not just selling your book here–you’re selling your unique style and perspective. So tell the agent who you are! Give a brief introduction to your background and mention any credentials that give your perspective some weight. Then swiftly move on to the main event: your book.
HOPE Top Tip: If you have one, throw in a memorable fun fact about yourself that relates to your writing or the book itself. For example, as someone with ADHD whose personal development books often touch on the theme of overcoming limitations, I might include a flippant example of living with ADHD in my introduction. Something like: “Despite my own limitations (and I’m not sure I’ve ever put my keys down in the same place twice), this book is the sixth I’ve completed, and another testament to the efficacy of its central premise that our limits don’t define us.” Remember, publishing agents are wading through a sea of query letters. A little humor and witty self-awareness go a long way to making your letter memorable. Just make sure you keep this section brief!
Step 3: Pitch Your Book
The pitch is the meat and potatoes of your query letter. Here’s where you showcase your book’s brilliance in all its glory! Give a brief synopsis that highlights the heart of your story, the stakes, and what makes it stand out from the crowd. Think of it as a movie trailer—tease them with just enough to leave them hungry for more.
HOPE Top Tip: Highlight what makes your book stand out from its competitors. A little market research will do wonders here. If you can articulate some qualities of the “average” book in your genre and clearly state how your book tops the rest (or maybe even breaks the stereotype), you have an edge. Remember, an agent is looking for books that will sell. So tell them why a reader will pick up your book over the rest on the shelf.
Step 4: Make the Big Ask
This is the moment the letter has been building to–the “Would you like to see me again?” at the end of the first date. Don’t let the question go implied… ask the agent directly to consider your book for publication. Being direct keeps the letter focused and tight, showcasing your writing skills, and shows the agent that you are confident yet polite. Finally, wrap up your query letter with a gracious thank you for considering your submission. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way in showing your professionalism and respect for their time. And don’t forget to sign off with a warm farewell and your contact information. After all, you never know where this query might lead.
HOPE Top Tip: Do a little research about other publications from this agency and use this section to tell the agent why you are a good fit for each other. If they are a top publisher in your genre, tell them that you want to publish with an industry giant that shares your values. If they often publish books by authors with a shared trait to you, such as women or people of color, tell them that you want to publish with an agency that understands the importance of lifting up voices like yours. Show them that you know what they’re about, and that your book will uplift their mission and reputation as well as sell.
Step 5: Show Them the Goods
Finally, include an excerpt from your manuscript to give the agent a taste of your writing style and narrative voice. Choose a passage that best represents the essence of your book and leaves them eager to dive deeper into your world. You don’t have to work this into your letter; simply state that you have included samples and send them in the same envelope.
HOPE Top Tip: We recommend sending two chapters along. The agent isn’t required to read it all, of course, but if they do, two chapters will give them a solid sense of your message and style and how the book will unfold. Make sure that your choices showcase the best of your book!
Step 6: Proofread (And Then Proofread Again)
Before you hit send, triple-check your query letter for any typos, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing. You want to present yourself as a polished and professional writer, not someone who can’t tell their “there” from their “their.” You’re asking the agent to take a gamble on your writing skills, so clean them up and show them off. Trust me, it makes a difference.
So, there you have it, dear writers—a foolproof guide to writing a query letter that wows literary agents. Remember, crafting the perfect query is an art form—one that takes practice, patience, and a healthy dose of confidence. So, dust off your keyboard, summon your inner cheerleader, and go forth with gusto! After all, the literary world is waiting for your brilliance to shine.
Can’t wait to see your book on the shelf,
~ Lisa J.
PS. Still dreading the query letter? In HOPE Publishing House’s Publishing and Marketing Program, we publish your book for you, no query letter required. Find out more at https://hopepublishinghouse.com/get-published/