When you send out a query letter, it has approximately two seconds to grab an editor's or agent's attention before being relegated to the Round File. Forget trying to "trick" someone into noticing your query by using bright-purple stationery or flashy fonts—instead, give the editor exactly what he or she wants: a concise, well-written synopsis of your work that shows you've done your research, both into what an editor/agent wants, and what the public will want.
Many writers rush through the process of writing the query, thinking that the focus should be on their manuscript, not their introductory letter, but editors and agents do not have the time to evaluate manuscripts individually. Your query letter must be convincing on its own, both in its ideas and the quality of the writing. Any number of mistakes can get your query passed over, and although it may seem unfair to be judged on a one-page letter, that's the nature of the business.
A query letter is what a writer sends to an agent or a fiction editor in the hopes of having the entire manuscript requested. It is a one-page, self-contained introduction that says, in essence, I have a unique book (short story/poem) I'd like you to read. If you are intrigued by my query letter, I have enclosed a synopsis and sample chapters (or the short story/poems).
The concept is much the same for nonfiction books, except that the work does not have to be completed. The query letter is a polite introduction to your proposed nonfiction work, with the hope that the editor will be intrigued and request a proposal. I have outlined a book on home-schooling, and here is why I believe it will sell.
There is no magic formula to help sell your ideas. The most writers can do is to educate themselves on the art of the query—by keeping current on industry guidelines, studying successful query letters, heeding the advice of editors and agents, and through practice.
There are four necessary parts to a query letter, and it's up to you to decide how to effectively order them. Writers with impressive backgrounds, publishing credits, or expertise in their subject matter may choose to highlight their credentials first thing. An unpublished writer may choose to wow the editor with the premise of his story right up front. The important thing is to cover all the important points:
1) The "hook"
This is where you "hook" the editor or agent. Describe the general concept of your work, or use a personal tie-in to show you either have done your research or have a commonality with the agent or editor you're approaching. One or two lines should do.
In 1642 a volcano wiped out an entire village in Malaysia. This is the story of the two lone survivors.
Or: We met recently at the Oakdale Writer's Conference, where you mentioned that you were interested in Civil War material. My book, Civil War Tales, takes a brand-new look at the battle at Gettysburg.
At this early stage an agent will likely make the decision to read further based on genre alone. Make it clear what you are offering, and define your work in terms of genre and length and perhaps the reason you wrote the book (if there's an interesting story behind it).
My book falls into the women's fiction category and was inspired by a family member who struggled with bulimia.
Or: My book is a science fiction novel based on my experience in DNA research and is complete at 150,000 words.
2) The overview
This is where you describe the plot of your story. Keep it to one paragraph, and give just enough information to describe the general plot, the setting, central characters, the conflict, and the resolution. Be specific. Your plot paragraph should include the time frame of your novel as well as the location or setting.
This novel takes place in rural Georgia in the 1960s—a time of strife and racial tension.
Introduce your main characters, but leave the minor characters for your synopsis. At this point you want to avoid slowing the editor or agent down with any unnecessary information. Keep it interesting and keep it moving.
3) Your credentials
This is an easy task for previously published authors and experts but a daunting task for the unpublished writer. Whether you've got a string of best-sellers behind you or this is your first writing endeavor, make sure you come across as confident (but not arrogant). If your query letter is good, your lack of experience need not count against you.
Highlight any publishing credentials (no vanity presses!), writing experience, and education.
I've published numerous short stories in Literary Magazine and have a degree in journalism from Impressive College.
Or: This book is based on my findings while on an archaeological dig in Africa for Stanford University, where I currently teach archaeology.
If your background experience has no bearing on the subject, leave it out. However, if your writing credentials are not impressive, by all means highlight anything in your background that merits writing your book.
As a mother of a child with Down's syndrome, I feel uniquely qualified to write about the subject.
4) Thank you
In closing, be sure to thank the editor or agent for his or her time and offer to send sample chapters (if not enclosed) or the complete manuscript. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for convenience, and sit back and wait—or start working on your next submission.
Watch for a future post when we will tackle the issue of marketability when approaching editors and agents.