Query Letter Fundamentals

One of the most valuable skills a writer can have is knowing how to write a query letter.

In the case of traditional publishing, you’ll need a query letter to entice an agent or publisher. But even in the case of an indie/self-publishing author, it’s important to be able to narrow down the elements of your story into a longer pitch, which you can then use to create your back cover blurb and marketing tools.

What are the key elements of a query letter?

First and foremost, keep it to one page. Query letters are typically 250-400 words, and summarize your novel while hooking the agent/editor/reader.

But what do you put in it?

Introduction—how did you find this agent/editor and why choose them? Personalize it!

Word count, genre, and comps. This helps industry professionals decide where your book would go on a bookshelf in a bookstore (physically or virtually). Pro tip: if you have great comps—use them here! If they’re just “ok”, put them after your character, plot, and stakes. You can also show why you used those comps (ie “the dystopian setting of The Hunger Games meets the swapping twins trope of Sisters of the Snake.”)

Character, plot, and stakes.

Character: who is your main character and what do they want?

Plot: How are they going to go about getting what they want? (This is the basic story—what happens externally.)

Stakes: What will happen if they don’t get what they want? (This can be both internal and external, but the internal part is where you’re going to hook your reader in emotionally.)

Bio: Who are you? What writing credits, if any, do you have? It’s okay if you have none.

End with a simple “Thank you for your consideration,” and be sure to include where to reach you!

Obviously, in a back cover blurb, you won’t include, introduction, genre, age, word count, or conclusion.

What are your questions about query letters/back cover blurbs? Feel free to post in the comments for light feedback. You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, and my website.