If you’re interested in traditional book publishing, you’ll likely need a literary agent. And to get a literary agent, you need a query letter. (Check out my tips on finding a literary agent in a previous article.)  

As promised, the long-awaited-how-to-write-a-query-letter post.

I am by no means and expert. But I have been in the querying trenches lately, studying the facets of a strong query letter, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned.

There are a lot of resources out there to help writers with the dreaded query letter. Often a painful process – how am I supposed to pitch my novel in less than 350 words? – it doesn’t have to end in tears.

Though to be clear, mine has, many times.

After all, it is a daunting task wedged into a tiny space limit. It has to be well-edited to include only the most necessary information. As with cover letters on job applications, the goal isn’t to tell the person all about you, or in this case all about your book. The goal is to prompt the person to ask you for more. Easier said than done.

I like to start by thinking about content basics. Janet Reid has a great post on Writer’s Digest about this. Think about who your main character is, what the inciting incident is, and what choice the character must make. Also think about stakes.

In addition to that advice, the internet is you friend with many wonderful resources. Here are my top three:

1. Nathan Bransford’s Query Letter Template

I’m a big fan of Nathan Brandsford’s approach. As a published author and former literary agent, he suggests that you start by identifying the important elements of your story. Think: protagonist, villain, setting, protagonist quest. Then he has a template, which of course you’ll tweak, but it will help you get started.

2. QueryShark

Janet Reid, an agent at New Leaf Literary, has an amazing and sometimes scary blog where she critiques query letters. I say scary because she is brutally honest about what works and what doesn’t.

If you submit your letter for feedback, be prepared for solid advice backed by years of experience wrapped in sardonic NYC charm. Also be prepared for her to forego reviewing your query letter if you obviously stray from one of her earlier suggestions. The site contains an archive of reviewed query letters. Browse away. And submit, at your own risk.

3. Nelson Literary Blog

Nelson Literary Agency represents one of my favorite authors of all time. Yes, Marie Lu, I’m talking about you. So, of course, they know a thing or two about spotting an up-and-coming author. The agency has a whole section dedicated to successful query letters. Skim through the sidebar to the “Agent Kristin’s Queries: An Inside Look” dropdown. Then click away to see example letters from clients who landed Kristin as their agent.

There they are, the resources I’ve been using to guide my query letter. I’m sure there are many others out there, so feel free to share them in the comments below. What has helped you craft a strong query letter?

Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash