Leery to Query?
10 Basic Tips to feel confident in your submission
I first want to congratulate you on being ready to look for a literary agent. That’s exciting! I want you to pause and pat yourself on the back, do a happy dance, grab an extra serving of dessert and for my 21-year-old authors out there, go get a glass of wine (cheers to you!) and celebrate that you’re ready to pitch your work. Hooray! But now it’s time for the dreaded query letter. A query letter is a requirement for literary agents in order to see if your book is something they would be interested in before going on to hopefully request a full manuscript. For nonfiction, a query might lead to a request for a book proposal. A lot rides on this simple letter, but don’t let it intimidate you.
Tip #1: I like to encourage writers before they even start typing their query letter to read book descriptions that are similar to your project. It could be searching the type of genre that fits your manuscript on Amazon, going to your stash of books and reading their cover jackets, or going to a bookstore/library to get lost in reviewing what each book is about. You might wonder why, but hear me out. Do you notice a similarity between a query letter and book description? They’re both brief summaries of the storyline, they must hook the reader in, making them want to read more resulting in the purchase of the book. It’s all in the formula of summarizing. The more you study up the better your own query will be.
Tip #2: Query letters should be brief and three paragraphs long. Start with a hook, then a brief storyline summary and end it with your author bio and closing statement. Remember you want to make your query as compelling as possible. It’s important to include your book’s title, genre, and the word count.
Tip #3: Follow query guidelines. Every agency and agent has different instructions on how they would like to receive submissions. Not doing so could make them pass.
Tip #4: Please do not and I repeat DO NOT say you’re the next New York Times bestselling author or your book is going to sell millions or start naming actors that could play the lead roles when it hits movie theaters. Yes, this actually happens! I love the enthusiasm, but when it comes to pitching, this is actually a turn off to many agents. Instead, share that your novel would appeal to fans of Danielle Steel, for example. Have them see who the readers would be for your book.
Tip #5: When copying and pasting your query letter, don’t use a generic greeting like DEAR AGENT. Always include the agent’s full name. Add personal touches, such as a sentence or two as to why you picked this certain agency/agent. They like it when you’ve done your research and know what kinds of books they have represented and maybe personal things they have told about themselves.
Tip #6: For nonfiction, it is so important to mention your platform as this is what both agents and publishers are looking for. If you have a hefty following on social media, if you have a blog, a YouTube channel, etc., that goes a long way. While this is vital to include, do so only if it’s a strong media presence. If you are not at this point, then maybe consider taking some time to build your audience before pitching.
Tip #7: Keep your query letter one page at around 300 words. If it’s too long, it may ruin your chances of having an agent consider your work.
Tip #8: It’s important to see query letter examples and study the layout. There are many resources that share actual queries that have gone on to representation. A great site to go to is Writer’s Digest. (https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/successful-query-letters) You can also look for services that offer query letter critiques.
Tip #9: Don’t forget to proofread your query letter to make sure it is free of errors, misspelled words or names, and that your grammar is correct, etc. Have another person read your pitch as having a second pair of eyes can often catch something you might have missed. Friends and family members are the best critics.
Tip #10: Breathe. I know pitching can cause tons of anxiety, but let the “what if’s” go and click that SEND button. You got this - remember that.