Steps for Writing a Query Letter

A query letter functions as a one-page, well-written business or cover letter that is as varied as the authors who write the letters. "The job of a query letter," states author Stephen Blake Mettee, "is to convince an editor to ask to see a full book proposal or to assign an article to you." Look for an appropriate publisher or agent who represents writers in the same genre or category as your work. A query letter ideally has three to five paragraphs depending on the length of the finished work. The editor or agent will contact you with an offer if interested in the proposal.

Hook

Grab the editor's attention with a solid hook. A hook is a succinct sentence about the article or book queried. It is an advertisement whose objective serves to hook the editor or agent's interest and reel him in. Different approaches include an informative hook that imparts data or facts, a colorful anecdote that uses a personal approach and an attention grabber that causes the recipient to take notice and hanker for more. The hook must intrigue the editor or agent's interest or he may move on. Avoid personal introductions and refrain from stating that you are a new writer.

Pitch

Work on a pitch that includes a working title, genre and word count that fits within a publisher's guidelines. State how the article or book differs from similar subjects already on the market. Make clear what is being offered. "Editors want concepts narrowed down to their lowest common denominator," according to John Wood, author of "How To Write Attention Grabbing Query & Cover Letters."

Body

The body of the query presents specific details about the manuscript or article. This "synopsis" represents what a reader could find printed on the inner jacket of a book. Again, start with a hook, and then provide information about the main character. Detail some of her more central struggles or conflicts and the outcome. Follow a similar style for nonfiction. Relay who or what the work pertains to and its end result.

Credentials

Construct a concise bio at the end of the query letter. Validate that you are the author to write the article or book. Keep this paragraph short and don't stray off topic. Take into account professional and personal experience related to the topic and any academic degree. Add writing experiences or published works.

Close

Close the letter by thanking the editor or agent for reviewing the proposal and for his time and consideration. For a book proposal query, state that an outline, table of contents, bibliography and sample chapters are included for review. Look at individual magazine, publisher or agent's requirements for extras that need inclusion.

Format

Query letters maintain a universal format with writer's name, address, phone and fax number and email address placed in the upper right corner of the letter. Writers must address a specific editor or agent. Type single space using 12-point font with everything aligned along the left margin. Review the query letter for spelling and grammar.

References

• "The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines: A Compilation for Freelancers from More Than 1,300 Magazine Editors and Book Publishers"; Stephen Blake Mettee; 1998
• "How to Write Attention Grabbing Query & Cover Letters"; John Wood; 2000
• "How to Write Irresistible Query Letters"; Lisa Collier Cool; 2002

Resources

• "Guide to Grammar and Style": Resources for Writers and Writing Instructors
• Literary Liasons: Writer's Resources
• Poe War Writing Career Center: The Beginner's Guide to Freelance Writing
• Writer's Digest: Successful Query Letters