How To Write a Query Letter To Literary Agent: Your Comprehensive Guide

Landing a literary agent is a crucial step for any aspiring author. The query letter is your first impression, the handshake, the virtual first date. It’s the single document that can make or break your chances of getting your manuscript read. This guide will break down exactly how to write a query letter that grabs an agent’s attention and gets them clamoring for more.

The Anatomy of a Winning Query Letter

A well-crafted query letter is more than just a summary of your book. It’s a carefully constructed sales pitch, designed to highlight your novel’s strengths and your writing prowess. Let’s dissect the key components.

The Hook: Grabbing Their Attention from the Start

The opening paragraph is your most important real estate. You need to hook the agent immediately. Think of it as a logline for your book, but distilled. Don’t lead with clichés like “I’ve always dreamed of being a writer.” Instead, jump right into the compelling core of your story. Consider these examples:

  • “In a world where memories are currency, Elara, a struggling thief, discovers a forgotten trove that could rewrite history – or get her killed.”
  • “When a cryptic message arrives, promising a reunion with her long-lost sister, Sarah must navigate the treacherous underbelly of a city ruled by shadows and secrets.”

Your hook should be concise, intriguing, and hint at the central conflict or stakes of your story. Make them want to know more.

The Book’s Synopsis: Showing, Not Just Telling

After the hook, provide a concise and engaging synopsis of your book. Avoid simply listing plot points. Instead, focus on the core conflict, the main character’s goals, and the stakes involved. Show, don’t tell.

  • Focus on the Protagonist: Who is your main character, and what do they want?
  • Highlight the Conflict: What obstacles stand in their way?
  • Emphasize the Stakes: What are the consequences if they fail?
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for around 150-200 words.

The Comp Titles: Positioning Your Book in the Market

Literary agents need to know where your book fits in the current market. Comp titles (comparable titles) are essential. These are books that are similar to yours in terms of genre, audience, or style. Choose titles that have achieved recent success and are well-known. For example:

  • “My novel, The Obsidian Cipher, is a dark fantasy in the vein of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.”

Be specific and provide a brief explanation of why your book is comparable. This shows the agent you understand the market.

The “About You” Section: Demonstrating Your Professionalism

This section is where you briefly introduce yourself as an author. Highlight any relevant qualifications, such as:

  • Previous Publications: List any published short stories, articles, or other works.
  • Writing Awards: Mention any awards or accolades you’ve received.
  • Relevant Experience: If your book deals with a specific subject, mention any expertise you have in that area. For example, if you are writing a historical novel set in ancient Rome and have a history degree, this is worth mentioning.
  • Avoid overly personal information. Agents care about your writing, not your life story.

The Closing: Politeness and a Clear Call to Action

End your query with a polite closing, such as “Thank you for your time and consideration.” Then, provide a clear call to action. State that you’ve attached your manuscript and are eager to hear from them.

  • “I have attached the complete manuscript for your review and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time.”

Tailoring Your Query Letter: Research is Key

Sending a generic query letter to every agent is a recipe for rejection. Thorough research is crucial.

Researching Literary Agents: Finding the Right Fit

  • Identify Agents Who Represent Your Genre: Search online databases like AgentQuery or QueryTracker.
  • Read Agent Profiles: Learn about their interests, the types of books they represent, and their submission guidelines.
  • Check Their Recent Sales: See what books they’ve sold recently to get a sense of their taste and success.
  • Follow Their Guidelines: This is non-negotiable. Disregarding an agent’s submission guidelines is an instant rejection.

Personalizing Your Query: Showing You Care

  • Address the Agent by Name: Avoid generic greetings like “Dear Agent.”
  • Mention Something Specific About Their Interests: Refer to a book they’ve represented or a blog post they’ve written that resonates with your work.
  • Show That You’ve Done Your Homework: Demonstrating that you know who they are and what they’re looking for increases your chances of a positive response.

Polishing Your Query: Editing for Perfection

Even the best story can be undermined by poor grammar, typos, and a lack of polish.

Editing and Proofreading: The Devil is in the Details

  • Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Read your query letter multiple times, looking for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Use a Fresh Pair of Eyes: Ask a friend, family member, or writing group to review your query letter.
  • Read Your Query Out Loud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and sentences that don’t flow well.
  • Utilize Grammar and Spell Checkers: Make sure you use tools to assist in catching errors.

Formatting Your Query: Professional Presentation

  • Use a Standard Font: Times New Roman or Arial are safe choices.
  • Use a Readable Font Size: 12-point font is standard.
  • Double-Space Your Letter: This makes it easier to read.
  • Use Standard Margins: 1-inch margins are generally recommended.
  • Keep it Concise: Aim for one page, or no more than 300-400 words.

Avoiding Common Query Letter Mistakes

Certain mistakes are almost guaranteed to result in rejection.

The “Dear Sir/Madam” Syndrome

  • Never use a generic greeting. Always address the agent by name.

Talking About Your Book in a Vague Way

  • Don’t be too vague. Agents want to know the specifics of your story.

Over-Explaining

  • Don’t over-explain your story. Get to the point, providing a strong hook and then synopsis.

Sending Unsolicited Manuscripts

  • Always follow the agent’s submission guidelines.

Being Too Enthusiastic

  • Avoid excessive exclamation points and overly enthusiastic language. Maintain a professional tone.

Formatting the Query Letter: Basic Structure

Here’s a basic template you can adapt.

  • Your Contact Information: Your Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address
  • Date: (Date you’re sending the letter)
  • Agent’s Name: Agent’s Name, Agency Name, Agency Address
  • Salutation: Dear [Agent’s Name],
  • Paragraph 1: Hook
  • Paragraph 2: Synopsis
  • Paragraph 3: Comp Titles
  • Paragraph 4: About You
  • Paragraph 5: Closing
  • Closing: Sincerely, or Best Regards,
  • Your Name

What Happens After You Send Your Query?

The waiting game begins. Be patient, but also proactive.

Following Up: The Art of Patience

  • Respect the Agent’s Response Time: Check their website for their expected response time.
  • Follow Up Politely: If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable amount of time, you can send a polite follow-up email.
  • Don’t Hound the Agent: Don’t send multiple follow-up emails.

Rejection: It’s Part of the Process

  • Don’t Take Rejection Personally: It’s a common part of the process.
  • Analyze the Rejection: See if you can learn anything from the feedback.
  • Revise and Resubmit: If you believe in your book, revise your query letter and resubmit it to other agents.

FAQs About Query Letters

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further hone your query.

What should I do if the agent doesn’t represent my genre?

If an agent clearly states they don’t represent your genre, immediately move on to the next agent on your list. Don’t waste your time.

How important is the title of my manuscript?

The manuscript title is important, but the query letter content is far more critical. The agent will read your manuscript, so they can evaluate the title.

Should I include a chapter excerpt in my query?

Generally, no. However, some agents request a brief excerpt (usually the first five to ten pages) as part of their submission guidelines. Always follow the agent’s instructions.

Is it okay to query multiple agents at once?

Yes, it’s standard practice to query multiple agents simultaneously.

How do I know if an agent is legitimate?

Research the agency. Check their website, and search online for any complaints or red flags. Look for agents who are members of organizations like the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR), which have a code of ethics.

Conclusion

Writing a successful query letter is a skill that takes time and practice. By understanding the key components, researching agents thoroughly, and meticulously editing your work, you can significantly increase your chances of getting your manuscript read and securing representation. Remember that your query letter is your first chance to make a lasting impression. Craft it with care, and be persistent in your pursuit of literary success. Good luck!