Seven Components of a Successful Query Letter

Queries Are Your Writer's Calling Card- Make Every Word Count!

Some editors and agents insist on having them, others might skip them, yet undeniably, the query letter marks your first impression, making it worth learning how to put your best foot forward with a polished opener.

There are as many ways to put together a query letter as there are writing styles. Regardless of how you structure your inquiry, or no matter whether it's for a fiction novel, a non-fiction book, or a proposed article on the "Joys of Barbados" for a travel magazine, professional queries contain similar components.

1) An attention getting opener. The opening sentence or paragraph to your query should immediately draw the reader in. Ask a question that begs answering, use a compelling statistic, an intriguing line from your story, a pertinent quote, or Editors and agents read hundreds of queries each month, your query needs to stand out from the crowd by offering a punch right from the start.

Note: It may go without saying, but the opening "punch" should be directly related to your topic.

2) A summary of the book. The title of the proposed book or article and a brief sentence or paragraph describing the heart of the idea for your book needs to be present. The entire query can build the premises for your piece, but you still need to give a summary of what the publisher reading the query may expect to see when you submit your proposal, manuscript, or article.

Note: While it's not 100% necessary to list the word count of your proposed book, it's generally a good idea as it gives the publisher an indication of whether they are looking at a slim handbook, novella, novel, filler article, or a bulky encyclopedia of information.