The Query Letter

A query letter is a crucial introductory tool used to present yourself and your story to an editor or agent before submitting a full manuscript. While specific formatting may vary slightly by recipient, the general structure and essential elements are as follows:

General Structure of a Query Letter

• The Hook: A brief, compelling introduction to your story that captures the reader’s interest immediately.

• The Synopsis/Blurb: A short summary of your project, including the genre, target audience (age group), and a clear description of the plot or main concept.

• Author Bio: A professional introduction of yourself, highlighting any relevant writing experience, awards, or your background as it relates to the story.

• The Pitch: For specific projects like anthologies, this includes solid reasons why your proposal fits that particular publisher’s needs.

• Closing: A professional sign-off, often including a mention of any enclosed materials (like sample pages) if requested by the submission guidelines.

Essential Formatting Elements

• Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and email should be clearly listed.

• Metadata: For many submissions, you should include the word count (typically in the upper right corner for full manuscripts, but often mentioned in the query) and the specific genre or category (e.g., picture book, middle grade, YA).

• Targeting: You must state why you are submitting to that specific editor or agent, showing that you have researched their list and understand their needs.

• Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE): If submitting via physical mail, you must always include an SASE for a response or for the return of your materials.

Genre-Specific Requirements

• Picture Books: Queries for picture books often include the entire manuscript since they are short, whereas longer works only include a query and perhaps a few sample chapters.

• Chapter Books/Novels: These typically require a query first, sometimes accompanied by a synopsis and the first pages as specified by the agency’s guidelines.

• Nonfiction: Proposals for nonfiction or information books often require an outline and sample chapters in addition to the query letter.

Crucial Note

Always check the specific submission guidelines on the website of the publisher or agent you are contacting, as many now use specialized online portals (like Submittable or QueryManager) with their own required fields and formats.