Query letter
noun. The main character. The story’s beating heart. The one we follow, fret over, and occasionally yell at.
What’s a query letter?
A query letter is a short, professional letter you send to a literary agent or publisher to pitch your book. Think of it as a cover letter for your novel, to make someone want to read more. Fast.
It usually includes:
- A hook (what your story’s about, in one compelling sentence)
- A mini synopsis (what happens, who it happens to, and why it matters)
- Your credentials (writing bio, relevant experience)
- The basics (word count, genre, title, and whether it’s complete — hint: it should be)
If you’re writing fiction and hoping to publish traditionally, this is the letter that opens the door. Or doesn’t.
Why does the query letter matter?
Because it’s your first impression. Your 60-second audition. Your book’s shot at a “yes.”
Agents get hundreds of queries a month. A clear, compelling, well-structured query letter can mean the difference between requesting pages and moving on without blinking.
No pressure.
What makes a good query letter?
- Clarity. This isn’t the time to be mysterious. Say what your book is about. Clearly.
- Voice. Let your writing personality peek through, but keep it professional.
- Brevity. One page. Ideally, 250–400 words. You are not submitting a novella.
- Confidence (not ego). You don’t need to declare your book the next Fourth Wing. Just show that you know what you’re doing.
Common query letter mistakes to avoid
- Burying the hook under five paragraphs of backstory
- Comparing your book to mega bestsellers as if you already are one
- Being vague: “It’s a story of love, loss, and redemption.” (Okay…but what happens?)
- Forgetting the basic info: genre, word count, and that the manuscript is finished
Example query hook
Seventeen-year-old Mara can steal memories with a touch, but when she accidentally erases a prince’s past, she must help him remember who he is before a vengeful queen uses the gap in his mind to rewrite the kingdom’s future.
Complete at 82,000 words, The Memory Thief is a YA fantasy with romantic stakes, magical secrets, and a twisty plot perfect for fans of Holly Black and Margaret Rogerson.
(That’s the vibe. Yours will be about your book. But you get the idea.)
