Suzanne Said:

How do you write a query letter to a literary agent?

We Answered:

Go here:
http://www.carolynjewel.com/craft/querys…

Clifford Said:

Help! Totally clueless!! How do you write a good query letter to a literary agent?

We Answered:

A query letter is a 1-page attention grabber that gives busy agents enough information about you and your project to tickle their interest without boring them with details. These people are constantly shuffling hundreds of pages of manuscripts, letters, and faxes, and the last thing they have time for is some unsolicited bore. Keep it short and to the point, and use the following structure.

1. The Teaser: In the first paragraph, toss out a teaser. Come up with a first sentence that really grabs the agent's attention. If you're a former astronaut or a Harvard lawyer, throw it at them. But you don't need to be incredible to survive this beauty pageant - what you really need is a nice fit between who you are and what the book you've written is about. For example, "I have been a school janitor for 30 years and I propose to write a book about all the incredible things I have found in kids' lockers." Now, there's nothing unbelievable about that combination, but there must be a compelling fit between who you are and what you intend to write.

2. Expanding the Idea: Next, write 3 or 4 sentences about what you will write, and if you have a great example of an anecdote that exemplifies your idea, be sure to include it. Rather than lamenting the constraint of having only a paragraph to make your pitch, celebrate the fact that you can show off your best stuff.

3. All About You: The third paragraph should contain more information about yourself. Provide another 3 or 4 sentences describing relevant facts that demonstrate the connection between you and your idea. If that means flexing your academic credentials, be sure to do so, but only if those accolades are relevant to your idea. Perhaps your idea requires you to demonstrate that you are a dirtbag. Fine - the cardinal rule is to show that you have a good idea for a book, and that you are the perfect person to write it.

4. The Closer: In the final paragraph, mention that you will show your proposal to only one agent at a time - agents don't like having to worry that someone else is going to snatch their prize. Mention why you have decided to send it to them, perhaps alluding to having seen their credentials in the directory of agents. Finally, be sure to tell them how to get in touch with you with a phone number, address, and email information. Remember, this query letter should be an appetite-wetting morsel. Do not exceed 1 page or you can kiss the agents' attention goodbye. Keep it short and make it a tease. Check out this sample query letter

Cory Said:

How do I write a Query letter to a literary agent?

We Answered:

Securing representation for your book is a step in the right direction.

Start by determining what genres best categorize your book. Some of the major genres for fiction are: action/adventure, detective/police/crime, erotica, ethnic, fantasy, historical, horror, humor, juvenile, literary, mainstream/contemporary, military/war, mystery/suspense, occult, poetry, regional, religious/inspirational, romance, science fiction, short-story collections, spiritual, sports, thriller, western/frontier, women's, and young adult.

Next, find agents that specialize in your book's genre. For your financial safety, only consider agents that are a members of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) or that abide by their high standards. Any agent wanting money up front or in fees is not someone you want representing your book. A list of professional agents can be found at the AAR's website: http://www.aar-online.org
Just click the "database of agents" and begin narrowing your results. You want to find agents accepting unsolicited queries that match your genre. Note, some agents want actual paper submissions, while others prefer email. If you mail it out, be sure to include an extra self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) if you want an answer back.

Your query letter should be one page in length, with two to three paragraphs. The first paragraph should include a synopsis of your book and the word count. Make that first line your best and capture the agent's attention with everything you've got. The second paragraph should include a brief bio and why you were qualified to write your book. In otherwords, what sets you and your book apart from the thousands like it. BUT, don't make promises or comparisons you can't back up. Stick with literary awards you've won, writing conferences you've attended, and things relevent to your book.

In the last paragraph, mention where you found the agent's listing and explain why you queried him in particular. (This makes your query seem personal and not just another form letter with only the agent's name changed). In the final line, thank the agent for his/her time and consideration and say you are ready to send part or all of your manuscript if desired.

Understand, unless you are extremely fortunate, it will take between 50 and 100 submissions before you start getting a few responses that are favorable. Do not give up. Believe in your story and yourself, and know that if your are patient and hardworking, you will succeed!


Shape-Shifter

Jean Said:

Is it necessary to write a synopsis for your novel when querying literary agents?

We Answered:

Yes...usually.

Chris Said:

How do I write a query letter to a literary agent?

We Answered:

Assuming you've identified agents who have sold books something like yours in the last few years, and have checked them out as legitimate...

The basics you must include are the book's title, its genre, its word count, a one- to two-paragraph overview of the story (which need not include the ending), your qualifications to write it, if any, previous publications or writing awards, if any, and the reason you are sending your query to this particular agent.

Some writers try to have a hook at the opening to grab the agent's attention. Most try to have the letter either coolly professional or matching the novel's less formal tone. (You wouldn't write a funny query for a thriller, of course.)

You do not use any gimmicks or attention grabbers like enclosures the agent didn't ask for, scent, colored ink or paper, or any sort of special delivery. Your research, of course, has told you whether each agent prefers a mailed query or an emailed one, and what it should include.

There's an art to it, and many writers (me among them) find queries harder than novels.

Melissa Said:

How do you think literary agents will perceive this query letter?

We Answered:

If it's just a query, it only needs to be one paragraph. They're not looking to see how in depth your story is, or how well you can write at this point. It's literally to see if you have the right genre for them, and it's something they'd be happy to represent.