Jamie Said:

Writing a query letter to a literary agent?

We Answered:

No, no, no. The book must be finished. Any other advice is wrong.

Karen Said:

Books on writing a query letter.?

We Answered:

The Writer's Digest to Query Letters sounds good.
http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Digest-Gui…

There are lots on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url…

Heidi Said:

Tips on writing a query letter?

We Answered:

http://www.fonerbooks.com/query.htm
http://www.charlottedillon.com/query.htm…

Those are the links I used to write my query letter. I think the best way to make sure it sounds good is have more than one person proofread it before you send it in.

Velma Said:

Writing a query letter and a synopsis?

We Answered:

A query letter not only has to sell your book but you as an author as well. The first paragraph should include the title of your book, the genre and exact word length. After that you include a very short and sweet mini paragraph on your book. The next paragraph needs to focus just on you the author, listing all your credentials and how you plan on selling your book. Most agents/publishing houses today want to know what kind of marketing plan the author has, they want to know you're dedicated to selling that book. A synopsis is tricky, you need to research each agency/publishing house to find out how long they want the synopsis to be. Most you will find don't want more than two pages. How exactly do you cram 400 pages into 2? It's not easy. Focus just on your two characters. No side plots, no supporting characters. Include every massive plot twist and ALWAYS give the end. Make sure it flows as well, this is the example of your writing that's going to make them want to read the sample chapters they've asked for, if they do. Most agencies want three sample chapters or 50 pages. Publishing houses, if you can find one that will accept submissions without agents, just want the query and synopsis. Make sure you research and customize each submission to the guidelines of who you're trying to 'sell' your book to. Good Luck! If you have any other questions you can feel free to email me. Sarah

Mark Said:

Advice on writing a query letter to prospective litterary agent?

We Answered:

Keep it short
Don't say anything that is unnecessary.
DON'T misspell anything.
Right at the beginning, hook them. Tell why your work is unique and interesting.
I've read a lot about how to write a query, and the information I trust the most is in a book called "Your First Novel".
There is also a website--www.agentquery.com---that has some advice.

Good Luck,
James