I’m not quite sure that I can slay query letters, but I did work on one this past weekend in preparation for the 2010 SCBWI Florida Mid-Year Workshop.
I wrote a query letter for my first novel, a middle-grade ghost story. After some tweaking, I started to get requests for partials, fulls, and ultimately an agent offer.
I’m sort of glad that I’m now working on a query letter for my YA paranormal because when I’m done I will need one for my new agent search. I hope to get some good feedback at the conference this weekend.
When I write query letters, I tend to go short and sweet. Direct to the point. I use the following 3-paragraph strategy:
Paragraph 1 – The Paragraph Pitch
I try to write my query letter with the same type of voice as the novel. For my middle-grade, it was a humorous “snarky” tone. For my YA, I’m taking more of the mysterious “hmm…” tone. I introduce my main character, the story goal, and the main obstacle. For me, this is the hardest paragraph to write.
Paragraph 2 – The Novel Specifications
I put the title, word-count, and the genre. I might even put in a one-sentence pitch to further describe the novel. I have writer friends who put what novels are similar or maybe even the pitch-twist — for instance my book would be a twist of “That’s So Raven Meets LOST.” But for me, I just stick to the details of my novel. I don’t use comparisons.
Paragraph 3 – The Closing Ceremony
This is usually my shortest paragraph in my query. I state my writer organization memberships and conferences I’ve attended (especially if I had to apply to be accepted). I’m still wondering about mentioning the blog. But from what I understand, agents/editors do Google so my blog would be easy to find. After those details, I thank the agent/editor for their time.
I still believe the voice and the pitch of your novel is the most important thing to work on in a query letter. Especially if the query letter is the only thing that the agent/editor sees. You have to make it intriguing and unique. Most importantly, you want it to have that “spark” so that the agent/editor will request your material.
I found some really great resources on the Write It Sideways blog, 15 Resources for a Better Query Letter, chop full of links and helpful sites
So how about you guys? Are any of you working on query letters? What have you found that works or doesn’t work? Have you found success with your query letters?
Query Letter Slayer
June 2, 2010 Read Comments
Great info. I also usually like to include something in there that informs them that I know who I’m querying. If it is an agent I mention a book they have represented.
I read successful query letters on agent blogs and GLA. I write at least 20 versions – some similar in wordings. Hopefully, the next one I write will be a little bit easier! Good luck on the agent search!
I tend to write my query before I write the book. Then, I only have the “pitch” in mind. I fiddle with it continously as I write, so I’ll have a version I’m happy with by the time I am done. :]
I agree with Jeannine: if the agent represents an author I love, I would mention a book of theirs.
Good luck with your query!
Jeannine and Sandy: Yes, putting in specific info about the editor or agent is a great indicator to them that you are querying to them and not just to some random list.
Laura: I just found out about some of these blogs and I’m learning so much from those queries. And yes, it takes me several revisions too. It’s funny how just changing a few words or the order of words can make a query shine.
I can’t wait to see what kind of feedback I get from the conference. Should be good guys!
Hey Karen, really useful advice backed by experience – a informative and useful post. Thanks for sharing and well-done.
I’ve read some great advice on query letter lately. Nathan Bransford has a wealth of information on them, so does Donald Maass. Both great blogs to check out.