The 6 Basics In Your Successful Query Letter

You did it, you’ve written your book. First of all, congratulations! Hopefully we will see it on store shelves very soon. The path to getting your book published can be daunting, and one of the key steps is mastering the art of the query letter. This letter is your introduction to literary agents and publishers, offering a snapshot of your book and a taste of your writing style. Your query letter is the key that can open the door to your publishing dreams. 

In this article, we will explore five basic elements of a successful query letter that’ll give you the best chance of getting that book published.

1. Your Hook

A good hook is your ticket to making sure the agent genuinely gives you a fair chance. Your hook should spark interest and make the reader want to know more. Highlight what it is that sets your book apart from others in its genre. 

You can start with a bold statement like, “In a world where dreams are currency, one girl's nightmares could bankrupt the entire city." Or you could go with a compelling question like, “What would you do if you discovered your family’s dark secret could change the course of history?"

Whatever you decide to go with, make sure you are painting a picture of what it is that makes your book unique. What is it that will make this story sell?

2. Your book overview

The book overview is where you summarize your manuscript. It’s an engaging snapshot of your story stating the book’s genre and target audience, your key plot points and your main characters. This section gives agents a strong sense of what your book is about and why it’s worth reading.

• Start with the title of your book, its genre, and the word count. This gives the agent immediate context about your manuscript
  Example: “My novel, Shadow of the Phoenix, is a 90,000-word fantasy adventure.”

• Now summarize the main plot points of your book in one or two paragraphs, focusing on the key events that drive the story forward.
  Example: “When a young blacksmith discovers she is the last heir to a lost kingdom, she must master her newfound magical abilities and lead a rebellion against a tyrannical warlord.” 

• Give an overview of your protagonist and main characters. Highlight their goals, motivations, and the challenges they face.
  Example: “Elara, the protagonist, is a determined and resourceful blacksmith who must navigate a world of magic and politics to claim her birthright. Alongside her are Aiden, a rogue with a hidden past, and Liora, a warrior with a fierce loyalty to the rightful heir.”

• Mention the setting if it plays a significant role in your story. 

• Include any unique elements or themes that set your book apart. This could be an unusual narrative structure, a distinctive voice, or a fresh take on a familiar genre.
  Example: “Shadow of the Phoenix combines fast-paced action with intricate world-building and a strong, female-led narrative, appealing to fans of both traditional fantasy and modern, character-driven tales.”

3. Your Author Bio

The author bio is your opportunity to introduce yourself and highlight your qualifications as a writer. If you’re a new author, focus on your relevant experiences, your passion for writing, and any involvement in the writing community.  Highlight any experiences related to your book’s subject, setting, or themes. Mention any relevant education, such as degrees in English, Creative Writing, or related fields. Include a brief personal detail that reflects your personality or interests.

Example: “I hold a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Michigan, which fueled my passion for writing historical fiction. My love for storytelling led me to complete several online writing courses and attend local writing workshops. As a freelance journalist, I have honed my research and writing skills, which I bring to my fiction. I am an active member of the Boston Writers’ Group, where I regularly share and critique works with fellow writers. When I’m not writing, I enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail and exploring historical sites.”

4. Personalization

Personalization shows that you’ve researched the agent and thoughtfully considered why they would be a good fit for your manuscript. It’ll give you a great chance of making a positive impression. 

• Always address the agent by their name and double-check the spelling and ensure you’re using the correct title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) Mention why you chose to query this particular agent by referencing specific books they’ve represented, interviews they’ve given, or blog posts they’ve written that align with your work.

• Highlight how your book aligns with the genres, themes, or styles they are looking for, and definitely mention if they have a particular interest in the type of story you are presenting. 

Example: “Dear Ms. Smith, I am querying you because of your interest in strong, female-led fantasy novels, as indicated in your interview with Writer’s Digest. I greatly enjoyed The Dragon’s Heir, which you represented, and I believe my book, Shadow of the Phoenix, would appeal to a similar audience. Given your enthusiasm for high-stakes fantasy with intricate world-building, I believe my novel would be a perfect match for your list.”

5. Add Comparison Titles (Comp Titles)

Comparison titles, or comp titles, are recently published books that are similar to your manuscript in theme, tone, style, or genre. Including comp titles in your query letter helps agents understand the potential market for your book and where it fits within the literary landscape. 

These titles show agents that your book has a potential audience and fits within an existing market and that similar books have been successful, suggesting that your book might also do well.

Choose books published within the last 2-3 years, ensuring relevance to the current market. Pick books that share key themes, settings, or genres with your manuscript. 

Example: “Shadow of the Phoenix will appeal to readers who enjoyed The Dragon’s Heir by Jane Smith, a fast-paced fantasy with strong female protagonists and intricate world-building. Additionally, fans of The Fire Queen by John Doe, which blends political intrigue with magical elements, will find a similar blend of action and mysticism in my story.”

6. Your Professional Conclusion

The closing of your query letter is your final opportunity to leave a positive impression on the agent. It should be courteous, professional, and encourage further communication. 

Thank the agent for their time and consideration and indicate that you are open to providing additional materials, such as the full manuscript, a synopsis, or sample chapters. Provide your email address and phone number. Use a professional and polite sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name.

Example: “Thank you for considering my query and taking the time to read about Shadow of the Phoenix. I would be happy to provide the full manuscript or any additional materials upon request. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my work with you. You can reach me at [your email address] or [your phone number]. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]”

By carefully crafting each part of your query letter and making sure you have these six basic elements, you demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail, and passion for your work. A successful query letter is your first step towards securing a literary agent and ultimately, achieving your bestseller dreams. Good luck!