Whats a query letter?
Due to time restraints and huge slushpiles, often editors and agents request that you send them a query letter that tells them what your book is about. This letter is called a query letter because you’re querying (asking) the agent/editor if they would like to see your book. If the query letter hooks their interest, they will request a partial or full copy of your manuscript. A query letter should always include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). It also should fit on a single page and provide a ‘teaser’ of your book, without sounding like a synopsis. The query letter should capture the spirit and tone of your book and characters through language choices and apt description. Other resources, including a sampling of good and bad query letters: www.underdown.org/covlettr.htm www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubquery.htm How to Write Irresistible Query Letters – Lisa Collier Cool An excellent article from AgentQuery.com on how to query agents: http://www.agentquery.com/format_tips.
