How to Write a Query Letter for a Novel Manuscript
Writing a novel is extremely difficult, but it’s also a very rewarding and emotional process. Congratulations to you for finishing! Now that you’re done, and the manuscript has been edited and polished, you’re probably considering approaching literary agents. This is another extremely difficult process…and it typically starts with a query letter.
Most agencies do not accept unsolicited materials. The query letter allows you to introduce yourself to the agent, pitch the idea of your novel and make that agent want to read more. The hard part is fitting all of this into one page and making it interesting and informative. There are a few different parts of a query letter that are important.
Introduction
Remember that literary agents receive tons of query letters each day. It’s important to make your own stand out from the crowd. You have to hook the agent with the first few sentences of the query letter the same way you have to hook the readers with the first few paragraphs of your novel. Tell the agent why you’re writing, why you feel the novel is a good fit for their agency, and what the word count is. It might look something like this…
Dear Ms. Agent, (Remember to include the agent’s actual name. Don’t leave the introduction generic – show that you’ve researched and are willing to take the time to address each individual agent.)
My name is Vulnerable Writer and I’m writing today to tell you about my completed manuscript, ‘Great American Novel.’ It’s a fiction/drama and weighs in at 90,000 words.
Now, you’ve managed to introduce yourself and your novel in just a few sentences, which is great. Use the least amount of words possible to get an idea across, because agents are busy and you want them to continue reading rather than tossing the query letter into the trash!
Summary of the Novel
Next, you want to include a short summary of the novel that will pique the agent’s interest and get him or her excited about reading the full manuscript. This is very important if the agent’s going to ask for sample chapters or the whole manuscript. Think about the summary for a while, write and rewrite it until it’s perfect, and then have a few friends read it. It should be no more than a paragraph or two, and include the most important elements of the story. It might look something like this…
Megan is an ordinary girl who wakes up one day to find that her whole life has been one big lie…literally. She discovered it when she found the papers in her mother’s drawer. Her identity is false. To make matter’s worse, the guy she’s been in love with for the past two years lets her know in no uncertain terms – and in public – that he doesn’t share her affection. Megan’s brother, who is not really her brother, is the only one she can count on. Together, they embark on a journey to discover who Megan really is…and the truth shocks her to the very core.
Once you have the summary polished, you’re ready to move on to the next section.
Short Bio
In this part of the query letter, you’ll want to include some details about yourself. You don’t want to make this part boring, so include only information that the agent should know. For instance, if you’ve been published in the past or if you’re a new writer, the information should be in the query. Any relevant education, credentials or groups that you’re a member of might also be great information to include.
Example:
This is my first fiction novel and I’m excited to share it with you. I’ve researched your agency and feel that you’re the agent who can find my book a home. I am a member of the Fiction Writer’s Group and possess a degree in journalism from University.
With this part out of the way, you can include any research, statistics, facts or information that you’ve gathered about your novel’s genre. You might include what books are currently on the market that are similar to your book, but also how your book is different and stands out. Your agent is going to want to know where the book belongs in the store, and what the chances of success with the book are, so include what you know.
Example:
I feel that my book is similar to the wildly popular ‘Amazing Book,’ in regards to potential fan base and the human struggles within the book. However, ‘Great American Novel’ is also different in that the characters are more defined and individualized. In a survey where I asked 200 readers of similar genres to look at a summary of the book online and tell me whether they would be willing to purchase the book, 95% said they would be willing to pay the price to read the book.
Closing
The hard part of the query letter is over and now it’s important to close it properly. Simply thank the agent for taking the time to read the query and let them know that you hope to hear from them soon. It’s that easy.
Example:
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this query and I would love to send you some sample chapters or the full manuscript if you’re interested. I hope to hear from you soon and am excited at the possibilities of working with you to bring ‘Great American Novel’ to other readers.
Sincerely,
Vulnerable Writer
Don’t forget to include all of your contact details so that the agent can get in touch with you if he or she wants to request sample chapters or the full manuscript. If you’re sending the query through e-mail, you need to paste the query into the body of the e-mail. Most agents will not open attachments unless they specifically request them.
Other Tips for Writing a Query Letter
- You shouldn’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in the query letter. If your book is a comedy and you’re naturally a humorous person, a little light humor couldn’t hurt. However, it’s important to remember that the query letter should be professional and you shouldn’t speak in the letter as if you’re familiar with the agent.
- Once you’ve sent the query letter, there is nothing to do but wait…or craft query letters for other agents. Do not call or e-mail the agent asking about the query letter. You can be sure that real literary agents will review all query letters and if they’re interested, they will get back to you.
- Proofread the query letter before sending it. The last thing you want is for an agent to notice misspelled words or grammatical errors in the query letter…they will be dreading the book and the mistakes that must be present in it. If needed, have a friend read it or hire professionals to proofread it for you.
Getting Rejected
It’s inevitable. Most wildly famous and successful writers have received at least one rejection. So, what do you do when you get rejected? Politely thank the agent for their time and send out two more query letters. Eventually, if you’re persistent and your work is good enough, you’ll make it! Good luck.
Photo Courtesy of RichardDooling.com.
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