Creating a Query Letter

I get a lot of questions about Query Letters. Some want to know how to submit them, how to formate them or who to send them to. Not all publishing houses or agents ask for queries. But many do.

When asked to submit a query letter to a publisher the first thing to do is to go to your local library. Rent out as many books as you can about writing query letters. This well help. These books will explain in detail how to get your query letter together and how to submit it.

A Query letter should consist of:

The Date

The name and address of the recipient

*Do not write, "To whom it may concern" This is VERY impersonal. Find out exactly who this query letter is going to and write their name. Do not write Mrs. or Ms. We do not know that persons marital status. Instead write: "Dear Linda Johnson." Be safe rather than sorry.

In your query letter you need to explain why your work should be considered. Compare it to recent work in that genre and explain how your book will affect, help, encourage etc others.

Explain what your work is about. Do not include a long synopsis. Queries should consists of no more than five small paragraphs. It should be brief and to the point. Keep in mind that publisher, editors and agents get a lot of work. You need something catchy to keep them reading but also something professional.

Be sure to edit and edit and edit some more. There's nothing worse than submitting a query with lots of errors. Use your spellcheck and review your work.

Give brief details on yourself. Please do not give a life story. BRIEF!

End your query professionally and with confidence. Never say. "Thanks for reading this and I HOPE to hear from you soon" You want the person reading your query to feel you are confident and already know they will like your work because it's that good. Don't be arrogant! Be confident!

Now, some publishers will ask for a few chapters up front with the query. If they do, end your last paragraph stating what you are including. Some publishing companies ask for a marketing plan, the first four chapters, a proposal and query. If they do not, simply say, "Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to sending you the full manuscript."

End your letter saying

Sincerely,

(your name)

Seem simple? Probably. But get to your local library and check out a book on queries. There are plenty of books you can buy to help but going to the library is so much more cheaper!

Looking to get more tips on being a published author? Jon our group today: http://fromawriterspov.ning.com/group/publishedauthors

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson