Writing The Query Letter

The query letter is simply a business letter that serves a dual purpose. It is an introduction of you to an agent, and an inquiry as to whether the agent would be interested in seeing a particular piece of your work. The query letter is the first "picture" an agent will have of you and your work; and is perhaps your strongest selling tool.

Why the query letter? Basically it serves to save time. Agents and publishers simply do not have the time to read unsolicited manuscripts, and it is certainly a waste of your time (and money) to make copies and send manuscripts out to numerous agents knowing that most, if not all, will be sent back, left unread or perhaps discarded. So how do these opposing forces finally meet up? The query letter!

Keep in mind the query letter is a sales tool. You will be selling yourself and your work and you must do so in a polite and professional manner - but sell, you must!

A good query letter has three basic parts. The first paragraphs focus on selling the work. This part should be thorough and convincing, yet brief (not always easy to do). It should contain the type of work your presenting, where and when it is set, and a general idea of the plot.

The second part of your letter should be spent selling yourself. List your writing credits and any information pertinent to that particular work. If you do not have any writing credits, explain your expertise with the subject matter. Mention any writer's groups or associations of which you are a member. However, only relate information that is pertinent to your writing and the particular work you are promoting - do not include personal information.

In the third part of the Query you should mention whether the work is in progress or completed (rule-of-thumb: everything except non-fiction should be in completed form.), when you can have it in the agent's hands, and your contact information. Suggest he/she contact you either by telephone or by the enclosed SASE (always enclose a SASE, this is a courtesy most editors insist upon.), whichever is most convenient.

Go over your letter with a fine-tooth-comb. You don't want any typo's, or wrong information; and make sure you haven't left out any pertinent information. Your first impression must be a good one - a professional one.

If you want to know how soon you will get a response, it depends on the agent and his/her backlog. It could be anywhere from two to six weeks, possibly more - which is why you query many agents rather than waiting for an answer from one before sending to another. This is normal practice. If, however, several agents ask to see your manuscript you should not send it to more than one at a time. At this point in the process you should have spoken with the agents and made a decision as to who you feel would be best suited to your needs.

Copyright - All Rights Reserved

Diane Thomas is the editor of eBook Crossroads.com specializing in resources for writers, publishers and promoters of eBooks and Audio Books. She publishes a monthly ezine, the eBook Crossroads Insider, offering articles, tips, contests, free downloads and much more!

Subscribe to the eBook Crossroads Insider.

---

Powerful Presentations: How to Write and Deliver a Presentation to Remember

If the mere thought of standing up in front of... Read More

Media Training Tips: Maximising Your Media Moment

Media training is a 'must do' professional development program for... Read More

Death by PowerPoint!

The most critical job of a manager, when you boil... Read More

Media Training 101: Where To Look During A Television Interview

Ever had that uncomfortable feeling of not knowing where to... Read More

Choosing a Company Shirt vendor

Where can you choose a company shirt vendor? There are... Read More

How to Prevent Presentation and Speaking Disasters

I just got back from my whirlwind speaking engagements and... Read More

Beetle Bailey and Presentation Skills

In March 2002, the comic strip Beetle Bailey contained a... Read More

If You Want Business - Throw a Seminar!

Why is throwing a seminar good for business?If you want... Read More

Transitions: Building Bridges to Your Points

Presenters often tell me that they fear losing their train... Read More

PowerPoint Presentations: How to Use This Tool More Effectively

Many of us use PowerPoint to convey a message to... Read More

10 Tips For Bringing Your Event To Life

Your job as an event planner doesn't stop with the... Read More

5 Breakthrough Marketing Ideas

Do you ever get frustrated with your marketing? Are you... Read More

The Secret Language of Money

At a number of business seminars and presentations, I passed... Read More

Can Stage Presence be Learned?

What is stage presence? Can it be learned?There are, undoubtedly,... Read More

Incorporate Humor in Your Next Speech

Some speakers say, "I could never use humor in my... Read More

Show the World Your Wares Easily and Inexpensively

You've spent a lot of time preparing your PowerPoint presentations... Read More

Planning a Group Meeting

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE FACILITATOR: As chairperson, focus on the... Read More

Plasma Screen Hire ? What Do You Need to Know for Presentations

How many people will need to see the screen? A... Read More

Dump Your Speeches For Leadership Talks

The CEO of a worldwide business asked me to help... Read More

Kvetching Behavior and How it Hinders Success

Kvetching is the Yiddish word for complaining, hand to the... Read More

Total Recall: How to Remember Your Speech Without Memorizing

We all fear that moment. You look out on a... Read More

How to Convert PowerPoint to Flash Manually

Converting PowerPoint to Flash would be absolutely a good choice... Read More

Let Me Tell You a Little Story

Once upon a time there was a businessperson who had... Read More

Tips to Temper Speaking Anxiety

People take it for granted that leaders have achieved some... Read More

Creating Your Presentation Success With a Positive ?I CAN? Attitude

According to the Lamalle Report on Top Executives of the... Read More

How To Run Your Greatest Conference Ever

Like most good achievements, a magnificent meeting depends on planning... Read More

Painless Presentations

Did the "Painless" part of the title get your attention?Speaking... Read More

Top Ten Rules for Effective Presentations

I am of the belief that the majority of people... Read More

How To Make Your Best Ever Presentation

The most important tip...EVER!Make sure that you always think of... Read More

Eight Success Tips for Your First Trade Show Booth

Exhibiting in a trade show can involve a major investment... Read More

Writing The Query Letter

The query letter is simply a business letter that serves... Read More

8 Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills

8 Ways to Improve Your Presentation Skills 1. Join Toastmasters.... Read More

Four Different Ways People Process Your Information

There are four different ways that audience members assimilate information.... Read More