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Writing a Good Query Letter

© Sue Reichard

Your query letter is the first sample of your writing an editor will see. Your query is your sixty seconds (if you're lucky) with an editor. You have this single opportunity to grab the editor's attention and keep it.

The query is your sales pitch for your manuscript. Most often they are used for a non-fiction book or article. Your query letter is a business proposition and the tone should be formal.

As with any piece of writing, you need to hook the editor with your first sentence or, better yet, with your first word. Use your lead to entice the editor to want to read on. The first sentence is probably the most important part of your query. Make it worthwhile.

Next, you want to sell your idea. You need to think of your manuscript as a commodity. You need to convey who is going to benefit from your manuscript. What makes it special? What makes it unique? You need to convey these details in the most clear and concise words possible. You want to reveal just enough information about your work to entice the editor to want to read more.

A good query should run no longer than one page. It must be clear, concise and to the point. Do not include too much personal information. If you are an expert on your topic, say so. Mention any first-hand experience you may have regarding your topic. Mention any education you have that is related to your topic. If you have been published, simply state when and where.

The final paragraph should indicate whether the complete manuscript is ready for review. You should inquire about submission formats and guidelines. By all means, keep the query formal and business like. Do not toot your own horn, but approach with an attitude of confidence.

Remember, this is your one chance with an editor. Make it worth their time to read your query beyond the first word. For more information on query letters, a good resource to look at is "How to Write Irresistible Query Letters" by Lisa Collier Cool, 1987, Writer's Digest Books.

In this era of electronic mail, more and more editors are accepting queries by e-mail. When writing an e-mail query, being clear and concise is even more important that with a traditional query. You have to weigh each word carefully. You must keep an e-mail query to less than one page.

Start your e-mail query with a brief description of your piece. The second part should include a short explanation telling why you wrote the piece, who will benefit from it and why you should be the one to write it. In the third part of your e-mail query, include a brief, concise biography of yourself.