Query Letters

A query letter is a selling tool: You’re trying to show the editor that your book is new, different, exciting, and very, very commercial. You also want her to know that you picked her especially because you like her taste in fiction, because you loved the books she edited, because you want to work with her . You’re selling not only your book, but also your enthusiasm for her in particular. And you’re going to do it all in three short paragraphs, trying to keep the letter to one page, two at the most, because she’s a busy woman and you don’t want to waste her time. You have to grab her attention, make your point, and get out.

• Paragraph 1: Establish a relationship with the editor by telling her how much you liked the book she edited (always tell the truth). Stress the things you liked that are similar to your story. Then tell her that you’ve written a novel and you’d like to send her the proposal. (Do not say you write just like the author of the book–she’s already got one of those–or that your book is better.)
• Paragraph 2: Imagine that the editor is putting together a book ad or a pitch to the sales force and she’s asked you for the copy. You want to sell the things that make your book stand out from the crowd, so show her the fascinating protagonist, the powerful antagonist, the riveting conflict, the irresistible setting, all in your captivating and unique voice. Write a blurb or a tagline that grabs her and that she can use to grab readers. Show her your expertise on the subject: If you’ve written a medical thriller and you’re a doctor, mention it; if it’s a book about a cooking school murder and you’ve been to cooking school, tell her that. Support it with other people’s quotes; if you’ve got a friend who’s a published writer or an expert in a field your book addresses and who will give you a blurb, put that in. Remember, the editor would love to publish a good book, but she needs to publish a book that will sell, so show her how commercial it will be.
• Paragraph 3: Give her every way possible to contact you: SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope), e-mail, phone number, fax number, pony express, whatever. And thank her for giving you hours of pleasure with the book she edited (always tell the truth) and for considering your book.

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