So my query letter was one of the 12 chosen for the Jericho Writers Slushpile Evaluation next week. I’ll get to see whether its a good letter or not and what needs fixing if not. That’s going to help immensely.
If you’re still struggling with your query letter, here are some tips for you to follow:
- Research your agent. Each agent has a wish-list somewhere, either on the website or on social media. It’s not going to be hard to find. Before you write “Dear Sir” make sure the agent you’re writing to actually wants what you’ve written.
- Spell the agent’s name correctly. There’s nothing that turns a person off more than getting their name wrong — especially if it’s written down for you on the website. Double-check your spelling before you hit “send.” You may call them by either their first name or Mr/Mrs Agent, but make sure you’re writing the proper name. Never say “Dear Sir or Madam”!
- Your first sentence should be a hook. If you can lead with something personal, do it. Did you meet the agent at a conference? Did they request more material from you? Were you referred by one of their other authors? Even if it says on their website that they’re looking for edgy science fiction and that’s exactly what you write, mention that. Anything that shows you’ve researched their interests and have some sort of connection will get their attention.
- The pitch should be one to two paragraphs max. No need to mention those subplots or backstories. Just the facts, ma’am. Get the story down to the bare bones and make sure it’s interesting enough to make them ask for more.
- Your bio should also be short. If you have writing credentials of any sort, mention them. If you have some connection to the subject matter of your book, mention that (for example, your story is about coal miners and your father and grandfather and great-grandfather were all coal miners). If you have nothing, just give them a sentence or two. “I live in Maine and have seventeen cats and a llama” will do nicely.
Your query letter should also be as polished as your pitch and your synopsis. Make each of them shine out from underneath the slush pile. Good luck and happy querying.
