A query letter may be sent separately, before you send in your entire proposal, or it may take the form of a cover letter. It can be sent via email (check to make sure your intended recipient – agent or editor – accepts email format!), or hard copy. A query letter is your pitch…the what, why, and how’s of your story.
What makes a good query letter?
1. A compelling, succinct first paragraph hook (aka, premise/big bang)
2. A summary of your book in two-three sentences
3. An explanation of where your manuscript fits into the publishing world
4. Who you are and why you can successfully pull off this book
5. The mechanics of the manuscript – where you’re at in production.
Again, I cover this in detail in my book: Inside-Out, and in last year’s topics, so I’m not going to go into detail here – I’m just going to plow forward with the content of OUR query letter.
Dear (insert name of editor or agent! Don’t send a generic letter!)
The Hook:
Former Green Beret Luke Alexander just wants to forget his past, and mind his own business in the wood of east Tennessee. And, his park ranger job seems just the solution…until into his world walks a diva movie star looking for someplace to hide. But the Cherokee forest isn’t big enough for the both of them, not if you include the trouble MacKenzie has dragged along behind her. And soon she’s stirring up his own murky past – one out for revenge. Which trouble will find them first? Is it even possible to outrun your past and start over? Luke and MacKenzie are about to find out…
2. Summary of your book
Set in the hills of eastern Tennessee, Take Another Shot is a story about a man unable to face his past, and a woman who’s trying to change her future. With current events such as the violent and increasing drug trade in Mexico, to issues of stalking by the media, to lighthearted comedy of two opposites trying to find common ground, the story is fast-paced with a mix of humor and poignancy. Actress MacKenzie Grace and Park Ranger Luke discover that only facing the truth can set them free to be the people God intends.
3. Where does it fit in the market?
A stand-alone novel perfect for inclusion in (and then you do your research and find a line where it would fit), it has A Sweet Home Alabama feel with an edge of suspense.
4. Who are you and why can you write this book?
The novel features the collaborative writing of award-winning authors Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck, as well as the input of aspiring and published writers who are members of My Book Therapy Voices, an online group devoted to honing the craft of fiction.
5. The mechanics.
Take Another Shot is still under construction. The completed manuscript of 75K words will be ready no later than December 1, 2009. Attached please find the story synopsis and the first three chapters. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
SMW, RH and the MBT Voices!
In short, the query letter hooks your editor on your idea and the synopsis hooks them on your ability to weave a story. And, of course, the sample chapters hook them on your writing ability.
questions, comments, suggestions? Take them over to the VOICES!