How to Write a Query Letter
- By: BookEnds | Date: Jan 05 2022
Sometimes all you need is a refresher on how to write a query. Or, if this is your first time learning about how to write one, welcome! Either way, this lesson is for you.
In today’s weekly video blog, literary agents Jessica Faust and James McGowan walk you through an agent’s perspective on the query letter. You’ll find tips on structure, personalization strategies, and how to best capture your story.
Thank you.
This is very useful. Thank you!
I always get thrown off by agents who have a bio section in query tracker separate from the query letter section. It seems repetitive to have the same info in both places, but it’s unclear if those agents want additional bio info, or if we should just cut the bio section from the query letter portion. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Also, thanks for all of the helpful tips!
Nichole, I have wondered about this as well
I would suggest you just add the bio (same one if you’d like) to both sections. I don’t think anyone is expecting anything special.
Thank you, that’s helpful!
Writing the blurb before you write the book is perhaps the single best piece of advice you can give and get. Without that roadmap, there’s no telling where you might end up. Thank you.
Yay! Perfect timing, thank you.
This is really helpful!
If you have a manuscript being considered by an editor at a house should you say in a query letter that you would like an agent for it ?
I’m a little unclear of your question. Most of the time you will want an agent to submit to the house on your behalf. If you have submitted to a publisher directly it will be your job to find the agent.
Thanks for the fast reply.
I have a requested submission to a publisher from a pitch event.
I am still querying other books to try to find an agent.
Should I mention the submission?
Thanks for the fast reply.
I have a requested submission to a publisher from a pitch event.
I am still querying other books to try to find an agent. Should I mention the submission?
I don’t think you need to