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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpQxUclWxZc

13 responses to “How to Write a Query Letter”

  1. This is very useful. Thank you!

  2. Avatar Nicole Buran says:

    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!

  3. Avatar George Gier says:

    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.

  4. Avatar Erin says:

    Yay! Perfect timing, thank you.

  5. Avatar Maria Lahman says:

    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.

  6. Avatar Maria Lahman says:

    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?

  7. Avatar Maria Lahman says:

    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?