How to Write a Query Letter to a Literary Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide

A query letter is a one-page document—typically 2-300 words—that writers send to agents in order to seek representation in the publishing industry. It used to be an actual physical letter but these days, is usually an email or sent via an online submissions portal.

The structure of a query letter is actually very simple. It is this.

You start with: Dear AGENT

Then straight into...

  1. The Hook/Pitch: A brief description of the book designed to capture the agent’s interest, essentially your ‘elevator pitch.’ It should also include here a one sentence description of its market position and any comparator writers or books. If possible, include a sentence on why you have approached this agent. “I follow you on SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM and read you were very interested in this kind of work” or “I love the novels of THEIR CLIENT” and “so I thought you would be interested in this.” If you really can’t do this, don’t worry too much – but agents do like it.

  2. The Summary: A brief one-paragraph overview of your novel's plot, characters, and stakes. This is the Longer Pitch.

  3. Your Bio: A short introduction to who you are. Keep this focused on your writing life, any courses or competitions you have entered, if possible, and also state what your writing ambitions are. If you have a big social media presence, mention that, although it is not necessary to have this, especially for novelists.

Then close out with a thank you for their time, write out your telephone number and email address, and perhaps state again how much you would like to be represented by them. Tell them if you have added a synopsis and a sample, as per their submissions guidelines.

And of course, you end with...

Yours sincerely

NAME

Be professional! Seem like a pleasant person to work with! Do not be grand or claim you are a genius! At the same time, do not apologise for approaching them or say that they might not be interested! (Extra tip: never say or do this!) And that’s it. That’s all you need to do. But there are one or two more things you need to consider.

Fuller Query Letter Structure

If you need more detail, read the following:

1. Greeting (1 Line)

The first sentence should be a personalized greeting addressed to the specific agent.

Example:
Dear Ms. Smith or First Name*,

  • Address the agent by name, using the title they prefer (Mr./Ms./Mx./Dr.). *In the UK and US, it is fine to use a person’s first name approaching an agent but check it is correct for your country.

  • Avoid saying “Hi” or “Hey.” Publishing is not a very formal industry but “Dear” prevails, even in ongoing work relationships.

  • Never use generic salutations like "Dear Agent" or "To Whom It May Concern." Personalization shows you’ve done your homework.

2. The Hook (1 short paragraph)

Begin with a compelling opening line that grabs the agent’s attention. This could be:

  • Start immediately by saying “I am approaching you because I would love you to consider my novel NAME for representation” or similar. Get into it quickly.

  • Add a one-sentence summary of your book (the "elevator pitch").

  • A striking fact, question, or line that encapsulates your novel’s mood and tone.

  • State your novel’s genre, word count, and any key hook.

  • The title of your book should be in CAPS or in italics.

  • If possible, mention why you are approaching that particular agent.

3. The Summary (1 longer paragraph)

· Introduce your main character(s) and their situation. Highlight their goals, motivations, and what’s at stake. State clearly what the quest is. Focus on the core story. Use active, exciting language that captures the mood of the book. Clearly outline the stakes in the quest.

· Expand on that quest, its conflict and describe the main obstacles the protagonist faces.

· End with a hint of the resolution without giving away the ending.

4. The Bio (1 short paragraph)

This section introduces you as the author. Share relevant information, including:

  • Previous publications or writing experience.

  • Credentials or expertise related to your book’s subject matter. Don’t worry if you have none (in novel-writing), but you could talk about what inspired you to write this.

  • Don’t worry about your age, don’t mention your hobbies, no need to tell them how many kids you have got unless it matters to the book. You can tell them about yourself if you ever decide to meet.

  • Mention if you have a particularly big or relevant social media profile.


5. Closing and Call to Action (1–2 Sentences)

Thank the agent for their time and invite them to request your manuscript. Include your telephone number and email address. Tell them if you have added a synopsis and a sample, as per their submissions guidelines.

Example:
Thank you for considering my query. I’ve included the first 10 pages of my manuscript as per your guidelines, and I would be delighted to send the full manuscript upon request.

  • Be polite and professional.

  • Mention any requested materials you’ve attached (e.g., sample chapters, a synopsis).

Final Sentence:

I look forward to hearing from you. Then your signature. That's it - that's your whole letter.

Tips For Success

  1. Research Agents: Identify agents who represent your genre and have a history of selling books similar to yours.

  2. Follow Guidelines: Each agent may have specific requirements for queries. Always check their submission guidelines.

  3. Only Approach Available Agents: Check that they are currently taking submissions. Anyone who specifically says that they are “closed” - don’t bother applying. Sometimes people do take people on still, but on the whole, it is a waste of your time.

  4. Do Not Approach Until You Are Ready To Send Your Material: Only query agents when your manuscript is complete (for fiction) or your proposal package is ready to send (for nonfiction). There is absolutely no point in cold-approaching an agent unless you are ready to proceed, unless the agent has been introduced to you another way and expressed an interest in you.

  5. Be Concise: Agents receive hundreds of queries. Stick to one page and avoid unnecessary detail.

  6. Show, Don’t Tell: Let your story’s hook and summary showcase your talent without overhyping.

  7. Proofread: A single typo or formatting error can make a bad first impression.

  1. Tailor Each Query: Inevitably, you will be using a similar letter for every agent. However, personalize your letter for each agent by mentioning why you’re querying them. Check that nothing in the letter goes against their submissions preferences


This is all you need to know about writing a query letter. There is no great mystery. Get your book working as best as you can. Get your confidence up. And most importantly, even if you start to get rejections, persevere!

This industry is all about perseverance.

How To Write A Novel Chapter By Chapter available here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Write-Novel-Chapter-Outlining-ebook/dp/B0DJ8TMVWL?ref_=ast_author_mpb

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