How to Write a Query Letter That Actually Gets Read by a Literary Agent

Every aspiring author dreams of landing a literary agent who believes in their work. But before an agent reads your manuscript, they need to be hooked by your query letter; a one-page pitch that sells your book and your credentials.

With agents receiving hundreds of queries weekly, yours must stand out. A poorly written query can doom even the most brilliant manuscript to the rejection pile. But a well-crafted one can open doors to representation and, ultimately, publication.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to write a query letter that gets read, from the crucial opening hook to the perfect closing. Whether you’re querying a novel, memoir, or nonfiction book, these strategies will maximize your chances of success.

What Is a Query Letter and Why Is It So Important?

A query letter is a one-page professional pitch sent to literary agents to persuade them to request your manuscript. Think of it as a business proposal for your book; it needs to be concise, compelling, and polished.

Why Do Agents Care So Much About Queries?

  • Time Efficiency: Agents receive hundreds of queries per week; they skim quickly.
  • Marketability Test: If you can’t sell your book in one page, how will it sell to readers?
  • Professionalism Check: A sloppy query suggests an unpolished manuscript.

A strong query proves you understand your book’s genre, audience, and unique selling points, which are key factors that agents consider before taking on a project.

The 5 Key Elements of a Winning Query Letter

A query letter follows a standard structure with five essential components:

1. The Hook (First Paragraph)

Your opening line must grab attention immediately. Avoid bland introductions like: "I am seeking representation for my 80,000-word novel…"

Instead, start with a compelling hook that mirrors your book’s tone: "When 17-year-old Clara discovers her missing father’s journal—filled with sketches of a mythical city—she realizes his disappearance wasn’t an accident. It was an invitation."

2. The Book Pitch (Second Paragraph)

This is your mini-synopsis, written like a back-cover copy. Focus on:

  • Main character & their goal
  • Central conflict/stakes
  • What makes your story unique

3. The Metadata (Genre, Word Count, Comp Titles)

Agents need to know:

  • Genre (e.g., "upmarket women’s fiction," "YA fantasy")
  • Word count (stick to industry standards—e.g., 70K–90K for most novels)
  • Comp titles (1–2 recent books that show where your work fits in the market)

4. Your Author Bio (Relevant Credentials Only)

Only include:

  • Writing credentials (awards, publications, relevant degrees)
  • Platform (if nonfiction: social media, speaking experience)
  • Personal connection (some information about you, such as your background, where you’re from, etc.)

Skip: Unrelated jobs, hobbies (unless they tie into the book).

5. The Professional Closing

End with a polished sign-off: "Thank you for your time and consideration. I’d be delighted to send the full manuscript upon request. Looking forward to hearing from you."

Query Letter Mistakes That Get Instant Rejections

Even great manuscripts get rejected due to these query killers:

Too Long or Too Vague

  • Keep it under 400 words.
  • Avoid vague statements like "a story of love and betrayal"—be specific.

Ignoring Submission Guidelines

  • Some agents want sample pages pasted below; others want attachments.
  • Some agents want certain pieces of information, such as your social media, past works, etc., while others want minimal information. You have to write exactly what they’re looking for you to include.
  • Always check their website for preferences.

Comparing Your Book to All-Time Bestsellers

  • Saying "This is the next Harry Potter!" comes off as naive.
  • Comps are a great way to quickly describe what your book is like and how your book may be marketed, but recent, realistic comps work best and salesy language does not.

Typos or Unprofessional Tone

  • No emojis, slang, or overly casual language.
  • Proofread multiple times before sending.

5. Next Steps: How to Send Your Query

Research Agents Thoroughly

  • Use tools such as QueryTracker or Manuscript Wishlist, and agency websites.
  • Target agents who represent your genre. Most agencies will have a variety of agents who cover different genres.

Personalize When Possible

  • Mention why you’re querying them specifically.

Track Your Submissions

  • Keep a spreadsheet of who you queried, when, and responses.

Be Patient (But Follow Up If Needed)

  • Response times vary from weeks to months.
  • If an agent’s guidelines say "no response means no," don’t follow up. Others will tell you to follow up after a certain amount of time with no response.

Your Query Letter Is Your First Impression—Make It Count

A query letter isn’t just a formality—it’s your best shot at capturing an agent’s interest. By crafting a sharp, engaging pitch, avoiding common mistakes, and targeting the right agents, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting requests.

Remember: This can be a process that takes a lot of work and time, but finding the right agent for you can make it all worth it.

 

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