Query Letter and Submissions FAQs
A query letter is a sales tool. Just like a product label on a bottle of BBQ sauce has to clearly identify its ingredients and flavors to a prospective buyer, the query letter needs to efficiently convey all the critical information that an agent needs to make a buying decision about your book.
What should your query letter include?
- A concise, professional greeting personalized to the recipient. (Feel free to address me by my first name—Jeanne is fine!)
- Factual information about the book (title, genre/sub-genre/niche, word count, audience) conveyed in no more than one sentence.
- Sales copy correctly formatted in three short paragraphs (150 words approx.) that establishes your premise/hook, the characters, the plot, and the stakes of your novel.
- A short biographical paragraph that lets me know a little about you.
- Contact information should include your legal name, where in the world you’re located (full address not necessary, but I’d like to know state/country or city if you live in a big city and feel comfortable sharing that). Please include your pen name, if you have one or plan to use one, and your social media handles/website, if applicable.
Remember a few critical best practices for query letters:
- Please define your genre and if applicable sub-genre and niche. No guesses, no ambiguity. If you are not sure, research before you query.
- You must articulate who the audience for your book is: early readers, young adult readers, adult readers. You may of course add a bit of flavor and originality to this as long as the factual information is still clearly conveyed. I’ll provide examples below.
- Do not write more than 200-250 words total, if possible. Cut and refine until your query is sharp and lean.
Please consider adding helpful information like a one-sentence elevator pitch for your book, the heat level if there is a romance/romantic element to your book, and any content considerations that might make a difference to my analysis.
Do I need a huge social media following to interest an agent in my book?
Different agents have different opinions about the value of finding an author with a large following as opposed to building a following once you have an author brand.
I personally would prefer to see any evidence of social media activity, for example, you do have an Instagram account even if you only post about your dog, then someone who has none at all. Do not, however, start an account just because you plan to query.
Authentically representing yourself as an author/brand is more important than checking a box. I do not have a checklist and would rather work with you and help you develop your author career than have you fake it just to meet subjective query criteria.
Will I have to market my book if I get a traditional book deal?
Yes. The simple answer is that marketing is a broad activity that includes everything from having a newsletter, attending signings, being present and active on social media, and so much more.
I recommend that authors see publishing as a business or career. You might not love every part of it equally, but a sound marketing strategy and business plan will ensure you get to do what you love—write—for a long time.
What can I do to make my submission stand out?
The opening pages must be pristine. I look for immersive voice, clear stakes, and worldbuilding that matters. The hook should be clear and setup efficient. I will make a decision about whether I want to read more of your story based on the first five pages, so make sure they are as polished and ready as they can be before you query.