This is from Nathan Bransford's blog. It's a wonderful resource for learning how to write queries, a synopsis, etc. I hope you'll check it out, I think it would help you.From the blog:
Dear [Agent name],
I chose to submit to you because of your wonderful taste in [genre], and because you [personalized tidbit about agent].
[protagonist name] is a [description of protagonist] living in [setting]. But when [complicating incident], [protagonist name] must [protagonist's quest] and [verb] [villain] in order to [protagonist's goal].
[title] is a [word count] work of [genre]. I am the author of [author's credits (optional)], and this is my first novel.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes,
[your name]
Also, go to www.queryshark.blogspot.com That is my favorite web site for query questions. If you are serious about querying, you need to learn from people who have successfully submitted queries. This blog is the place to go to learn about that.
It's important to note that every agent wants different things. Query shark (aka Janet Reid) wants the first sentences after Dear Agent to be about the book, not about why you're writing to the agent. But I've seen a few agents that want it the other way: they want an opening like "I chose you for your excellent taste in children's books" or "I'm eager to work with you because you have a great track record with books in my genre." It just depends on the agent. Which is why, the best advice is to check the agent's profile out online or in Writer's Market ($35 I think, at any book store in the Writing section.)
Hope this helps, and I'm interested to see what others say, too!
Good luck!
Trisha
[This message has been edited by TrishaH24 (edited May 24, 2010).]