Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Query?

This is topic Query? in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by XD3V0NX on :

Okay, this might sound like a pretty random question on query letters, but I'm curious to see all the different responses I'll get, and it could help greatly. Thanks.

What or how is the best way to write a good Query Letter?

Posted by TrishaH24 (Member # 8673) on :

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).]

Posted by Crystal Stevens (Member # 8006) on :

I will admit that I have yet to write a query letter, but I have read several books about how to get published and have a mentor who is an acquisitions editor. One thing all these sources have had in common is NOT to say that what you are submitting is your first novel. They say this will glaringly mark you as an amateur when you want to sound as professional as you possibly can.