I’ve seen a lot of “Query Letter” posts, but none like the one Chuck
from Writer's Digest features on his blog at Writers
Unboxed. His article focuses specifically on writing that last
paragraph—the bio section—of the query letter, and he gives a fresh perspective
on the “do’s and don’ts”. It’s definitely worth a read:
HERE’S A QUICK LOOK AT THE COMPOSITION OF A QUERY:
There are many many many…many blog posts on how to write a query (I’ve
listed several links at the bottom of this post) But if you’re craving a quick rundown,
here we go:
I.
Firstly, personalize your letter—Dear, Jen. NOT
Dear, Agent.
II.
Secondly, limit your query to one page. Have white
space so it looks reader-friendly; and break it down to three simple paragraphs—the hook, the book, and
the cook.
A.
Paragraph One (the hook):
Your first line can tell the agent why you
queried them: Thank you for speaking at
Big Sur in the Rockies. I blah blah blah w/you. Or: I enjoyed your interview on such-and-such blog and …
The next line is where you include your hook,
title, genre and the word count of your book.
Please consider my 70,000 word count YA novel THE UNACCOUNTED. It's
teenage Jason Bourne meets The Prisoner of Zenda.
(In addition to saying if your book is YA or
Middle Grade, include if it is fantasy, magical realism, paranormal, science
fiction etc. as relevant).
B.
Paragraph Two (the book):
Write a paragraph about your manuscript that
reads like jacket flap copy (present an exciting glimpse of the story without
giving up the ending). A jacket flap describes the story in such a gripping way
that book store browsers slap down some cash to buy the book. Agents may use
this copy to help present your book to a publishing house, so create a
compelling and tight paragraph.
A.
Paragraph Three (the cook):
This is your biography, and nobody explains the “how’s”
better than Chuck, so please visit his blog.
III. Thirdly, be professional, know the business, be
courteous, and close with your name and contact information.
Good Luck!!!
Bonus info:
The above “hook”
was an actual pitch by David Lipsky and Darin Strauss's for THE UNACCOUNTED and this
title will be available in bookstores winter 2013.
More on "high concept" hooks, please visit my link about high concept hooks and pitches.
More on "high concept" hooks, please visit my link about high concept hooks and pitches.
More discussion on queries can be found:
How to write a query links:
Query Shark (this is a great blog
where writers can receive feedback)
Posts
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