Authored by Stephanie Maddox, UNG Press Intern
Querying is an essential part of the book publishing process. Without an exceptional query, even the most well-crafted book may be overlooked, as agents and editors often use queries to decide whether they will even read through a given manuscript. This is why it’s so important for authors to take their queries seriously, approaching them with the same level of care and commitment that they used to write their manuscripts. But how can authors ensure that their query hits the mark? The following post will help you understand what makes a query stand out, the different elements of a stellar query letter, as well as the do’s and don’ts of the query process.
WHAT IS A QUERY LETTER?
A query letter is a one-page introduction to both you and the work you are submitting. It is your opportunity to put your best foot forward and present your work in a way that makes an editor want to read your piece and engage with you as an author. In this way, a query often acts as a sales pitch, piquing an editor’s interest in both you and your work. A strong query letter will demonstrate your writing ability, professionalism, and your personal interest in the publisher. Additionally, a query letter will also give a brief synopsis of your piece, including any pertinent information about its contents. These elements work together to create a positive overall first impression of both you and your piece.
PARTS OF A QUERY
It is important to note that the contents of a query letter will often vary by literary genre; for example, a nonfiction book query will look slightly different from a fiction book query. However, the following elements can can generally be applied to most query letters regardless of their genre:
- Hook
- The first line of your query is known as “the hook,” and its purpose is to grab the attention of your audience. If done well, a good hook will entice the reviewing agent or editor to read your entire query and (hopefully) your submission as a whole. For tips on how to write a great hook, click here.
- Work Summary
- You will want to add a brief summary of your submitted work in every query. This is not the time to dive into every detail of your piece; rather, you will want to narrow your description to only the most important aspects of your work. While the amount of description you decide to give will largely depend on your literary genre, it generally should not exceed three paragraphs – sometimes even less. For more about summaries and synopses, check out this post.
- Target Audience
- Be sure to mention your target audience within your query, as this will help your publisher envision your both future market as well as potential marketing strategies for the publication process.
- Comparable Titles
- It is a good idea to provide one or two comparable titles to your piece that the publisher has previously printed. This will help the reviewing editor understand why you chose to submit your work to their press, as well as reinforce your perceived interest in their publishing house. It will also have the added effect of showing them how your work fits within their already established market.
- Author Biography
- The author biography is a concise summary of your relevant experience. The word “relevant” is key, as you should only include experience which is directly relatable to the title you are submitting. An author biography generally does not exceed one paragraph.
- Credentials/Publication History
- Similar to your author biography, the credentials and publication history should briefly highlight your relevant writing experience. If you have previously published similar work to your current submission, or if you have relevant education, honors, or awards associated with these past publications, you should list those qualifications within the credentials/publication history section of your query.
- Author Contact Information
- At the end of your query letter, you will need to include your contact information. This generally includes your first and last name, street address, and email address. If the publisher has other identification requirements listed on their website, include those as well.
QUERY LETTER DO’S
- Research Your Niche
- With so many publishers in the world, it is important to do your research and find the ones that match your niche. If you write trade fiction, for example, you’ll want to find a publisher who publishes that genre as opposed to academic textbooks. Adequately researching the publishers within your niche will ensure that you aren’t wasting your time on the wrong ones, thus giving your work the best opportunity for success. It will also protect you from predatory publishers with ill-intentions.
- Approach Every Query Individually
- Remember to tailor every query to its intended publishing house, as doing so will tell the reviewing editor that you are serious about working with them. A “one-size-fits-all” style query will not be enough to hold an editor’s attention.
- Follow the guidelines
- Just as every literary genre has its own writing conventions, every publishing house will have their own unique set of submission guidelines and formatting rules. While creativity is important for writing your manuscript, it’s better to follow any submission or formatting instructions with precision. Anything less could result in rejection.
QUERY LETTER DON’TS
- Discuss pay expectations
- As previously mentioned, a query letter is essentially a sales pitch of your work, what makes it unique, and why it would be a good fit for the publisher. It is not the appropriate time to mention your pay rates, and doing so will make you seem unprofessional. It can also cause you to lose your leverage for negotiating your payment later on. Save this discussion for after the publisher has accepted your work for publication.
- Query multiple pieces at once
- The best practice for queries is to submit them individually. Do not attempt to “kill two birds with one stone” and submit one query for more than one piece or literary work. One query per submittable item is the rule.
- Take rejection personally
- Like queries, rejection is part of the publishing process. But contrary to popular belief, rejection is often a good thing. It can provide constructive feedback on your work that otherwise would not have been available. If you receive rejection, consider it objectively without taking it personally. There are countless reasons a publisher may choose to reject a piece, and not all of them are related to you or your work.
QUERYING: RELATED READING
Interested in learning more? Check out the following resources for best practices when beginning the query process:
- Brewer, Robert L. Writer’s Market 100th Edition Newly Revised and Updated. (Writer’s Digest Books, 2021), 6-38
- Gilbert, Elizabeth. Big Magic. (Penguin Random House LLC, 2015), 187-192