Query Letter Template

You've written your story and are ready to query. Now what? Time to write that query letter to start sending off to agents. Writing a query letter can feel daunting as it's a whole different type of writing than writing a book. Fortunately, query letters are fairly formulaic and you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Here's an example of a query letter temple that you can use to pitch your novel! Overall, you want to keep it around 300 words total. That's pretty short, so don't forget that the query letter is only one part of your submission package. If you want another set of eyes on your query letter or submission materials, feel free to book a critique with me and we can work through it together!

Good luck! 

Dear [FirstName LastName],

I’m thrilled to send you [TITLE], a [audience] [genre] novel, complete at [word count] words. [TITLE] combines the [specific element] of [comp title A] with the [other specific element] of [comp title B], with a [your manuscript’s twist]. [Optional personalization can go here].

[Here, you will include a short “synopsis” selling your book. Think jacket copy or what you’d read on the back of the book. This is where you sell your book, so try to make it as snappy as possible. Bear in mind that this not an official synopsis, so we don’t need all the details. Keep it very high level, focusing on your main character, main plot, and most of all stakes. Spend a sentence or two setting up the story to show the main character’s status quo (aka what they have to lose/what they’re fighting for/against) and what thrusts them into the story to the point of no return. Close this section of the query letter with what your character has to gain/lose, and try to avoid using rhetorical questions. Instead of closing with something like, “What will the character choose?” Instead word it like, “The character must make an impossible decision…or risk the livelihood of the planet.”]

[Close with your author bio, written in first person. Keep it short and mention any relevant writing credits. If this is your debut novel, you can mention that. Here’s an example of what my author bio would look like: I am an editor and literary agent. When I’m not writing, I enjoy drinking cold brew and baking gluten free treats. I live in West Michigan with my spouse, our two dogs, and our two cats. This is my debut novel.]

Thank you for your consideration! 

Sincerely

[Your Name]