How do you write a fiction or non-fiction query letter to an editor?
Asked by: Dawn Assist
Here’s the simple step-by-step process to write a query letter:
- Open the query with a greeting.
- Write a strong “hook” for the book.
- Include a story synopsis.
- Pitch your author credentials.
- Personalize to stand out from other queries.
- Close the letter by thanking the agent.
- Proofread your work.
How do I write a query letter?
How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Simple Steps
- Open the query with a greeting.
- Write a strong “hook” for the book.
- Include a story synopsis.
- Pitch your author credentials.
- Personalize to stand out from other queries.
- Close the letter by thanking the agent.
- Proofread your work.
What is a query letter used for?
The query letter has one purpose, and one purpose only: to seduce the agent or editor into reading or requesting your work. The query letter is so much of a sales piece that it’s quite possible to write one without having written a word of the manuscript. All it requires is a firm grasp of your story premise.
What is a query letter to an employee?
A letter of lateness may refer to a warning or query sent to somebody for being late to an institution or event. In this case, a query letter to an employee for lateness to work is a letter issued to an employee for coming late to work. It’s usually advisable to give verbal warnings before issuing queries.