If an agency says they want a query letter and the first five pages of your manuscript (as an attachment), then you should paste your query into the body of your email and include an attachment of the first five pages of your manuscript.

How do I submit a query to a literary agent?

Here’s the simple step-by-step process to write a query letter:

1. Open the query with a greeting.
2. Write a strong “hook” for the book.
3. Include a story synopsis.
4. Pitch your author credentials.
5. Personalize to stand out from other queries.
6. Close the letter by thanking the agent.
7. Proofread your work.

How do you email a query?

Take the time to find the exact email address you need to send your query to. Use an appropriate subject line. To prevent your email from appearing to be spam, use the subject line “Query: Subject/Title”. Use a formal salutation.

What do you write in an email to a literary agent?

How to write the perfect pitch letter to an agent

1. Write to a specific agent and do your research. …
2. Address the agent by their first name. …
3. Keep the pitch-letter short. …
4. Kick off your letter by pitching your novel. …
5. Talk about why you’re addressing this particular agent. …
6. Include mention of one or two comparison novels.

Do agents read query letters?

“… [M]any queries don’t get read at all, some are deleted before being fully-read, and other submissions are rejected before the agent has read any of the manuscript.”

Should I address a literary agent by first name?

Address the agent by name.



When sending query letters to an agent, you always want to use his or her name. Generic letters addressed to “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Literary Agent” are much less likely to connect with someone at an agency.

Do you indent in a query letter?

Your query letter should be single spaced, have an extra space between the paragraphs, and not indent paragraphs. Instead of using italics, put book titles in all caps. You should address the letter to a specific agent or acquiring editor, sign in a professional manner, and include your contact information.

What is the best time to query literary agents?

The Best Time of Year to Query a Literary Agent Is…



The first, as Erinn mentions, is the holiday season. Publishing mostly slumbers from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, so a lot of agents are using this time to catch up with work, read manuscripts and get all of our affairs for the upcoming year in order.

Should I keep querying if an agent requests a full manuscript?

It goes without saying that you should not be querying without a fully finished manuscript. So you should be in a good position to respond and send within 48 hours. Any longer, then it will look like you are scrambling.

How many literary agents should I query at once?

It used to be best to send small batches of 5-8 queries at a time. If you got requests for the full manuscript, great, keep querying. If you got passes, revisit your query and sample pages, and send a new batch the revised version.

How do I send a query result as an email attachment?

To email the results of a query, use the @query argument. To attach those results as an attachment, use the @attach_query_result_as_file argument. This is accepts a bit value, with the default being 0 (for no attachment). To send the results in an attachment, simply provide a 1 for this argument.

How do you end a query in an email?

Here are a few of the most common ways to end a professional email:

1. Best.
2. Sincerely.
3. Regards.
4. Kind regards.
5. Thank you.
6. Warm wishes.
7. With gratitude.
8. Many thanks.

How do I email from SQL?

How to Send Emails from SQL Server (T-SQL)

1. Step 1: Enable Database Mail XPs. The first thing you need to do before you send any mail from SQL Server is enable the Database Mail extended stored procedures (Database Mail XPs). …
2. Step 2: Create a Mail Account & Profile. …
3. Step 3: Send Mail.

What does queried mean in an email?

plural queries. a question, often expressing doubt about something or looking for an answer from someone: Email your comments, queries, or suggestions to us at this address.

How do you end a query letter?

The final paragraph of your query will be the closing, where you thank the agent for reading your letter. Do this simply and quickly, by saying something like thank you kindly for your time. In the closing, you should also mention what, if any, other material you’ve included along with the query.