A well-crafted book query letter is often your first and only chance to grab the attention of literary agents or publishers. Whether you’re writing a novel, memoir, or nonfiction work, your query must make a compelling case for why your book matters—and why you’re the right person to write it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to write a successful book query that opens doors.
What Is a Book Query Letter?
A book query letter is a brief, professional message sent to literary agents or publishers to introduce your book and pitch it for representation or publication. Typically no more than one page long (300–400 words), it should convey the essence of your manuscript, your author background, and a compelling reason why your book will appeal to readers.
This letter is not your book summary or proposal—it’s a persuasive sales pitch, much like a movie trailer in writing.
Why a Strong Book Query Matters
Agents and editors receive hundreds of submissions weekly. A strong query letter doesn’t just summarize your manuscript—it convinces the reader to request more. A weak query, even with a fantastic manuscript behind it, may never make it past the slush pile.
Crafting an effective query demonstrates:
- Professionalism
- Clarity of your book’s concept
- Market awareness
- Your writing style and voice
Before You Start Writing: Know Your Audience
Before drafting your query, research your potential agents or publishers. Consider:
- What genres they represent
- What authors/books they’ve recently sold
- Their submission guidelines
Tip: Personalize the letter where possible. Mention if you’re querying them because they represent similar books or have expressed interest in a genre like yours.
Essential Components of a Book Query Letter
A successful query typically includes three major sections:
- The Hook (Opening Paragraph)
This is your chance to immediately capture attention. Lead with the most intriguing element of your book—a compelling concept, a unique character, or a tantalizing question.
Example:
What would you do if your dreams could predict death? In my 80,000-word YA thriller, “Dreamcatcher’s Oath,” seventeen-year-old Kaia must unravel the mystery behind her nightmares before they come true.
This paragraph should:
- Introduce your book’s title, genre, and word count
- Convey the core premise
- Set the tone and mood of the story
- The Synopsis (Middle Paragraph)
This section should read like the back cover blurb of your book. Avoid overwhelming detail. Focus on:
- The protagonist and their goal
- The main conflict or obstacle
- What’s at stake
Keep it tight. If you’ve written multiple POVs or subplots, streamline your pitch around the main arc. For nonfiction, summarize your book’s focus, key arguments, or chapters, and its target market.
- The Bio and Closing (Final Paragraph)
Here’s where you provide relevant information about yourself, such as:
- Writing credentials (e.g., publications, degrees, awards)
- Personal connection to the material
- Platform or audience (for nonfiction)
Avoid unrelated personal details. If you’re unpublished, it’s perfectly acceptable—just be honest and keep the tone professional.
Closing line example:
Thank you for considering my query. The full manuscript is complete and available upon request.
Formatting Guidelines: Look Professional
Presentation matters. Use industry-standard formatting to convey professionalism:
- One page in length
- Left-aligned, single-spaced within paragraphs, double space between
- 12 pt Times New Roman or Arial
- Include your name, email, phone number, and book title in the header or footer
- Subject line: Query: [Book Title] – [Genre] (when emailing)
Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Query Letter
Dos:
- Tailor your letter to each agent or publisher
- Stick to the point – under 400 words is ideal
- Read it aloud to check flow and tone
- Follow submission guidelines exactly
Don’ts:
- Don’t oversell (“This will be the next Harry Potter!”)
- Don’t be too vague or too detailed
- Don’t mention that friends or family loved your book
- Don’t apologize for being unpublished
Query Letter Examples
Fiction Example (Mystery Novel)
Dear [Agent’s Name],
In my 90,000-word mystery novel The Violet Hour, a disgraced journalist returns to her hometown only to uncover a series of deaths eerily similar to those in her last unsolved case.
As she digs deeper, Elise Harper must confront the demons of her past and outsmart a killer who always seems one step ahead. The Violet Hour will appeal to fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins.
I am a freelance writer and editor whose short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. This is my debut novel.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Info]
Tips for Nonfiction Query Letters
Nonfiction query letters lean more on:
- The uniqueness of your idea
- Your authority on the topic
- Why there’s a market for your book
You might also include:
- Comparable titles (and how yours differs)
- A short table of contents overview (1–2 lines)
- Data points if you have a large platform (e.g., blog followers, speaking gigs)
Example hook:
In “Quiet Power: How Introverts Lead,” I explore how introverted professionals thrive in leadership roles using neuroscience-backed research and personal interviews with executives. As a corporate trainer with 15 years of experience, I’ve worked with over 10,000 clients worldwide.
Querying Etiquette: What Happens After You Send It?
Patience is essential. Most agents take 4–12 weeks to respond. Some never reply unless interested. Professionalism and courtesy go a long way when reaching out to agents or publishers. Understanding proper business etiquette can help you communicate clearly, follow up appropriately, and maintain a respectful tone throughout the querying process. Here’s how to navigate the post-query stage:
- Keep track of submissions in a spreadsheet (date sent, agent name, reply received)
- Don’t nudge too early—only follow up if their submission guidelines allow
- Be prepared for rejection—it’s part of the process. Don’t take it personally.
- Don’t query multiple agents at the same agency at once (unless stated otherwise)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong manuscripts can be overlooked if your query has red flags. Avoid these errors:
- Misspelling the agent’s name
- Not identifying the genre or word count
- Writing too much synopsis or too little hook
- Failing to proofread (typos signal carelessness)
When to Query and When to Wait
Only start querying once:
- Your manuscript is complete and revised (for fiction/memoir)
- You’ve developed a solid proposal and platform (for nonfiction)
- You’ve researched your market and competitors
- You’re ready to commit to professional publishing timelines
Consider Professional Feedback
Even experienced writers benefit from outside eyes. Consider:
- Joining a critique group
- Hiring a professional editor or query consultant
- Participating in pitch contests or workshops
These avenues offer feedback and may even lead to direct agent connections.
Final Thoughts
Writing a book query letter isn’t easy—but it is absolutely essential. Treat it like its own piece of creative and persuasive writing. Your goal is to intrigue the agent or publisher enough to say, “Yes—I want to read more.” With clarity, professionalism, and a great hook, your query can open the first of many doors in your publishing journey.
FAQs
Q: Should I include comps in my query?
Yes—mention 1–2 relevant titles to show you know your market.
Q: Can I query multiple agents at once?
Yes—this is called a simultaneous submission, and it’s standard practice.
Q: What if I have no writing credentials?
That’s okay. Focus on your book and any relevant experience.
Q: How soon should I follow up on a query?
Wait at least 8–12 weeks, unless the agency says otherwise.
Q: Can I reuse the same query letter?
Yes, but always personalize the greeting and tailor details where appropriate.
