Strategy For Writing Good Query Letter

Posted by tetheredbyletters on June 30th, 2014

If you wish to pen down a novel or journal; and want your work to be published then you have to learn the tricks of composing a well-formatted query letter. Query letters can differ on the basis of the genre of the manuscript and the type of the literary agent for whom you are writing.

Primarily, there are four types of query letters.

· Query letter for fiction manuscripts (meant for literary agents)

· Query letter for unsolicited publication (meant for publishing house)

· Query letter for non-fiction books (meant for houses and agents)

· Query letter to contests and literary journals (also known as cover letters)

A query letter for fiction manuscripts follows a certain format and is divided into three basic paragraphs with four criteria. Foremost, you have to mention details of you like your name and address along with phone number and email ID on the top left-hand corner. Then, start with the first paragraph, which has a rough estimation of 100 words. It spotlights the unique and interesting subject matter of the book that should be able to hook one’s attention. The second paragraph mentions the title, genre and length along with a mini-synopsis of the book in not more than 300 words. The last paragraph incorporates the qualification of the writer and awards that he/she has won for writing.

Again, a query letter for unsolicited fiction manuscripts is usually intended for independent publishers. The letter starts with your name, phone number, address and email on the top left-hand corner. Then, you start the crucial part of the letter by addressing the editor-in-chief of the publishing house, followed by a brief synopsis of your book. Then, you introduce the characters, plot, genre and the title of your book in the next paragraph. This is followed by another paragraph that highlights your education and why your work deserves recognition. End the letter by intimating the editor that you can actually send first three chapters of your novel.

A query letter for non-fiction book is mainly a proposal that is well researched by the author and then composed. It entails almost twenty page details of every chapter that is included in the book. Last, but not the least, a query letter to literary contests and the journal is actually a cover letter that begins by addressing the editor and how you are thankful to them for considering the submission of your work. This follows with the mention of your qualification or any other publishing credit that you have as a writer. Then, you sign with your real name or a pen name, along with address and email.

Hence, follow the above strategies and know how to write a well composed query letter.

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