The Query

What goes into a query?  On this page we'll discuss a basic query letter.

Many people believe a query should only be 10-25 words long.  I have never ever been able to get mine down to that size.

What is a query?

A query is a letter you send to houses that don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. (I usually also stick this on top of my ms when I send it, just fyi).

Many publishing houses don't want ms's from unpublished writers.  The way around this is query letters.

Why write a query?

Writing a good query letter is imperative to getting your manuscript seen--in many houses.

The Query Opening:

Start with a one line hook, much like the synopsis.

Then in one paragraph you must tell the action (external conflict) that brings them together, the internal conflict that is haunting them and I usually end with a question including God's intervention or whatever showing what spiritual theme we're going to see (Ex:  but can they overcome the past fear of rejection and find God so they can both be at peace and heal their relationship)

Then one paragraph about you.  I've written x number of books or I've been writing x number of years and this contemporary Inspirational Romance is 99% done.  etc

Thank them and end it.

That simple.

No No's

Do not talk about how good the books is.  Ever heard the saying, "Just the facts, ma'am?"  ahem.  Stick to it.

Do not quote other people's words about the book.

Don't tell them how much they are going to like it.

Don't double space this.  This is the ONLY part of your proposal that is single spaced!

Don't use dialogue from the book.

Don't try to outline the book.

DO NOT go over ONE PAGE for this proposal!

Layout of the letter:

Your Name
Address
City, State  Zip

DATE

Editor's Name (Yes, have the name of an editor, not simply Editor)
c/o Publishing Company
Address
City, State Zip

Dear (Editor's Name):

Hook:

Paragraph Two:  External/Internal Conflict

Paragraph Three:  Continuation of paragraph two idea but show dark moment and end with showing the spiritual theme of your story.

Paragraph Four:  About you.

Closing

Sincerely,

Your Name

That's your query.  It's single spaced, Blocked.  Note I didn't indent.  If you want to indent paragraphs, you can.  If you want to get fancy with the return addy in the middle, you can...However, most people don't.

Remember, the easier to read, the better off you are.

Questions?

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