#142. How To Write A Query Letter That Get Requests
May 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Savannah Gilbo, a writer and expert in query letters, shares tips on writing a compelling query letter that grabs agents' attention. Topics include the importance of query letters, how to write one effectively, troubleshooting if it's not working, and final thoughts. Learn the key components needed to craft an engaging query letter for literary agents and editors.
Crafting an effective query letter involves personalization and key book details for differentiation and engagement with agents.
Balancing plot and character in the narrative description is crucial to intrigue agents and effectively convey the story's essence.
Deep dives
Crafting an Effective Query Letter with Key Ingredients for Book Information
Crafting an effective query letter involves including key book information in a personal and conversational manner. This section should contain details like the agent's name, reasons for querying them, comp titles, genre, word count, and a compelling log line. Personalization is crucial to differentiate from other writers and show agents that thorough research has been done.
Narrative Description Key for Query Success and Balancing Plot and Character
The narrative description section of a query letter should provide a concise summary of the story that reads like back cover copy. It should focus on the protagonist's uniqueness, their goal and conflict, stakes involved, and the story's setting. Balancing plot and character is essential to engage agents and ensure the query letter effectively conveys the story's intrigue.
Author Bio's Significance in Query Letters and Key Considerations for Closing
The author bio section in a query letter should include relevant details such as location, profession, awards, publishing credentials, special research, or social media links. It's crucial to choose meaningful and engaging details for a personalized connection with agents. A professional and concise closing emphasizing readiness for queries and series potential is recommended to leave a lasting impression.
“I recommend working on your query letter as soon as you feel good enough about the overall shape of your story.” - Savannah Gilbo
Agents and editors must sort through hundreds of query letters to find an outstanding story. So, how do you write a query letter that catches their attention and makes them want to read more? Tune into this episode to learn how to write a query letter that works! Here’s a preview of what’s included:
[01:31] What are query letters, and why are they important?
[03:46] How to write a query letter.
[14:49] How to troubleshoot your query letter if it’s too long or not working.
[18:02] Final thoughts and episode recap
Rate + Review + Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love the Fiction Writing Made Easy podcast!" ← If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing this show! Your rating and review will help other writers find this podcast, and they're also super fun for me to read. Just click here, scroll all the way to the bottom, tap five stars to rate the show, and then select "Write a Review." Be sure to let me know your favorite episodes, too!
Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!