Query Letter

One of the toughest things a writer must do is the query letter. The query letter is your introduction of yourself and your work to either a publisher, an editor, or an agent. Like most things in writing, especially the business side of it, there is a formula. Following is a formula I've put together from many sources, including my own experiences:

Your Name
Address 1
Address 2
Home Phone
Email
Web Precsence
John Smith
123 Main Street
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 555-1212
jsmith62@yahoo.com
www.johnsmithbooks.com

Date
Sunday, June 3, 2007

Editor/Agent's Name,
Editor/Agent's Title
Agency or House
Address 1
Address 2
Mr Michal Thomas,
Associate Agent
Write-Well Agency
123 Main Street, Ste. 3
New York, NY 10011

Never just use Dear Editor or To Whom It May Concern-- if you don't have a contact name, try to get it:
Dear Mr. Thomas:

To start off, say what you want, then give the name, type, and length of the manuscript you are offering them for either representation or publication. Send them what they ask to see-- do not send anything they don't ask for, you will only annoy and hurt your case. If you want your sample material back, be sure to send the appropriate postage; if not, a stamped business envelope is fine:
I am seeking representation by the Big Literary Agency for my Arthurian fantasy novel, Ard Righ, complete at 97,000 words. For your consideration, I am enclosing (or attaching if email) a synopsis, three sample chapters, and a SASE to facilitate your reply (please recycle the sample materials).

Next, tell them about your story. This is a sales pitch, so hook 'em here if you can. Remember, the entire query should be no more than one page long:
I have always been drawn to the legends of King Arthur. Precisely, I have always been interested in the truth surrounding the legends of King Arthur: Did he exist? Who was he? Where did he come from? Was there a Merlin? A Guinevere? A Lancelot? An Excalibur? A round table? Ard Righ bridges the gap between the legend and the reality, starting with the ending of the Roman occupation of Briton, and the leaders who arose from the power vacuum that the Romans left behind. Ard Righ weaves the real with the unreal to create a world that might have been.

This is where you show who you are, first with any previous writing credits (if you have none, that's fine--don't say anything), next with any relevant experiences you might have:
I have previously published short stories, editorial pieces, and poetry in the small market press. Currently, I am working on Ard Righ's sequel, The Kingdom of Summer. There is also another (complete) book in this series entitled In the Shadow of the Grail.

As well as being a freelance writer, I teach Composition and Creative Writing at both the high school and the college levels. I have a Master’s degree in English and Language Arts

Finally, ask them for what you want, and don't forget the thank you and the contact info:
Might I send you the complete manuscript for your consideration? I can be reached at any of the above contact information at any time. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,



John Smith

Encl. (or attach. if email)

© Ray Cattie