by Susan Fenn

Created on: November 05, 2009

When writing a query letter it is best to keep in mind that you are writing a business letter. Before sending your query out it is best to read and learn as much as you can about the agent/publisher you are querying as well as the format of the query letter. Here are tips to bring you closer to a sold novel.

What is a query letter? A query letter is a business letter that alerts an agent/publisher that you have a business goal of publishing the book you finished writing or wish to write. If you're writing a novel the book must be complete (this includes a minimum of one re-write). If you're writing non-fiction your idea must be fleshed out, but you do not write the non-fiction piece until you've been accepted by a publisher.

How much research and what should you research before writing a query letter? You should research as much as possible before sending your query out. Know your agent/publishing editor's name. If they only accept authors who write dark fiction don't send your romance novel to them. It will end up in the slush pile. Research how they prefer to have query letters sent to them. Do they prefer email, and if so do they want it copied and pasted or do they want an attachment? Do they want the first thirty pages with a query or a query letter only?

When is it right to write your query letter? Once your novel is finished or you have who, what, when, where, why, and how answered if you are writing non-fiction and you've researched who you should send it to. Once your research is complete and you have a list of agents who are currently accepting new, unsolicited queries. A great place to find reliable agent listings is one of the books in the Writer's Market series. Try to get the most up to date version as what agents and editors are searching for changes yearly.

Where should you send it? Only to agents/publishers who accept unsolicited articles/mss (manuscripts) and only those that publish in your genre or field.

Who should send out query letters? Any novelist, short story writer, or poet who has written a completed, ready for print mss, short story or set of poems or a non-fiction writer who has answered the 5 Ws. A non-fiction writer should also have an expert in the field willing to assist if possible.

How do you write it? The query is a 5 paragraph, one page only, professional business letter. You want to ensure that the letter is brief but descriptive. This is your first contact with an agent or editor. Show them that you are professional,

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