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Here's the template I use. When I use this format, I average an 85% request for manuscript.
Always remember: the only point of a query letter is to get the agent to ask for your manuscript or proposal. my query letters are four paragraphs long. One page. Keep in mind that the only point of the query letter is to get the agent to look at your manuscript or proposal. Here's how I set them up: Paragraph 1. The Opening (pick one or two of these as applicable): Referral? Tim Jacobs suggested I contact you. Hook? Have you ever peed on a fire hydrant? Interest? Congrats on the sale of Kumquat Heaven to Warners. Reminder? When we met at the Maui Writers Conference, you told me to drop dead. Paragraph 2. The Story a. Open with a log line OR A question. When a giant shark attacks, police officer Kevin Bacon must overcome his fear of the water to protect the community he serves. How far will a cop go to protect his family? b. Then the story. A Strange and Separate Journey (80,000 words) chronicles his search for peace and heavier firearms. STORY, not plot. Three sentences of story. Log lines are tough to write because they're so short. They've got to describe all three acts in one sentence and it takes some work to do that. My book BAM: Structure discusses them in detail. Log lines are absolutely critical to developing a strong outline and cohesive story structure. Make sure you understand the difference between story and plot. Story is what happens. Plot is how it happens. Paragraph 3. The Author Be interesting and sound easy to work with.If you don't think there's anything interesting about you: YOU'RE WRONG. Include one or two facts about the potential market, e.g. my blog draws 100,000 unique views each week, or, I have a personal data base of 10,000 people who receive my weekly newsletter. Paragraph 4. Close It's complete OR I've attached chapters OR proposal. Thanks SASE or recycle Looking forward to your response NEVER SAY - Based on my life
- My family loves it
- But it really happened that way
That's all there is to it. Short, to the point, gets them to request the manuscript. I probably shouldn't have to tell you that you should read Writers Market and see what exactly each agent wants in a query. Many agents have websites and have their requirements posted there. Some want a synopsis, some want the first ten pages, others want a bio. So, we've covered getting the agent to hear of you. The next step is getting the agent to like you or your project. |
