So you've written the next great novel and now you want to get it published. The query letter is the next step. A query letter is a letter you send to a literary agent requesting that they represent you and your novel to publishers.This article will explain the query letter process.
Instructions
Writing a Novel Query Letter
1. Get a list of literary agents you want to query. You can find a list of agents at Publisher's Marketplace. While this is a paid site, it is the best resource for all things related to the publishing world. There, you can find details on book deals, agents, and job listings, among many other items of interest.
2. Write your query letter. All over the Internet, you will find information on the "rules" of query letter writing. At the end of the day, there are no rules except to keep it short, keep it interesting and give the details about your novel.
3. Include a brief synopsis of your novel. This should read like the back of a paperback or the inside cover of a hardback novel. Basically, it is a summary of your novel. This should be short--no more than 2/3 of a double-spaced page in 12-point font, or shorter.
4. Give the agent details on your writing experience. If you don't have any, simply skip this part.
5. Give the agent details on your novel. They will want to know word count and that you are ready to send a full manuscript.
6. Query only when your novel is complete. Unless you are a published author, you should only query once your manuscript is complete and has been thoroughly edited.
7. Follow submission guidelines. Go to your desired agent's site and look up their submission guidelines. Follow these instructions carefully. If they ask only for a query letter, send only a query letter. If they ask for a query letter and the first 10 pages, send that. Agents receive hundreds of queries each week. Not following instructions exactly is the quickest way to their trash bin.
