Submitting your manuscript to a publisher is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—steps in the writing journey. Your query letter is your first impression, your handshake, your sales pitch. And while there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all “perfect” letter, there is a proven structure that gets results.
Here’s how to write a query letter that gives your book the best shot.
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Before you write a single word:
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Research the publisher. Make sure they’re open to unsolicited submissions (many require agented submissions).
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Tailor your letter. Mention why you're reaching out to them specifically.
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Know your genre. Publishers specialize—don’t send your sci-fi epic to a romance imprint.
Step 2: Use the Standard Query Format
A query letter is a one-page business letter, typically 250–400 words. It should include:
1. Salutation
Use the editor’s or acquisitions manager’s name, if you can find it.
Example:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
2. Hook / Introduction
Start with a compelling sentence that introduces your book and captures attention.
Example:
When 17-year-old Callie discovers a letter from her future self warning of a murder, she has 48 hours to stop a crime she hasn’t seen yet.
Include your title, genre, word count, and a brief positioning statement.
Example:
“Tomorrow’s Letter” is a 90,000-word YA speculative thriller that will appeal to fans of Karen McManus and Blake Crouch.
3. Mini Synopsis (1 paragraph)
This is the heart of your letter. It should summarize the plot in 3–5 sentences, focusing on your main character, the conflict, and the stakes.
Tip: Don't explain the whole plot or give spoilers—just enough to intrigue.
4. Author Bio
Briefly state who you are and your relevant writing credentials (if any). If you’re unpublished, that’s okay.
Example:
I’m a high school teacher and member of SCBWI. My short fiction has appeared in Flash Fiction Magazine.
Or:
This is my debut novel.
5. Closing & Contact Info
Be polite, professional, and confident.
Example:
Thank you for considering my submission. The full manuscript is available upon request.
Include your name, email, phone number, and website (if applicable).
Step 3: Follow Submission Guidelines
Publishers may ask for:
Follow their guidelines exactly. Sending attachments when they want pasted text, or submitting genres they don’t accept, is a fast way to get rejected.
Quick Dos and Don’ts
DO:
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Use a clear, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial
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Keep it under one page
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Proofread carefully
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Be professional, even if you add a touch of personality
DON’T:
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Say your book is the next Harry Potter or NYT Bestseller
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Include irrelevant personal information
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Submit to multiple publishers without following each one’s policy
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Send an unfinished or unedited manuscript
Sample Query Letter (Fiction)
Dear Ms. Jones,
When shy violin prodigy Ava Drake is accepted into an elite music conservatory, she expects practice, pressure, and perfection—not a secret society of musicians who believe that music controls fate itself.
“The Tuning Key” is a 75,000-word YA contemporary fantasy that blends the magic of If We Were Villains with the tone of A Deadly Education.
As Ava learns to compose spells through song, she must choose between mastering the art or exposing the truth—before someone plays a final note that could silence her forever.
I’m a high school music teacher with a background in classical performance. This is my debut novel.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’ve included the first 10 pages below, per your submission guidelines.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Email] | [Phone] | [Website, if applicable]
