The HEA Cafe

Sorry for the delay in posting this workshop - I’ve been stuck in airports for two days with no internet access! 

 Today’s portion of the workshop covers the basics of a query letter.  Tomorrow I’ll post a sample query letter of what not to do and how to fix it.  The rest of the week will just be for Q&A, but please feel free to ask questions at any time.

 This workshop is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced elsewhere without explicit written permission.

THE QUERY LETTER

What is a query letter?  It’s your first impression, possibly your one chance to introduce your work to an agent or editor.  Even if you’ve met the person at a conference, the query letter is not only a more formal method of communication, but a tangible reminder of the connection you made.  No pressure, right?

You want your letter to represent you.  The letter should be professional, succinct and indicative of your style.  It should not be gimmicky.  The letter should be free of misspellings or bad grammar.  Above all, don’t misspell the editor or agent’s name! 

The basics of a query letter are easy.  Print or type your letter on white 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper.  Single space the sentences with double spacing between paragraphs.  Include your contact information - name, address, email, phone number and web site, if you have one.  Address it to a specific editor or agent, not to whom it may concern.  Enclose a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope).  Even if you don’t want your information returned, you’ll want an answer, so make it easy on them.

The content, the meat of the letter, gets tougher.  This is your chance to sell your manuscript, sell yourself.  Don’t be shy.

Typically, the letter runs three to four paragraphs. 

The first paragraph introduces your work - the genre/sub-grenre, word length and title.  If they’ve requested the submission or you’ve met them previously, remind them here. 

The second paragraph is a short blurb of your book.  Give them your hook, make them care about the plot and the characters.  You don’t need to list every major detail - you’ve only got a paragraph after all.  If you get their attention, they can get more detail in the synopsis or the manuscript.  Show them what makes your book special, unique.

The third paragraph lists your accomplishments.  When I first started, this paragraph scared me more than any other.  I had no accomplishments.  I wasn’t published, I hadn’t won any contests.  I had, however, joined Romance Writer’s of America and RWA Online.  An association with a respected writer’s organization, such as these, can show the editor or agent you are serious about your work.  Also, if you have a background or experience that relates to your manuscript, list it here.

The last paragraph closes the letter.  List the enclosures, if there are any, and thank the person for their time.  What enclosures should you include?  It depends on the person you’re targeting.  Do your homework.  Some agents/editors only want a query letter.  Some want a synopsis.  Some want sample chapters.  Don’t give them more than they want and definitely don’t give them less.  This is your chance to shine, so any samples of your writing should be polished and error free.

Tomorrow I’ll post an example of a bad query letter, written by yours truly, and how to fix it!